Stylists for Hollywood stars can charge exorbitant amounts, with some reportedly earning between $60,000 to $100,000 to prepare a celebrity for events like the Oscars. This cost does not include the price of gowns or accessories. This amount surpasses what some long-standing Hollywood stylists have been paid in the past, with Wayne Scott Lukas, who has worked with celebrities like Tina Turner and Janet Jackson, mentioning that stylists used to receive $10,000 a day.
Lukas expressed concern about the influx of novice stylists who may not have the same industry connections and knowledge as seasoned professionals. These newer stylists may charge significantly more than what past stylists have garnered, sometimes up to ten times the rate. He also criticized the practice of accepting gifts and commissions from designers in exchange for featuring their fashion on the red carpet, emphasizing that it compromises the stylist’s integrity and may lead to subpar fashion choices.
In addition, Lukas noted a trend of what he called “ugly fashion” on the red carpet, attributing this to stylists prioritizing financial gain over their clients’ best interests. He suggested that celebrity stylists who take commissions and gifts weaken their credibility and effectiveness in serving their clients. Lukas stressed the importance of hiring a stylist who works in the client’s interest rather than solely pursuing financial gain, highlighting the need for clients to be discerning and critical when selecting their stylists.
He hopes that clients will become more discerning in choosing stylists and avoid those who prioritize financial transactions over the best interests of their clients. Lukas emphasized that basing creativity on financial gain only benefits the stylist and detracts from the overall styling experience for the client. He underscored the importance of maintaining integrity in the stylist-client relationship and avoiding practices that may compromise the trust and effectiveness of the stylist in fulfilling the client’s styling needs.
Lukas’s perspective sheds light on the evolving landscape of celebrity styling in Hollywood, with a growing number of novices entering the field and potentially altering industry standards regarding rates and practices. By highlighting the potential drawbacks of accepting gifts and commissions, Lukas advocates for a more transparent and client-centered approach to celebrity styling. His insights raise questions about the role of stylists in the fashion industry and the ethical considerations involved in styling high-profile events like the Oscars. Ultimately, his commentary invites reflection on the balance between creativity, integrity, and financial gain in the realm of celebrity styling.
