Celebrity Style: Hollywood Stylist Melis Kuris Talks about Award Season Fashion

Celebrities are known to have access to some of the best products and services in the world. However a secret that they couldn’t keep concealed for long, was their personal stylist. For decades celebrities have been dressed by talented professionals that entered through private entrances to deliver flawlessly constructed looks. Over the past years stylists have emerged out of the shadows and have been recognized as power players in the fashion industry.

Melis Kuris is a Los Angeles‒based, celebrity stylist with an impressive resume of industry experience. Kuris initially started as an intern for a top stylist.  After honing her skills and building relationships, Kuris started her own styling company that has been operational for 7 years. Not only does she style celebrities for red carpets, but she also lends her expertise to fashion editorials, advertising campaigns, music videos, and commercials.

Fashion Reverie recently had an opportunity to speak exclusively with Melis Kuris about red carpet fashion and styling.

Fashion Reverie: What’s the biggest challenge you encounter when styling a celebrity?

Melis Kuris: There are various things to consider when styling a celebrity, like specific colors or silhouettes. However, styling for award season is completely different from a premiere. There are always dresses that every stylist wants their client in, so it’s always beneficial to get a head start with award season. Another important element is the “glam squad,” because it’s not just about the dress. You can have a great dress but the wrong hair and makeup could make the overall look bad. It’s all about communicating and collaborating on a red carpet look, it’s never a one man show.

 FR: What do you look for in a red carpet dress?

Melis Kuris: I would never put a client in something that I wouldn’t personally wear or vouch for. That validation reassures clients that I truly believe in anything that I select for them.

 FR: What fabric do you believe is most flattering for the red carpet?

Melis Kuris: Personally from a stylistic level, I love chiffon dresses. It looks great on various body types and it’s delicate and fresh. It also works well for curvy women because it falls beautifully on their body and accentuates their frame, which makes them feel confident on the carpet.

FR: We saw a lot of wavy hair at the Golden Globes, should red carpet attendees follow trends or opt for signature looks?

 Melis Kuris: I honestly feel that it depends on the dress. When I saw the wavy hair I felt it was appropriate, and a great way to start the New Year with a fresh look. I personally don’t follow trends, or flip through magazines to determine a dress. When I see a dress I instantly know it, I want it, I take that same approach to hair. After I see a client in a gown, I decide on hair and makeup versus following a specific trend.

FR: Accessories can make or break an outfit, how do you select accessories for red carpet looks and who are your favorite brands?

 Melis Kuris: For me it’s about creating a focal point with one staple piece. The thing that drives me crazy is looking at someone and going from their earrings, to their necklace, to their bracelets, to their ring- It can distract from the overall look. I personally style my clients very “lady chic,” which is classic, simple and not overdone. In regards to accessory designers, I absolutely love Neil Lane for jewelry and Judith Leiber for clutches!

FR: Favorite Red Carpet Gowns this season?

 Melis Kuris: My Golden Globes top pick was Kate Hudson in the black and gold Alexander McQueen, she looked absolutely stunning and all of her accessories were paired perfectly. I thought “Wow if they made that in white, I’d wear it as a wedding dress.” It was simple yet had so much detail. This season you will definitely see Marchesa, J. Mendel, Dior, and Cavalli. One of my clients is wearing Cavalli for the SAG awards and I saw a few dresses they had on hold for Oscar nominees that were incredible.

—Chandia Brennen