Perfectly tailored suits, internet-breaking red carpet moments, and music videos that turn every scene into a mood board. While the celebrities provide the services, it’s the stylists who set the table and give the girls looks they’ll never forget. As the 2025 Met Gala celebrates Black dandyism, we’ve compiled a list of fashion’s best-kept secrets: Black stylists.
We all know Law Roach. A retired legend despite being the most booked in the industry. When he announced his retirement in 2023 due to the industry’s disdain for him, every black creator in the industry wondered, “Will he be the same?” As soon as he set the record, everyone wanted to take the spot as favorite to dress next to Zendaya. But the point is that even with icons, this game seems impossible at first glance. So what about up-and-coming stylists?
(Silent) Rules of the Game
Success as a stylist usually starts with finding a lead stylist with a strong clientele to support you. From there, you become a valued intern, doing everything from collecting clothes to talking to vendors. This is your entry into the industry. Here you can work with A-list stars and hone your skills before meeting your dream celebrity client who will put you in the public eye. But for Black stylists, the path to success is much more complicated.
overcome conflicts
Among the many hurdles black stylists face, visibility is one of them. Stylists often have to go all out until they find a celebrity match. After that, the stylist becomes a huge success, and later the hype takes hold. Notable stylist and celebrity duos include Roach and Zendaya, Doechie and Sam Wolfe, Cardi B and Collin Carter, Jenna Tyson and Justin Bieber, and more.
Los Angeles-based stylist Patrick Riner most recently worked on Vogue’s Superfine and Dandy issues, which featured A$AP Rocky, Dapper Dan, Ayo Edebiri, Lupita Nyong’o, and more. He often works with the likes of Roach, and this year he will be styling artist Jordan Casteel at the Met Gala. His best advice? “Do the work first and everything else will follow.”
1 out of 4
Honor the Gift/Alan Pimenta
2/4
Honor the Gift/Alan Pimenta
3/4
Honor the Gift/Alan Pimenta
4/4
Honor the Gift/Alan Pimenta
Kateri Zapp, a stylist at Honor the Gift and Russell Westbrook’s right-hand man, says, “The biggest struggle for new stylists is gatekeeping…Assistants provide valuable experience and exposure, but building a strong personal brand is essential,” she said. “It’s a delicate balance between proving your creative vision and building trust in an industry that thrives on reputation and connections.” For Zapp, in addition to freelance gigs with Jordan and private clients, she had to support the teams of Megan Thee Stallion and Beyoncé, which led her to the HTG team and helped her make a name for herself in the industry.
Gigi Fernandez, a New York-based stylist, echoed Zapp’s story. “Black and brown stylists don’t have access to opportunity, visibility, and recognition,” she said. “Despite the immense talent, creativity and cultural impact we bring to the table, we have long been underrepresented, especially in the high fashion space, editorial platforms and partnerships with big brands. It’s a conversation that’s been repeated countless times. Thankfully, we’re definitely starting to see a shift. This year’s Met Gala theme is a strong indicator of that, and we love it for that.”
Best advice for people who want to become stylists
As you can imagine, this makes the rise to success very difficult. Zapp says the best advice for new stylists is something that’s essential to the job but rarely discussed. “Before you start raising money, making purchases, or preparing, set aside a budget upfront. When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to fall into the trap of prepaying expenses or relying on credit cards to keep your job afloat, but that quickly becomes unsustainable. ” To keep this in check, “Ask for at least some budget or expense upfront to protect yourself financially, but also to show professionalism. Treat every project like a business deal, because in fact, it is.”
If you’re a budding stylist or just a creative looking for inspiration, keep reading about the Black stylists behind your favorite styles.
We call all streetwear girly, but for those who like to make a statement, Fernandez’s rolodex is practically the new mood board. Born and raised in New York City, her artistry has enhanced the images of favorites like Kike Palmer, Rosalía, Becky G, and Rau Alejandro.
From making sports fashion history with Russell Westbrook to collaborating with Jordan and serving as Honor the Gift’s in-house stylist, Zapp is the quiet force behind the industry’s greatest moments. She most recently helped create draft looks for WNBA player Georgia Amoore and the face of female empowerment from Megan Thee Stallion to Beyoncé.
If Justin Bieber’s latest fit caught your eye, you’ve already witnessed Tyson’s influence. For stylist Jenna Tyson, fashion is more than just fabric, it’s rooted in tradition and storytelling sewn into every seam. A graduate of FIT and Mysa Hilton Academy, Tyson also styles for the likes of Flo Milli and Future. Most notably, she transformed a female rapper into Josephine, or Frosephine Baker, in the “Roaring 20s” music video.
The epitome of luxury, Linaire was the stylist behind countless iconic moments in fashion history, including Vogue, which popularized black dandyism. A frequent Roach collaborator and Roach stylist, the Los Angeles-based creative is a master at dressing celebrities of all genders, fusing masculine and feminine elements for red carpet events. With countless editorial covers and MET Gala experiences, Linere is consistently shaping the next era of black style in the mainstream.
If Doechii’s Outlander cover stuck in your head without a rental, know that Nyagodzi is the source. The UK-based creator has found his niche in turning musicians into editorial cover stars through experimental silhouettes and statement looks. In 2023, she was honored as one of Guap Magazine’s ‘British Stylists to Watch’ and has since transformed Isla Star’s signature style, styling Doech at the MOBO Awards and outfitting Love Island star Uche Natoli.
From Beyoncé’s Renaissance to the Cowboy Carter Tour, costume designer and stylist Turini’s looks are for everyone. If you fell in love with the visuals of Black Is King, know that she was behind it too. Her decades of experience have made her one of Beyoncé’s leading stylists and given her influence to generations. Whether she’s collaborating with her favorite brands or working on campaigns with big-name brands, her signature proves that success can be achieved despite the industry’s difficult rules.
While you’re here, take a closer look at Honor the Gift x Georgia Amoore.
