Micaela Erlanger Stylist NYFW
Micaela Erlanger Stylist NYFW

How a Celebrity Stylist Preps for Nyfw

Words by Jody Hume | 9.6.16
Remember when Lupita Nyong’o broke onto the scene and immediately catapulted to the top of every best dressed list for looks like that red Ralph Lauren cape dress, the plunging powder blue Prada she accepted her Oscar in, and of course the stolen-then-returned custom Calvin Klein covered in pearls? Well, Stylist Micaela Erlanger is the genius behind those looks. With her ensembles for Nyong’o, along with those for other red carpet stars like Jared Leto, Meryl Streep and Julianne Moore, Erlanger brings a fresh, fashion-conscious perspective to celebrity dressing that’s often missing in a sea of similar (and safe) gowns. Key to that approach is keeping up with the the latest looks coming down the runway. We asked the busy stylist how she packs, which up-and-coming designers she’s watching, tips for solving fashion emergencies and more. Read on for her insider take on NYFW.
Which shows are you most looking forward to at NYFW?
I love fashion week and it’s a really important part of my job. Evening wear is important to me and I look to J. Mendel, Jason Wu, Cushnie et Ochs, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, Proenza Schouler, Prabal Gurung, Oscar de La Renta, Ralph Lauren…. the list goes on! I am really excited to see many of the houses that have new creative directors or designers in place too. And of course some of the new talent such as Monse, Brandon Maxwell, Rosie Assoulin — all favorites.
How do you pack for NYFW?
I style out my looks and photograph them in advance so every day my outfit is ready to go. Layering is important and making sure you have the perfect look is key.
How is it different styling someone for NYFW vs. the red carpet?
NYFW is the time to do fashion. All the editors, designers, celebrities, bloggers and influencers are in town. There is so much fashion, art and culture culminating in one week. It’s an opportunity to make your own personal fashion statement.
Monse Fall 2016 New York Fashion Week
Monse Fall 2016
Who is an up-and-coming designer you’re watching?
Monse. I love absolutely everything Fernando and Laura are doing. The silhouettes and fabrics they choose have a feminine edge. It’s very fresh and chic.
You’ve done styling for runway shows in the past. Are you styling any shows this season?
I am not styling any shows for this upcoming fashion week but I have styled shows in the past and absolutely love collaborating with designers on their visions. I am excited because when you are not working the shows you get to attend them!
What’s a trend you love and want to see more of in the Spring 2017 collections?
‘70s florals, and ‘70s anything really!
What’s a styling tip only an expert would know that everyone can use?
Zipper wax is a secret weapon. You can roll a little on any rigid zip and it will help it glide. I have avoided many fashion emergencies and saved myself from sewing clients (or myself) into garments because of this genius solution.

Micaela Erlanger Stylist NYFW

Have you ever had a fashion styling emergency and how did you resolve it?
Of course, it’s part of being in the business of styling. The best way to resolve it is to stay calm, and get resourceful. I keep a mini kit on me at all times so I have needle and thread, double stick tape and few safety pins on me at all times.

Shop Micaela’s NYFW picks here.

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