New York-based Kate Young is one of the most in-demand stylists in Hollywood and fashion, with a roster filled with It girls and superstars alike who are beloved by the fashion industry, including Dakota Johnson, Sienna Miller, Margot Robbie and Selena Gomez . Young has a knack for putting the women she dresses on the fashion industry’s map, helping connect celebrities with high-fashion houses.
What makes Young unique as a celebrity stylist is her firm footing within the fashion industry, which is in part thanks to her editorial background. Young, who studied English and Art History at college, began her career as American Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour ’s assistant in 1997. She soon moved to the styling department assisting the market editor, then-fashion director Tonne Goodman, before eventually becoming sittings editor. She also completed stints at Teen Vogue, Interview and InStyle.
She still maintains commercial relationships, and has consulted for Armani Exchange, Tod’s, Halston and Target, and styled campaigns for Victoria’s Secret, Dior, Carolina Herrera , Theory and Guerlain Fragrances. She also works closely with designers like Jason Wu and Derek Lam on their shows, and by extension their collections.
It was after giving birth to her second son in 2010 that she decided to take to celebrity styling full time. “For a really long time, it wasn't cool to be dressing celebrities — at all,” Young told BoF. “My celebrity thing was a dirty little secret. But it came naturally to me.” Long-term clients include Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams and Sienna Miller. Young also was responsible for Selena Gomez’s transformation from Disney girl to fashion pin-up, Louis Vuitton campaign star and Coach brand ambassador.
Young has also turned her hand to design, and has her own line of knitwear for women and children. In the past she has collaborated with Natalie Portman on a line of vegan shoes and Tura eyewear on a sunglasses line, in addition to designing capsule collections for Triumph Japan and Target. In 2014 she published her debut book, “Dressing for the Dark: From the Silver Screen to the Red Carpet."
