Hollywood stylists have officially claimed their status as the primary arbiters of celebrity taste, eclipsing fashion editors and models in setting the industry’s visual direction. According to an inaugural survey conducted by The Hollywood Reporter, more than 50 of the industry’s leading stylists voted on the most impactful red carpet looks of 2026, revealing a shift toward avant-garde, sculptural designs that challenge traditional notions of glamour.
The Rise of the Stylist-Influencer
The influence of these professionals now extends far beyond the red carpet. Many top stylists maintain millions of social media followers, effectively driving the engagement that celebrities like Beyoncé or Taylor Swift receive on their own platforms. While major stars remain the face of these looks, The Hollywood Reporter reported that the stylists themselves are the architects behind the public personas and the specific items that capture the public’s attention. This trend has moved the needle away from simple minimalism toward experimental, narrative-driven fashion. To secure the most unique statements, stylists are increasingly collaborating with fashion historians and curators to source rare archival pieces.
Zendaya Secures Top Spot in Survey Results
The survey results highlight a diverse mix of heritage houses and emerging labels. Zendaya secured the top spot for her appearance at the July 14 New York City premiere of The Odyssey, where she wore a micro-hand-pleated chiffon "Ange" gown by the Parisian duo Matières Fécales. Styled by Law Roach, the look featured rooster feather wings designed to evoke the character Athena. Stylist Ilaria Urbinati praised the ensemble, noting, What I loved most about the Matières angel look is how cohesively ethereal it felt from head to toe. It didn’t look costume-y. She looked like a painting.
Other standout moments identified by the survey include:
- Emma Chamberlain: Styled by Jared Ellner, her hand-painted custom Mugler dress at the May 4 Met Gala was noted for its artistic, non-costume aesthetic. The dress took 40 hours to paint and four days to dry.
- Chase Infiniti: Styled by Wayman + Micah, her custom Thom Browne gown—comprised of 1.5 million sequins—was cited for its sculptural, "wearable art" quality.
- Teyana Taylor: Also styled by Wayman + Micah, Taylor’s March 1 appearance in a surrealist molded Thom Browne gown drew significant industry mindshare for its anatomical design.
- Notable Mentions: The list also recognized Nicole Kidman in Chanel, Rihanna in Maison Margiela, and Charli xcx in Saint Laurent. Men’s fashion was represented by Paul Anthony Kelly’s Celine homage to JFK Jr. and Pedro Pascal’s unconventional Chanel tuxedo shirt at the Oscars.
- Charlize Theron: Styled by Leslie Fremar, Theron wore a suit from the Dior men’s fall 2026 collection to the April 22 NYC premiere of Apex.
- Bella Hadid: Styled by Mimi Cuttrell, Hadid’s Schiaparelli couture lace gown at the Cannes Film Festival served as an homage to Jane Birkin.
The Evolution of Red Carpet Materials
Beyond specific garments, the survey identified a broader aesthetic shift. Stylists noted that lace, lingerie, and leather have become completely red carpet-worthy. While sheer fabrics and feathers continue to dominate, the industry is seeing a rise in cutouts and two-piece looks as part of an ongoing evolution in body-focused design. This move toward experimental dressing is expected to persist through the upcoming awards season.
Stylist Perspectives on Modern Glamour
Some stylists prioritize cohesion and a look’s aesthetic quality, while others emphasize the importance of a celebrity staying true to their own identity, as seen in Charli xcx’s Saint Laurent look at the September 27 MTV Video Music Awards. Despite the dominance of high-fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, and Saint Laurent, the survey highlights a growing appetite for boundary-pushing pieces.
Stylists Determine Top Looks Based on Vote Counts
How did the survey determine the rankings?
The Hollywood Reporter tabulated the top 10 looks chosen by over 50 stylists. The list was prioritized by vote count, and in the event of a tie, the stylists’ individual rankings were used to break the deadlock.
Why are stylists becoming the new arbiters of taste? Stylists now hold significant media power, often pulling in millions of followers who engage specifically with the garments they select.
Will this trend toward experimental fashion continue?
Industry leaders cited in the survey expect the momentum toward sculptural and avant-garde designs to remain strong. The focus remains on looks that feel deeply personal to the wearer while pushing the boundaries of what is considered modern luxury. It remains to be seen which emerging designers will sustain this level of influence as the industry transitions into the next calendar year.