The Glossy 50 honors the year’s biggest changemakers across fashion and beauty. More from the series →
The Trendsetters: The work of these executives and creatives influenced competitors, or the masses.
Behind every style icon that has emerged in recent years, there’s likely a stylist. And that stylist is very likely Erin Walsh.
Walsh, who describes her role as “a translator” and “a storyteller,” is behind the buzzy fashion glow-ups of celebrities including Anne Hathaway and, this year, Selena Gomez. A regular on The Hollywood Reporter’s annual “25 Most Powerful Stylists” list, Walsh also works with Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Alba, Lana Condor and Ashley Park.
“My styling process is inherently collaborative because I work with people. And it works because I listen,” Walsh said. “The whole point is to highlight any given client’s story; I’m trying to help [my clients] shine brighter, vibrate higher and serve their story. What you wear on a red carpet and in life should speak to your soul.”
Walsh said she typically links with new clients based on word-of-mouth recommendations. “And thankfully, I connect with people who align with the kinds of stories, content, vibe and narratives that I think the world needs now,” she said.
After catapulting Hathaway onto the radars of fashion fans in 2022 — via an Andy Sachs-inspired Michael Kors ensemble and a head-to-toe Valentino Pink PP look, both worn to fashion shows — Walsh proved her consistency in 2023. Standout looks this year included Hathaway’s CFDA Awards hosting gowns, made up of a Ralph Lauren denim dress and a red lace number by Rodarte. In addition, Walsh was behind a series of big fashion moments by Selena Gomez, like her Paris Fashion Week trip and a viral group outing with Taylor Swift.
According to Walsh, her recent work that has “resonated in palpable, larger ways” has stemmed from clients’ willingness to share their weaknesses, which can then be converted into “superpowers.”
“We can only be a positive, helpful or even visceral influence when we are willing to look at who we are, what we want to shift and what we want to say,” she said. “It takes vulnerability.”
She added, “When we embrace all that we are, we can feel more beautiful and leave the world we live in more beautiful. … I hope this idea becomes contagious.”
Click here to see all 2023 Glossy 50 honorees.
