Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Secrets Of A Celebrity Stylist: Karla Welch

In the third instalment of our Secrets of a Celebrity Stylist series, we meet Karla Welch - who counts Sarah Paulson, Olivia Wilde, Michelle Monaghan and current red-carpet favourite Ruth Negga as regulars - to discover just how she secures the right sartorial headlines for her clients in the following day's fashion news.


How do you approach a new client and what questions do you ask them?

"I generally have a conversation about goals and fashion inspirations to try and develop a creative language with my clients. It really isn't limited to designers, we talk music, movies and books."

Who are stars that you work with repeatedly?

"Ruth Negga, Sarah Paulson, Olivia Wilde, Michelle Monaghan, Lorde, Pink, Justin Bieber, Busy Phillips, America Ferrera, Karlie Kloss, Emily Browning, Jena Malone and Matilda Lutz.

Who have been the most style-savvy stars you have worked with?

"Sarah Paulson, Ruth Negga and Michelle Monaghan."

Is it exciting to dress a rising star like Ruth Negga who is becoming known for her savvy style choices?

"Of course, it is fun to be fearless!"

Does she have a strong idea of how she wants to look, or do you do most of the guiding?

"We’re very collaborative and on the same page, so it translates in a very easy way."

How do you like the atmosphere to be when you’re getting ready before a big event?

"By the time we are actually getting dressed for big events it tends to be very chill, no stress. The work is done and it’s time to just enjoy."

How do you stay on top of all the designers?

"Well, I of course look at Vogue online, but Instagram has become an amazing tool for seeking out new creatives."

Do you have designers who you rely on for certain occasions? If so, who?

"It really depends on the client! I am open to anyone. Sometimes it’s very established brands and sometimes it’s brand new, up-and-coming designers. I’ve even been known to discover and use brands I find on Instagram."

What are your red-carpet tricks to enhance stars’ appearance taking into consideration height, size etc?

"Finding the right look so my client's confidence comes through. That's really the key. Plus, good tailoring. I can't agree that you need to make a woman look taller or skinnier. Work with and be proud of what you have."

Can you tell us about an experience with a star you would rather forget?

"When I first started, I had a three-day shoot and literally 20 racks of clothes. The girl came in, didn't even look, and then proceeded to tell me I had nothing."

What is a big no no when it comes to dressing stars for the red carpet?

"Bad underpinnings."

Have there aver been any disasters and what have you learnt from them?

"Always have a back-up look as good as the hero. I once had a full zipper bust open but thankfully no one saw, we jumped into a bathroom stall and changed!"

What has been your favourite outfit of all time?

"I probably say this weekly! There are just too many but I always love topping the last look with each client."

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