The Emmys- Where we recognize excellence within television, media and let’s be honest… Red Carpet glam. As we tip our hats to the nominees, we also take note of who had the best hair, makeup and wardrobe. We caught up with lead stylists, hair and make up artists to get the inside scoop on how to prep the stars for the Emmys.
Brit + Kara ELKIN
Fashion Stylists, Sisters, and Designers
@Elkin
Brit Elkin pictured with Emma Roberts
How did you discover your passion for styling?
We started our own clothing line, ELKIN, ten years ago and everything took off from there... we were designing obviously, but also styling all of our shoots/models and people quickly took notice.
What does the preparation process look like before the Emmys?
Long but fun. Starts from within - a lot of healthy eating, working out and weeks of fittings until you find that perfect dress. Then comes the accessorizing.
What is your go-to product to make the skin fresh and flawless?
Plenty of water and Sonya’s Rose Gold Radiance Mask.
Do you have any insider red carpet ready secrets?
An incredible tailor. That’s always our not-so-secret red carpet secret. That and champagne during glam.
Ashley Kholm
Celebrity Makeup Artist
@Ash_Kholm
How did you discover your passion for makeup artistry?
As a child I was always really into art and fascinated by the industry. I would get really inspired by magazines and the looks on the supermodels. I would go to drugstores and buy makeup to recreate the looks on myself.
What does the preparation process look like before the Emmys?
I always recommend that my client sees a facialist before. We usually do a face mask the day of- I think the Omega Polish Activator duo in the active formula is great for a deep exfoliation. I also prepare my kit so it’s organized and I’ll bring a ton of different products to curate a particular look. It requires a lot of creativity to figure out what products and color scheme to go with that will mesh with the hair and clothing.
So what is your go-to product/tip for making the client look fabulous?
Face oil and Vitamin C serum are my go-to’s. I always apply face oil on the cheekbones and on the bridge of the nose to give that dewy glow. It really illuminates the face on the red carpet.
Do you have any insider red carpet ready secrets?
Applying a body oil to make the skin glisten. Cover FX has these illuminating enhancer drops that I apply on the body and face to give that extra boost of shimmer. I also love a dewy skin mist for that Hollywood red carpet-ready look. Everyone wants that really beautiful supple skin and body oil really makes such a difference.
Who do you think always nails it on the red carpet when it comes to makeup, hair and style?
I love seeing Beyonce. Her looks are always really fun and she always has something really extra. So does Rihanna- she’s so beautiful and always has really cool looks. Other than those two, I think JLo is great and Emily Ratajkowski too.
Chris Dylan
Celebrity Hairstylist
@ChrisDylanHair
How did you discover your passion for hair styling?
I've always loved hair ever since I was about 16 years old. I literally would get $20 a day for lunch and I wouldn’t eat at school, instead I would save all my money and go to hair shows. I would purchase hair extensions and I would literally force all of my girlfriends (sometimes admittedly a little too much) to let me glue hair and extensions onto their heads. At the time I had no idea what I was doing. I would never charge them, I just loved the way that long hair looked and I think that's when it all started and it's so crazy how it all comes full circle.
What does the preparation process look like before the Emmys?
So normally the team and I will have some sort of a meeting with the client and figure out what the vibe is going to be. It basically all starts after the fitting with the stylist and we find out what kind of outfit we're going to wear and then I will be like, “Oh my God! I have this great idea, I really want to do this super snatch pony.” Then the makeup artist will step in- “Oh I could do a really cool winged eye with that!” and then we go from there. Once we have a look down, we run it by the client. I think that the most successful red carpet looks come from having a strong team who vibes together to accomplish a cohesive vision.
So what is your go-to product/tip for making the client look fabulous?
I'm actually right now really obsessed with this product by Color Wow it's called “Dream Coat” and I’m not lying when I say that it changes the texture of your hair completely. You could have the craziest hair but once your hair is fully saturated with this product (it's a spray-in) and then blow dried in, it gives the hair this certain gloss-like finish that a Pomade could give or a shine spray, but without the greasy feeling since it's blown into the hair. When the flashes go off on the carpet it reflects off of even the tiniest parts of the hair and it really makes all the difference. It’s my go to.
Do you have any insider red carpet ready secrets?
It isn’t hair related, but I always have one in my kit… It's the “Jade Roller” and it seems a little bit gimmicky, but I think everyone should be doing it. I get a cup of ice put some water in it and dip the Jade Roller in it and massage it all over the face for a minute. It wakes the skin up in such a way that makes the skin super alive and supple. Even though it has nothing to do with hair, the way that it makes my client look and feel helps me out at the end of the day, because it gives that super vibrant touch, which breathes life into the entire look.
What was your biggest red carpet 911 moment and how did you manage it?
One of my biggest red carpet 911 moments was when I was with Catt Sadler and it was a major carpet event with Vanity Fair. At first she wanted to do a simple middle part, straight and super short, but it didn’t got with the dress at all- it just wasn’t working. I had these hair accessories that are from Lily New York sent over by another hair stylist- these gorgeous liquid chains that were like metal amazingness that I tied into her hair and as I was doing this we were literally running out the door down the elevator and we were sprinting down Cannon to the carpet. As we are running down the street I'm literally like applying these chains and it turned out to be so epic and generated a lot of positive press.
Who do you think always nails it on the red carpet when it comes to hair and style?
I think Zoe Kravitz, honestly she’s such an inspiration to me. I would love to work with her because she has super textured hair that she rocks every single carpet… I feel like even her day today look is always changing and it's always so artistic. Also, the way that she carries herself and even poses on the carpet is so epic to me, like if I could be anyone I would like love to be her and would love to work with her. She is like God to me. I literally look forward to her carpet moments.
Ali Levine
Fashion Stylist
@alilevinedesign
Ali Levine with Caitlin O'Connor
How did you discover your passion for styling?
I discovered my passion for styling when I was working as a production assistant and learning costume on my first movie I worked on, Wall Street Money Never Sleeps with Michael Douglas and Shia LaBeouf. I realized I didn’t love costume as much as I loved the red carpet looks for the actors. Shortly after stylists were known and I was able to start assisting and working on more movies and projects and assist stylists, I truly found my passion in styling. I always say “confidence is your best accessory”, and I see that every time I style my clients. I see how good they feel in the right wardrobe and that is why I love to style.
What does the preparation process look like before the Emmys?
The preparation process before the Emmys is quite long and detailed! First off, you have to source for months at a time to find many options of designer gowns. I speak with hundreds of designers per award season to see what new looks have been created, what might be one of a kind, a trend I’m specifically looking for, etc. I go through countless designers and their look books. After sourcing, I start to put together mood boards and create the ideas of looks for my clients. After that comes the actual pulls after decisions are made and for award season. Then the fittings, once I know what they are wearing, the fit is everything and is key to a fabulous look! After, more sourcing continues to find the right accessories, shoes, etc.!
So what is your go-to product/tip for making the client look fabulous?
The 4 F’s! Fit, Form, Fabric and Fashion. You need to have those 4 things to create a fabulous look! Especially award winning.
Do you have any insider red carpet ready secrets?
As far as my insider red carpet ready secrets, fit is everything. You could have the most gorgeous dress but if it doesn’t fit you the right way, your look is dead. The right undergarments are key and not only slim you but also give the exact shape your look needs. Static spray is great before you go pose on the red carpet!
What was your biggest red carpet 911 moment and how did you manage it?
One of my biggest red carpet 911 moments was when one of my clients' dress ripped at the bottom before walking the carpet. I remember standing there in shock for all of a hot NY min before I jumped in to fix the problem. I top stitched as much as I could and then did a mini stitch to hold it. It worked but later on I had to sew more where it ripped and re-sew some areas to make sure it was strong enough to hold.
Who do you think always nails it on the red carpet when it comes to makeup, hair and style?
I love many celebrities' red carpet style. Some I’m loving right now are Emma Stone and Jessica Chastain.
