Lupita Nyong’o. Michelle Dockery. Olivia Munn. Besides being gorgeous Hollywood stars, the one thing these women all have in common is being styled by the one and only Micaela Erlanger. She’s responsible for some of the most iconic red carpet looks of the past few years (when Lupita channeled Cinderella? All Micaela) and likens her experience picking out gowns for celebrities’ most important occasions to picking out a wedding gown for a every woman’s most important day. We caught up with the bubbly brunette at Pronovias‘ NYC Flagship to get her tips and tricks to look like a star on your big day!
You’ve styled some of our favorite red carpet moments — what do you look for in a gown and how do your clients know when you’ve found “the one?”
Well, there’s always that “Aha!” moment and I think it’s the same thing when you find your wedding dress, which is why I’m so thrilled to partner with Pronovias because for me the whole experience of picking out your gown for one of your most important red carpet moments is the same as picking out a gown for your most momentous occasion: your wedding. You generally try on a lot of different things. You probably try on a bunch of things you don’t like, too. You take those off. But when you find the one, you know — there’s a feeling. It’s that “Aha!” I can’t describe it more than just that.
Like you said, a wedding, like a red carpet,is a momentous occasion. Are there any things you need to keep in mind when dressing for a milestone like that?
Comfort! My goodness, you’re in this gown all night long. Same thing I tell my clients, you better be able to dance, sweat, cry, have fun. You’re in that dress and you have to love what you have on. You have to be comfortable and you have to be confident. If you’re not confident, it’s going to show. It’s going to show in pictures. It’s going to show in the way you walk. It’s going to show in the way you talk. You can’t have that nervousness in addition to everything else on the big day.
What are some of your favorite trends in bridal fashion right now?
I’m loving the various detachable elements. I think versatility is something the modern bride really looks for. I also have to comment that pockets are useful! And I love seeing these fuller silhouettes that give you that playfulness and certainly handy, that’s for sure. And I love that lace is having a comeback in a different way, the more sort of romantic feeling tiered bits that Pronovias has showcased, that real Spanish influence is so beautiful and so feminine.
Who are some of your favorite celebrity brides?
Amal Clooney and Kate Middleton. And, you’ve got to give credit to Angelina Jolie for going out there and doing something so personal and special to her because it’s your moment and why not do what you want? Also, Kate Moss — her dress was so ethereal and vintage-inspired and I love that.
What’s the best way to approach accessories?
I think once you’ve chosen your dress, that’s when accessories come in. It’s really about punctuating the look and it’s really about accenting with the right piece — that’s the frosting on the cake.
What are your thoughts on a veil?
I love it! I just love something in the hair, so you can be a veil girl, or you can not be, both are equally beautiful, but don’t be afraid to try a different accessory if a veil isn’t right for you — a headband or a little piece of net over the eye can be really subtly beautiful, even a little sexy if that’s the vibe you’re going for, but a cathedral length veil with a raw edge or something with a little bit of lace, more traditional, are all beautiful options. But, don’t overcomplicate your look. If you have a really beautiful open-back detail, I’d go for something that’s not going to compete with that. And if you’re going for something that’s all-over lace, perhaps you choose a simpler veil. It’s about the balance, the juxtaposition between your accessories and your gown.
When it comes to shoes, what should a bride look for?
This is a tip I give all of my clients on the carpet as well, you’re not going to see the shoe, so make sure that you’re comfortable, make sure that you can walk in your gown and at the very least, if you want to wear something special, have a backup pair. You want to dance, you want to have fun, you don’t want to worry about having your feet hurt.
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Micaela’s Biggest Red Carpet Secrets Revealed!
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