Stylists Celebrate 2026 Fashion List
Fifty Hollywood stylists voted on the year’s best looks at a private dinner in Los Angeles.
By Priya Marino ·
The top 26 fashion looks of 2026 were formally recognized on November 3 during a private dinner at the Bel Air Hotel in Los Angeles. The event marked the first time a major entertainment publication compiled such a list using exclusively the ballots of working stylists. Eighty guests attended the gathering, which featured champagne, caviar, and a live harpist while attendees discussed the year’s most influential outfits.
The list was released online at the start of the evening by The Hollywood Reporter. It represents the consensus of 50 industry professionals who submitted their votes. This data-driven approach distinguishes the ranking from previous industry awards that often rely on public polls or editorial selections. The publication described the collection as a reflection of elevated taste among peers who collaborate on high-profile red carpet events.
Amina Ghali, head designer of the Egyptian jewelry company Azza Fahmy, hosted the event. Her team, representing a brand founded in 1969, displayed collections of bejeweled necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets for guests to examine. The jewelry served as a central focal point for conversation alongside the fashion rankings. Maer Roshan, editor-in-chief of The Hollywood Reporter, welcomed the attendees and emphasized the rarity of such a peer-driven celebration in Hollywood circles.
Prominent stylists in attendance included Wayman Bannerman, Micah McDonald, Jessica Paster, and Erica Cloud. Their client rosters feature major film and television stars such as Colman Domingo, Teyana Taylor, Emily Blunt, and Robert Downey Jr. Other notable attendees included Mimi Cuttrell, Tara Swennen, and James Yardley. Many guests arrived wearing their own curated pieces, blending vintage garments with current runway items to showcase their personal aesthetic choices.
Mimi Cuttrell, known for styling Bella Hadid and Ariana Grande, described the value of mixing sources. She noted that combining family heirlooms with high-end designer pieces creates the most compelling looks. Tara Swennen, who styles Kristen Stewart, said she is currently favoring opulence and bright colors. She cited her recent styling of Allison Janney in hot pink Christian Siriano for the CFDA Awards as an example of the dramatic direction she is pursuing.
Christian Stroble, who has worked with Jay Shetty and Teddy Swims, observed a shift in menswear. He said he is seeing more fluid masculinity on the red carpet, with men opting for fine tailoring and structured garments rather than streetwear. Ron Jeffries, a costume designer and stylist, highlighted the increasing importance of jewelry in awards season. He predicted a trend toward dramatic shapes, pointing to Florence Pugh’s Vivienne Westwood outfit from the East of Eden premiere as a prime example.
Jessica Paster attended the dinner with actress Maria Bakalova. Both women wore soft neutral suits by MaxMara. Paster, who styled Emily Blunt for The Devil Wears Prada 2, recalled meeting Bakalova during the latter’s 2021 Oscar nomination. Paster noted that their collaboration has been interrupted by the pandemic but is set to resume. Bakalova stated that she has six movies coming out, indicating a busy period for her career and their shared work.
The evening concluded with guests examining the gallery of the 26 selected looks. The event served as a professional networking opportunity as much as a fashion showcase. Stylists exchanged insights on current trends and future projects. The dinner reinforced the role of the stylist as a key creative force in shaping public appearances for major entertainment figures.
