Elizabeth Saltzman’s longtime client Gwyneth Paltrow high-fived the power stylist over her No. 4 ranking on The Hollywood Reporter’s 25 Most Powerful Stylists in Hollywood list at a glittery, schmoozy dinner hosted by THR and Jimmy Choo on Tuesday night at Sunset Tower’s Tower Bar in West Hollywood.
“She has incredible taste. She is always pushing fashion forward with the way that she envisions me, and she is really a good girlfriend,” said Paltrow of the best part about working with Saltzman. “We are here to have fun tonight,” added the London-based stylist. Laughed Paltrow: “We are just excited to drink some martinis!”
Gwyneth Paltrow, left, shares a laugh with Michelle Monaghan.
“I am happy,” said Cristina Ehrlich of her No. 2 spot on this year’s list. “Although I am not used to having the attention on me, but it’s good.” Ehrlich was snapped for one of four covers for THR‘s stylists issue along with her client Brie Larson (the other three covers feature No. 6-ranked stylist Ilaria Urbinati with client Rami Malek; No. 25-ranked Leesa Evans with client Amy Schumer; and in-demand men’s stylist Jeff K. Kim with client Michael B. Jordan), but the list itself remained under wraps until the dinner, where it was revealed to guests.
“She is so mindful and forward-thinking, and she is able to help me push some boundaries,” gushed Alison Brie of Ehrlich, who noted that Larson’s Versace dress at the SAG Awards was her favorite look of the year. “It was so sexy.”
Related Stories
Said Evans of Schumer: “Amy has gone from not caring or loving clothes, to really embracing how they make her feel. It is so rewarding to know that people are also embracing the way she looks.”
Meanwhile, stylist Wayman Bannerman, one half of the up-and-coming Wayman + Micah team behind Creed star Tessa Thompson’s bold looks, was thrilled to be part of the list and the event: “It feels surreal to be here; we are so honored,” he said. Added Micah McDonald: “The list is something as a young stylist you look at, so to be a part of all of this is so cool.”
McDonald explained the thought behind putting Thompson in a bold Prada frock for the event. “It’s looks like this that got us invited tonight, so we went for it!”
Another stylist on the rise who hit the bash was Annabelle Harron (known for her work with Oscar winner Patricia Arquette). “It’s just so exciting to be included!” said Australia-born Harron. Client Aja Naomi King boasted: “Annabelle introduces me to so many new things; she has the best eye.”
Tessa Thompson in Prada
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in a navy Galvan ensemble
“Cher has her finger on the pulse and is in touch with the design houses,” said Rosie Huntington-Whiteley of her “best mate” Cher Coulter (No. 24). “She fights to get that amazing look that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to get.”
Jeanne Yang and Jeff K. Kim pal around before dinner
Other power stylists, including Brandon Maxwell (No. 13), Karla Welch (No. 9) and Penny Lovell (No. 19), sipped champagne and browsed through Jimmy Choo’s Memento Collection Trunk, a display of the brand’s most popular red-carpet styles over the past 20 years. Last year’s No. 1 stylist, Elizabeth Stewart (No. 3), was excited to come support both the new and seasoned talents that made the list. “I never get to see the other stylists, so it’s so nice to get to meet some people that I don’t know and check in — and vent! — with the others that I know.”
Also in attendance at the intimate event were Welch’s client Michelle Monaghan and Lovell’s client Bella Heathcote.
Prior to sitting down to dinner, THR senior style writer Merle Ginsberg joked to those in attendance about L.A. trends before stylists changed the fashion culture. “It was cowboy boots and fringe — and I’m not talking Saint Laurent fringe — on Rodeo Drive when I arrived in Los Angeles.” Added THR style editor Carol McColgin during her speech: “A major part of going from unknown to A-list is having the right stylist along every step of the way.”
