The Unexpected Quality All Top Hollywood Stylists Share

Given the high stakes of awards season (and the inevitable snarky comments from the media), the red carpet isn’t exactly known for its fashion risks. Although we don’t blame celebrities for playing it safe at the show (and quickly changing into more unique outfits for the after-parties), this season has seen a noticeable shift toward more daring red carpet dressing. And, we have the stylists to thank. Today, The Hollywood Reporter released its annual ranking of "Power Stylists," and each of the 25 listmakers has an unexpected commonality: They all love keeping things weird, in the best way possible. The number-one Hollywood stylist, Petra Flannery, is arguably the weirdest (read: coolest) of them all.  She might not be a household name quite yet, but her client, Emma Stone, certainly is. It was Flannery who dreamed up the epic Lanvin jumpsuit Stone wore to this year's Golden Globe Awards. The look not only set the bar impossibly high for the rest of the red carpet season; it also proved that a beaded bodice, satin trousers, and a floaty, floor-length sash work surprisingly well together. Flannery leads the pack of risk-taking stylists who made the Hollywood Reporter cut, including Brandon Maxwell (the guy behind Lady Gaga's red Oscar gloves), Julianne Moore's stylist Leslie Fremar, and perma-cool girl Kate Young.  As Flannery told THR, her styling philosophy boils down to keeping things personalized. “I really try to individualize my clients," she said. "I concentrate on their particular fashion persona.” In the case of Emma Stone — who claims that both she and Flannery are "risky ladies"  — it's a winning strategy, indeed. (The Hollywood Reporter)