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Get to know the stylists behind Beyoncé, Nomzamo Mbatha and Cardi B's incredible looks

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These are the stylists to the stars
These are the stylists to the stars

We often marvel at celebrities who exhibit a great sense of style with every public appearance they make, but who we often forget is the team that makes sure the looks come together - the key figures being the stylists.

Behind every red carpet outfit is a stylist who spent weeks and sometimes months hustling to make sure the look comes to life.

So this is the talent behind some of the most fashionable women in the entertainment industry:

Law Roach: Zendaya 

A self-proclaimed image architect, Law Roach is a celebrity fashion stylist and also features in America’s Next Top Model as a judge. According to the New York Post, Law worked as a sales associate at a vintage boutique before his career as a famed stylist kicked off.

Among other celebrities, Law Roach has worked with our very own 'Queen B' Bonang long with the likes of  Ariana Grande and Celine Dion. Law Roach also has a particularly close working relationship with Zendaya - among other stars.

Apart from being the creative director for her fashion line Daya by Zendaya, Law Roach consulted on Tommy Hilfiger and Zendaya’s recent collab collection.

Back in 2016, TrueLove reported that Law Roach “jumped” at the opportunity to work with Bonang. “The call to work with Bonang came through at the perfect time for me, as I had been looking to expand my clientele internationally and explore my connections to African designers,” he said.

More recently, the fashion world got to appreciate the advent of Celine Dion’s enthusiasm in the industry – and thanks to Law Roach, we get to see her dazzle in unique and colourful outfits as she lives out her unapologetic fashion moments.

Shiona Turini: Solange 

Solange has, for quite some time, been celebrated for her exceptional style – even by her stylist. Shiona Turini is the renowned stylist behind some of Solange’s most iconic looks.

Shiona, who - according to her website - also does editorial and commercial styling, works as a costume designer and has wardrobed a few episodes on Issa Ray’s HBO series, Insecure Season 3. 

Modestly, Shiona told the New York Times that Solange “doesn’t need a stylist”. According to the publication, she sees herself more like a fashion collaborator than a stylist when it comes to working with the ever so stylish Solo.

Kollin Carter: Cardi B

Kollin is the man behind Cardi B's notable looks. Kollin has styled Cardi's red carpet and performance looks, in addition to her music video costumes.

Cardi B has a very talented glam squad and Kollin is the among those who ensure the vision comes together. The Fader called Kollin -  who has also styled model Sofia Richie - "one of the most hardworking stylists in the game," and judging by how Cardi has dominated red carpets, we can't argue this point.

Exhibit A is Cardi B's Grammy looks.

In Vogue's mini doccie, Kollin shared how he managed to get Cardi's Grammys Thierry Mugler outfits, including the look that stole the show - the 1995 pink duchess and satin velvet Venus sheath dress.

Kollin shared that he DM'd the designer on Instagram for permission for Cardi to loan some of their archive pieces.

With Cardi B not seeming like she will be slowing down, we look forward to see what what other iconic looks will come from the duo.

Jahleel Weaver & Mel Ottenburg: Rihanna 

Jahleel and Mel are responsible for some of Rihanna's best and most ground-breaking looks.

Jahleel has been on Rihanna's side for red carpets, appearances, magazine shoots and performances. According to The Fader, Jahleel was an assistant to Mel and now is the juniour creative director at Fenty Corp.

As Billboard reports, Mel is fashion director of 032c magazine in Berlin, and has been working with Rihanna since her 2011 Loud tour.

We are thankful to Mel, though, for the ultra dramatic looks Rihanna has become known for. He is the man behind some of Rihanna's most celebrated Met Gala looks.

"This will probably be the most glamorous thing I ever do," Mel tells Vogue about Rihanna's 2015 Met Gala look by Chinese designer Guo Pei that she texted him.

Micaela Erlanger: Lupita Nyong’o

Micaela, who has also styled Meryl Streep and Constance Wu, is the woman behind Lupita Nyongo's glorious red carpet looks. In an interview with Forbes, Micaela shares how she's had an interest in styling since she was 10 years old, which later led to her interning for Hearst and the late Annabel Tollman in between and and after her studies. In 2013 she opened her own studio and has, under her own name, where she has dressed some of the biggest stars in Hollywood. 

READ MORE: Meet the women behind duchesses Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's signature styles

Karla Welch: Tracee Ellis Ross

We always gush with excitement whenever Tracee drops a new look on Instagram, praising her for inimitable style. Well, some of that credit also deserves to go to her incredible stylist, Karla Welch. 

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Le bowl

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This celebrity stylist's resume also boasts the standout looks of Amandla Stenberg, Sarah Paulson, Elisabeth Moss and even Oprah Winfrey on one occasion. 

Karla is responsible for some of Tracee's most memorable red carpet looks, including this pink Valentino gown 2018 Emmys moment.

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Go Big or Go Home ??

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Zerina Akers: Beyoncé

King Bey won the CFDA Fashion Icon Award in 2016 and ever since then, the world took a closer look at her style. What this means is that her stylist Zerina Akers has had her work really cut out for her for some years now. And she has delivered!

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Dries’d Up.

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Zerina was the mastermind behind Beyoncé's Global Citizen Festival looks and all of the star's vacation looks, which have included a lot of African designers' garments.

Zerina also styles Bey's prodigies, music duo Chloe x Halle for red carpets, editorial shoots and performances.

Pumla Ketani: Nomzamo Mbatha

South Africa's media darling always looks effortless, yet jaw-dropping and we have her stylist Pumla Ketani to thank for that. 

When Nomzamo hosted the VC Masters Polo a few weekends ago, both her looks were styled by Pumla and they might have been the best Polo looks of the day.

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