Now is the time to acknowledge those who are responsible for some of our favourite celebrity looks. From Kollin Carter revamping Cardi B’s wardrobe with luxe designers, to Zerina Akers serving us sultry vibes with Megan Thee Stallion, and Bryon Javar reminding us that #TheRulesAreSimple with Quinta Brunson, our favorite stylists of 2023 undoubtedly came with their A-game!
The ‘Top 15’ nominees for the FABY’s ‘Stylists of the Year’ are style hunters who hit the pavement running, and going to bat for their clients. You may be aware that celebrities are constantly scrutinized when it comes their appearance and public image. Stylists play a vital role in making sure their clients look good, are dressed well, and are perceived positively.
Ahead, you’ll find our top favorite stylists that Fashion Bomb daily Editors nominated for this year’s FABY’s, and make sure you VOTE for the stylist who you think turned it up a notch in 2023!
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Cardi B rapped “I like it like that,” and we’re sure that statement applies when it comes down to her fashion-forward wardrobe that Kollin Carter is responsible for curating. Kollin and Cardi share a mutual understanding and make a great work team. Kollin selected 4 different gowns to honor the late Karl Lagerfeld at the MET Gala.
Kollin Carter has learned from the very best! Before becoming a celebrity stylist for stars like Naomi Campbell, Kelly Rowland, and Ciara he worked with Law Roach. Kollin, in addition to being stylist, is also a Fashion Editor and Creative Director. He has worked on many music videos.
Law Roach, a celebrity stylist and fashion icon, has been a major influence in the world of fashion. It takes an OG Stylist like Law to ask, “Where’s your sketch?” and we can assure you that his clients like Zendaya and Megan Thee Stallion all have one. Law Roach’s career began selling vintage clothes in his Deliciously Vintage shops, both in Chicago and Harlem.
After Kanye West discovered his shop in 2009, it put Law Roach’s store on the map, who then decided to start styling singe K.Michelle who was one of his first clients. He later styled a Zendaya, who was 14 years old at the time, for a film premiere. The partnership and unison that developed between the two would be perfect.
If you ever got the chance to see Beyoncé’s “Black is King,” then you know how raw celebrity Stylist Zerina Akers truly is when it comes to styling and costume design. Zerina’s work has touched everyone from Bey to Chloe Bailey. She also worked with Megan Thee Stallion and Mary J. Blige. Not only is she a Celebrity Stylist, but Zerina is also the founder of Black Owned Everything, and The Show Must Go On Showroom located in Los Angeles for Hollywood’s elite.
Zerina’s fashion sense was so exceptional that she left us breathless in Los Angeles and New York this year. She attended the Art Institute of Philadelphia and LIM College in London. Zerina is a fashion expert with a keen eye for style. She can find the right outfits to suit her clients.
When you think of the eye catching visuals from Beyonce’s and Solange’s music videos “Formation” and “Cranes in the Sky”, think of Shiona Turini because she is a style visionary. That’s right ! Turini has many accolades under her belt including serving as the costume designer for Season 3 and 4 of Issa Rae and HBO’s ‘Insecure’, and Universal Pictures “Queen & Slim.”
In addition, Turini comes from a fashion editorial background and has worked at Teen Vogue, CR Fashion Book, and New York Magazine’s The Cut. Shiona Turini is a pioneer in the fashion industry, and brought the heat to Beyonce’s Renaissance tour with her impeccable styling and flawless eye.
Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald are the perfect styling duo because when these two come together to style their client’s such as Taraji P Henson, Tiffany Haddish and Tessa Thompson, they never miss. The fashion duo based in Los Angeles is always hard at work creating the next big style statement.
Bryonjavar, who hails from Compton, California, makes it seem so easy to style his celebrity clients with the hashtag #TheRulesareSimple. Javar is originally from Compton, California. He has styled for many years and his clients include Karrueche Tran & Amanda Seales. If you take a look back at the awards shows, you’ll see that Bryon Javar is the visionary behind some of Quinta Brunson and Marsai Martin’s most stunning looks this year.
Atlanta’s very own Jeremy Haynes aka @TherealNoIGJeremy is one of the most fashion-forward stylists, who’s leaving his mark on one celebrity at a time. Think Mary J. Blige, Usher, Monica, and Monique Rodriguez who have all became well acquainted clients of Jeremy’s . It is his ability to think out of the box, and create the chicest of looks that sets him apart. He’s definitely a style connoisseur, who has the gift of gab, and know’s what silhouettes work best for his celebrity clientele.
Celebrity Stylist Shaq Palmer is the person behind Yung Miami of ‘City Girls’ infamous looks, in addition to clients like Trina, Sukihana, and GloRilla. Based in Miami, Florida, Palmer is always getting the girls together as he’s a style hunter who’s always on the look out for iconic pieces from designers both contemporary and old school.
Naya Ashley is a published Stylist to the “It-Girls” including Dream Doll, Ari Fletcher, and Cuban Link. She is the founder of her brand called NASH, and has a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Business Management. Her style is edgy and unconventional. It’s elevated with art. Naya may be newer on the scene but she’s definitely worth watching.
J. Bolin has been going hard in the paint for quite some time now as the founder and owner of J Bolin Style Agency. If anyone is a go getter, it’s definitely Bolin who has established a social fanbase for his legendary styling ability. In 2023 we saw him kill celebrities like Michelle Williams and Sarah Jakes Roberts. He also has a fashion retail store called “Shop J Bolin” that offers affordable luxury garments that are sizzling HAUTE!
Kelly Rowland told ya’ll she was going to “bump like this” but did she tell you it’s thanks to Celebrity Stylist, Wilford Lenov? Wilford Lenov is the man who created some of the most extravagant looks in this year. He has worked with celebrities such as Ashanti, Bebe, Rexha, Jeannie, etc. Ses clients can capitalize on special moments because of his attention to detail. Wilford Lenov’s Style VIP is his ability to combine the best silhouettes with the perfect touch of glamour.
We have another styling duo by the name of Mariel Haenn & Rob Zangardi who are behind some of the most renowned red carpet looks seen on celebs like JLO, Cara Delevingne, and Gwen Stefani. Mariel & Rob are the perfect style combo. When they styled Rihanna in her “Umbrella” music video, it was clear to see their unparalleled vision. They say repetition becomes reputation, and if that ‘s the case, then Mariel & Rob are among the best to put their spin on the latest trends.
When it comes down to Kelvin (K.J) Moody, it’s no surprise that as Beyoncé’s cousin and stylist, he has quickly become one of the greatest to do it in fashion. When he was 5, his Auntie Tina Knowles designed custom pieces for Destiny Child. This sparked a love for fashion. In his later years, he studied Fashion Design in the Art Institute of Dallas. We saw him in all his glory this year as he gathered some of the most futuristic ensembles to date during Beyonce’s Renaissance tour.
We said it was Fantasia’s year, but did we also tell ya’ll it’s Celebrity Stylist Daniel Hawkin’s year as well? That’s right! The man behind Fantasia’s incredible ensembles has been in the zone this year, making Fantasia one of the best dressed celebs during the Color Purple press tour. In fact, his styling earned Fantasia a place in our FABY’s “Fashionista of the Year” this year. If anyone’s staying ahead of the trends, it’s undoubtedly Hawkins.
Icon Tips has a style that is electrifying, eclectic, and elevated. He is ahead of his time. Icon Tips has the moment. From jet setting in vibrant and colorful hues to styling celebrities such as Savannah James, Jhene aiko and Coco Jones. He now lives in Los Angeles where he’s styling Hollywood’s elite. The fashion industry needs and welcomes his new, refreshing approach to styling.
This is it! Who is the styling queen of this year?
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