1/8
Elizabeth Stewart If Elizabeth Stewart gives the impression that she could be your favorite big sister, it's because her fittings sometimes end up with lunch and TV in bed! That's what happened before this year's Golden Globes with Jessica Chastain, a client she says she's worked with "since the beginning, so it's very efficient." Her other leading ladies include Cate Blanchett, Julia Roberts and a favorite of this awards season, Viola Davis. After hours spent pouring over looks, Elizabeth knows a dress is 'the one' if she and her client both love it. "There's usually a glimmer of excitement, like a color or a vibe. Dresses that are special with incredible couture detailing," she told InStyle. "And then you just have to hope that the magic happens." So far this season, the specks rocking stylist has hit the mark with Viola Davis' cream number for the SAG awards and Cate Blanchett's blush pink Givenchy gown for the Golden Globes. Photo: Getty Images
2/8
Kate Young The glossy posse's favorite stylist Kate Young admits she doesn't sleep for two weeks before the Oscars. Perhaps that's because she deliberately picks looks that won't immediately find favor. "When you see something and like it right away, it's usually too boring an hour later," the former Anna Wintour acolyte said. "I want to push the envelope just far enough that you're not sure if you like it at first. I want people to initially say, 'Oh, that's an interesting choice,' and then hopefully say, 'Oh, but I really like it.'" Which is why you'll see her actresses with an unexpected beaded rose accent – like Natalie Portman's – or wearing a bow instead of a necklace, like Michelle Williams. This awards season, Kate has been responsible for Natalie Portman's stand out style, such as her mustard yellow Prada gown at the Golden Globes, and Michelle Williams' darling Louis Vuitton number at the Oscars luncheon. Photo: Getty Images
3/8
Micaela Erlanger The alchemy by which a little-known actress can become a megawatt red carpet star overnight is summed up by Micaela Erlanger's collaboration with Lupita Nyong'o in 2014. One perfect dress at a time, Micaela honed the Kenyan actress' image, culminating it with a Prada creation for the Oscars. Awards season is like a grueling campaign and no actress wants to risk peaking too early. It was clear that in this case they'd saved the best till last. In a hue instantly christened 'Nairobi blue' after Lupita said: "It's a blue that reminds me of Nairobi. It's a little bit of home," the pleated Grecian gown was worthy of an Academy Award of its own. Later Micaela added Meryl Streep and Naomie Harris to her roster. Her philosophy is: "I don’t think there are any don'ts. It's more about how you turn everything into a do." So far this award season, Micaela has been responsible for Winona Ryder's deep black Viktor & Rolf Screen Actors Guild gown and Meryl Streep's stand out embellished Valentino gown for the SAG awards. Photo: Getty Images
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