I’m such a fashion addict that as soon as the collections hit the runway I’m immediately online looking at different dresses. Thankfully, my stylist, Erin Walsh, and I share a brain, so I know that when we look at a designer’s line we’re going to gravitate toward the same pieces for me. I love that she is really invested in who I am as a person, which is important because I bring so much of myself and my own personal aesthetic to the red carpet. Erin dresses all the women she works with—including Kristen Wiig, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Sarah Jessica Parker—as the best version of themselves. She is always able to help me fulfill the vision I have of myself through fashion, which takes a lot of talent. —KW
InStyle caught up with Erin a few weeks ago when she was front and center at the Jason Wu show at New York Fashion Week. We asked her to tell us what goes on inside that “shared brain” of hers and what she looks for on the runways for Kerry Washington and her other clients.
What are you taking in during a show?
EW: I take in the mood, the feeling, and the details—for me, fashion is all about the details, the texture, the way clothes are made. You get to see the texture, the way they move on the body, and the way the light hits the clothes.
What did you like best about the show today?
EW: I love the color palette, and I love the woman he was describing with the collection—it embodied everything I love.
What are you looking for specifically for Kerry?
EW: Kerry is fun, feminine, and witty (read: a twist on something classic).
Kerry is elegant, but her style can be surprising at the same time. It’s a contradiction that makes people and fashion interesting if it’s done right.PHOTOS: SEE KERRY WASHINGTON’S BEST RED CARPET LOOKS
How did you two meet?
EW: Kerry and I were introduced through friends, and we clicked right off the bat. It was during the time right before Scandal was set to premiere along with the promo tour of Django Unchained, and she was on the market for a stylist. Some three years later, we have created several major heavy-hitting looks on the red carpet (including my personal favorite: her stunning Giles look at the London premiere of Django Unchained), while simultaneously putting her on the fashion map and me on a prestigious list of Hollywood’s most powerful stylists.
How do you decide what works for a red carpet event?
EW: Between Kerry and I, fashion is an on-going dialogue. As for the source of inspiration behind red carpet looks, it varies, depending on mood or whether it’s a custom creation from a designer. And sometimes it’s solely on me to simply figure it out! If you’re lucky enough to work with people who inspire you, then it’s a lot easier. Kerry is not only someone I admire professionally, but as a friend, a woman, and a leader in the world. I’m very lucky.
Kerry Washington is InStyle.com’s guest editor today. See all her stories, photos, and videos here!