I’m the secret celeb stylist – here’s the worst A-listers I’ve worked with from singer with BO to star addicted to phone
DRESSING the famous in high-end fashion might sound like a dream job, but some stars love to make their stylists suffer.
Our secret celebrity fashion guru — whose identity we’re protecting — has revealed the reality is far less glamorous.
Behind the fabulous outfits at this week’s Met Gala in New York, our insider reckons there will have been no end of tears, tantrums and torn hemlines.
South African singer Tyla’s full-length Balmain gown, covered in sand, certainly caused problems.
It was so tight, she couldn’t walk up the steps and had to be carried up.
The frock’s designer then had to step in backstage, cutting it back to a minidress so she could party.
Meanwhile Kim Kardashian, who dazzled in a barely there corset dress, admits she insists on her jewellery always being heated before she wears it.
But there is more.
From a male model’s tears, to whiffy celebrity wardrobes, our stylist lays bare the naked truth about getting stars ready for the cameras . . .
DIVA TANTRUM OVER HER TROUSERS
PEOPLE are keen to know who is the worst celebrity I’ve ever worked with — and while there have been a few, a female member of a very successful band stands out.
We were on a commercial photoshoot and she was the face of the brand we were working with.
She knew full well that she was expected to wear these particular trousers, but every time I left the room she’d take them off and pick up something else.
When we asked her to stop, her tantrum was so toxic she slammed the door, catching my head in it.
This was the closest I’ve come to losing it.
But I’m a pro, so soldiered on.
Later, she refused to carry on shooting until we’d got her some Evian mineral water — no other brand would do.
But we were on location and nowhere near a shop.
Luckily, I found an Evian bottle in the bin and filled it from the sink.
It was a small piece of sweet revenge.
SO MEAN SHE MADE A MALE MODEL CRY
DURING the golden age of reality TV, I’d see many of the same famous faces on photo-shoots, either working with magazines or on big-money brand deals.
There was one huge star in particular who I dreaded working with because she was an absolute nightmare — and that’s putting it mildly.
Every time she’d be on set, she would cause drama — from calling the hair and make-up team the c-word (really), to making a male model cry by being utterly repulsive to him, swearing at him and talking down to him.
But the most infuriating thing she would do would be to lie every single time about her size, so all the clothes we’d called in wouldn’t fit her.
The final straw was when she went to the restaurant in the studio we were working at, ordered herself one of every main meal and then spilled it down the only outfit we had that worked.
I could’ve cried.
Some high-tech stain-removing editing was needed.
CELEB MUM WHO LEFT ME HOLDING THE BABY
ONE thing that always winds me up is the fact you’re often expected to act as a baby-sitter or a dogsitter when on video shoots.
If a celeb is breastfeeding or the nanny is sick, then I don’t mind.
But I’ve had more than one star take the mickey when it comes to bringing babies to work.
One influencer turned up with her one-year-old child for a day-long video shoot, with nothing for him.
No pram, cot or toys. Zilch.
He couldn’t be on the set because he wouldn’t stay quiet during filming, so I ended up having to hold him for the entire day.
By the time I got home, I couldn’t feel my arms any more.
BUYING EXTRAS FOR ‘NO-FILTER’ ACTRESS
SOME stars lack self-awareness to the point where you can’t help but laugh, even though in the moment they can cause huge embarrassment for everyone.
One soap actress came on her period during a shoot.
No big deal — these things happen.
But she demanded a particular type of sanitary towel and once it was delivered, she then picked really skimpy things from the rail to wear and — during every shot — asked the whole room: “Can you see my wings?”
To be honest, I did find this quite funny, though I’m not sure the guys on the shoot did.
The male photography assistant was mortified at being sent to buy Always — but we did his future girlfriends a favour.
GEN Z STAR GLUED TO HER PHONE
WITH decades of experience in the industry, I’ve seen my share of hot young stars.
But while we get a lot of divas and brats, you do also get to know a lot of lovely celebs, who are happy to sit and have a chinwag while you’re sizing them up and fitting them into outfits.
But Gen Z celebs are different.
There’s much less chat and much more focus on their phones.
I worked with one who would not put her mobile down — at all.
We were trying to get her into outfits and she wouldn’t loosen her grip — like a baby who refuses to give up its toy.
It’s hard not to act like a teacher when this happens.
Every part of me wanted to shout out in frustration, but you just have to smile and be accommodating and remember who the “star” is.
STINKY POP PRINCESS
ONE pop star and talent show judge was notorious for turning up to shoots after a big night out, reeking of B.O. and booze.
After a day of her wearing them, the beautiful, expensive clothes we’d called in would stink.
It became such an issue that we’d actually stipulate “Must arrive clean” on her contract.
That kind of thing is so inconsiderate.
Speaking of which, I am frequently horrified by the underwear celebs bring on shoots.
We tend to ask them to bring a nude bra and flesh-coloured pants — and so often these aren’t clean.
They hand them over and I’d be wishing I was wearing a hazmat suit.
FAKE TAN DISASTER
I’M used to cleaning up after celebs and ensuring clothes I borrow are returned in pristine condition.
A little bit of foundation on a shirt collar or some deodorant residue isn’t a problem, it’s to be expected.
What I wasn’t expecting, however, was the reality TV star who had so much fake tan on for a swimwear shoot, we had to pay for the entire set to be repainted after she’d gone.
Everything she sat on, or even touched, was stained a dirty brown.
TOO SPACED OUT TO STAND UP
SEX, drugs and rock ’n’ roll are staples in the celeb world, but even after many years of doing this job I’m surprised by how irresponsible some people can be.
Take the reality TV star who had ingested so much Valium before our shoot that the make-up artist had to lie on the floor to do her lippy, as she wouldn’t sit up.
We had to dress her as she lay on a bed, and me and my assistant had to prop her up to take the photos.
This is their job, they get paid to do it, so it’s dumbfounding to me that people would risk it all and turn up high.
It’s not a pleasant situation — and as far from glamorous as you can get.