The world of celebrity styling is familiar to many, but not everybody knows the ins and outs of the industry.
What does a day-in-the-life of a wardrobe stylist look like? How does this change during peak times, such as NYFW? These questions are oftentimes left unanswered.
Lucky for you, we've connected with Alix Gropper and Danielle O’Connell: the MVPs of all things style.
Because let's face it, who better to dish us the tea than industry insiders themselves?
Bringing a fresh take to VIPS and social creators, Gropper and O’Connell are a formidable power duo that can’t be messed with.
At the early stages of their careers, the two worked in Celebrity Relations at Global PR Agencies and Luxury Fashion Houses across names like Dundas, Rene Caovilla, Off—White, Ermanno Scervino, Roberto Cavalli, Hugo Boss, & more.
See Also: Behind The Scenes At NYFW: Bronx and Banco Designer Spills All
After transitioning into Styling, assisting fashion icons like Gigi & Bella Hadid, Ariana Grande, and Priyanka Chopra, D&A were inspired to bridge the gap between Public Relations and Styling.
Their styling roster spans from talents such as Camille Kostek, Charlotte McKinney, Jasmine Sanders, and Brooks Nader, to viral social celebrities like Olivia Ponton, Meredith Duxbury, Paige Desorbo, Ellie Zeiler & Batsheva Haart.
Danielle & Alix elevate their clients’ fashion strategy in the media through their expansive press network. The duo is a styling force, with a mission to create a positive impact in the industry.
The girls are here to give us a behind-the-scenes look into the crazy world of celebrity styling.
Get an inside look at how NYC’s most notable models, influencers, and talent are prepping for NYFW with celebrity stylists and streetwear experts Danielle & Alix.
D&A have added event planners onto their list of accolades this season, putting on the ultimate NYFW kickoff party.
D&A gathered NYC’s it-girls with SRGN, a luxury sneaker customization lab in downtown NYC. The VIP attendees of this intimate event included their clients and talent alike: Ellie Thumann, Batsheva Haart, Lexi Wood, Bambi Northwood Blyth, Ciara Miller, and more.
“Dan & I have a passion for planning fashion shows and events, so folding this component into our own business has always been a goal. We’ve never labeled ourselves solely as celebrity stylists because we offer so much more than the ‘styling’ component to our clients. Our business model has been to bridge the gap between styling and celebrity relations by offering a 360 approach to the fashion industry," said Alix.
"We dress our clients, help secure their seats at top fashion shows, secure event invites, and cultivate strong relationships with brands that can lead to them starring in campaigns, and social collaborations. We’d love to continue hosting events to bring our clients together too."
In between D&A’s packed fitting schedule and prepping their clients for events, they also have been planning this experience to thank their clients & garner positive energy prior to the busy week ahead.
D&A’s style definitely has a tomboy aesthetic, with notable looks that include menswear-inspired pieces, oversized blazers, trucker hats, and of course sneakers, so collaborating with SRGN feels like a natural extension of their brand.
“There are a few fashion leaders that paved the way for notable street style, Maeve Reilly is one who we look up to often. Street style is more relatable, something we can all look to for inspiration and recreate. We want to build out the D&A brand in our own way; combining our PR experience and network with styling, and celebrity relations – historically these verticals in fashion have operated in two silos, and we have already seen how converging them has been effective for us,” Danielle told us.
D&A had the idea to give back to their clients in a way that felt genuine to their style and brand while folding in their love for event planning.
While thanking everyone for joining the evening, the two exclaimed, “It means the world to us to have a group of positive, powerful, and kind-hearted ladies fill the room tonight and set the tone for the week ahead.” D&A continues to promote positivity in the industry: an ongoing mission of theirs from the start.
Part of the night involved getting the girls ready to take on the week by showcasing and providing D&A’s favorite beauty, wellness, and wardrobe essentials. Danielle & Alix had Glamsquad get them ready while they worked on the finishing touches for the evening; their favorite way to get glammed for outings and also be able to multitask.
Experiencing NYFW from a PR side, styling side, and attendee side, the two know how hectic the week can get, so the two put forth their favorite products for their guests to receive at their event. At each seat, a customized Stoney Clover duffle was filled with an array of essentials for NYFW. We asked the duo to share their must-haves!
Booby Tape - The best in the game for lifting, concealing, and creating cleavage for tricky garments.
Commando - Our go-to seamless undies for comfort & no-show lines under anything. Also, they sell our favorite bodysuits which complement any outfit.
Ilia Beauty - The Skin & Cheek tints are a must-have to give a natural glow in between shows.
Nicole Rose Jewelry - D&A have placed these diamonds on many of their notable clients such as Camille Kotek, Olivia Ponton, and Paige Desorbo - so the designer provided her new Starburst Earrings as a sparkly treat to dress up the red carpets for the week ahead.
FaceGym - Ever since we tried this regiment out East this summer, we’ve been obsessed! The best way to relieve stress and get rid of any puffiness.
Vanity Planet - The LEDA Blue Facial Brush & Revive Ice Roller to remove all the glam at the end of the day and de-puff for the next.
Drowsy - The most luxurious sleep mask for travel & hotel stays,
Brassybra - The coolest new invention for stylists - an adhesive bra that can range from size A-DDDD. Always have these in our kit for last-minute needs.
Glosslab - A luxury manicure/pedicure experience like no other; obviously, nails are an essential component of NYFW. We are currently obsessed with the Hailey Bieber chrome trend!
Rumble - Our go-to workout to keep the energy up throughout the week.
D&A partnered with Casa Del Sol as the exclusive tequila provider of the evening, a favorite amongst their clients.
“Collaborating with Casa Del Sol has been a big goal of ours, after seeing the impact they have had in the fashion space this past summer with the Casa Del Sol House in Montauk. Finding common space in the spirits & fashion industries has been an eye-opening and collaborative opportunity,” the two shared.
In addition, Local New York wines from family-owned-and-operated Macari Vineyards and Winery were poured throughout the evening.
The vibe of the night was fun & imaginative, which is further supported by Little Words Project custom bracelets, an intention-setting custom charm bracelet.
“We strive to surround ourselves with like-minded creatives who help elevate our energy and hold a space for our ideas to flourish. Our goal is to bring fresh, young energy to the fashion landscape and promote kindness and creativity through our clients and our work. That’s why we feel Little Words Project - and all of our other partners - align with our energy and community of women,” stated Alix. The colorful and upbeat ambiance was furthered by Posh Picnics NYC with custom Funny Face Bakery cookies, Sugarfina, and Miss Mac's Bakery.
Guests of the event exited in style with their new customized Nike Air Forces. As fashion weeks come around each season, it’s typical for brands and designers to showcase their new collections, but certainly rare for stylists to host events with such high energy.
“Our goal has been to bring this type of VIP service to the current new age of celebrity and social influencer; we want to continue to grow with our clients,” Danielle voiced.
At the closing of the night, guests exited in transportation by Blacklane, geared up and ready for the week ahead.
Photography by: Madison Lane Photography and BFA/Cara Friedman
