Natalie Dormer’s Stylist On Why Red Carpet Dressing Is More Precise Than You May Think

Natalie Dormer in Nicholas Oakwell Couture [Getty]

This Hunger Games promo tour we've had more than Jennifer Lawrence's Dior to swoon over, thanks to the lovely Natalie Dormer who has been flexing her fashion muscles on the red carpet. She's topped our best dressed list numerous times this month in the likes of Nicholas Oakwell Couture, Tata Naka and Michael Van Der Ham. Ever wondered how a star prepares for a month of premieres, press conferences and TV appearances? We talk to Natalie's stylist of seven years, Alison Elwin,to find out how she put together Natalie's flawless *Mockingjay * promo tour wardrobe...

1. When did you start working with Natalie?

Alison: "I’ve been working with Natalie since 2007. We met on a promotional shoot for The Tudors where Natalie played the part of Anne Boleyn. As a freelance stylist you meet a huge variety of photographers, models and actors on a job by job basis. Sometimes you are lucky enough to meet someone that you have great rapport with, and we did. The rest is history."

2. When do you usually decide what she's going to wear to a premiere?

Alison: "We have a fitting before a premiere. Depending on everyone’s availilability this could be anything from a month, a week or a day in advance of the event. I prep as many looks aS possible so that when Natalie arrives at the fitting there is enough for us to go through together. At this stage we could have around 20 options for a one look event. If time is on our side we may try all 20 looks on. If not we go along the rail, discuss and edit. By the time Natalie leaves we pretty much know which look is ‘the one’."

Natalie Dormer and her stylist Alison Elwin

3. When did you start putting together ideas for her Hunger Games London look?

Alison: "For the red carpet in London, we decided that we would continue a long standing relationship that we have with couturier Nicholas Oakwell. We have supported him since his second season. Natalie loves his modern shapes with opulent detailing, and here we loved the structure of the corseted black satin against the soft, hand beaded royal blue mesh."

4. Which is your favourite look of Natalie's so far?

Alison: "For me, the SAG Awards. We knew Natalie was playing the role of Cressida in Hunger Games - Mockingjay and that she was going to have her head shaved. It felt like we had kept this a secret for months and even after Natalie had the undercut she managed to keep it under wraps for a long time. Once we had made the decision that this event was the time for the reveal we were both excited and nervous about it. Natalie’s hair was such a dramatic change for her, that we opted for a very simple Marios Schwab dress in white. We wanted to keep everything very clean and angular to reflect the line on her hair. The intricate Diane Kordas ear cuff made the look more feminie with its curved detailing."

Left, Natalie Dormer in Tata Naka; Right, Natalie Dormer in Michael Van Der Ham

**5. Have you had any near disasters putting together a look for Natalie?

**

Alison: "Thankfully we haven’t had any disasters since working together. If something goes wrong with one of my clients it tends to be en route to an event. It could be someone putting their heel through the most delicate of chiffons, or a zip popping before stepping onto the red carpet. Nothing a needle, thread and a steady hand can’t sort."

6. Is there anything she doesn't like to wear?

Alison: "Natalie’s taste has broadened as she has become more comfortable walking the red carpet; a stylist and clients relationship is a carefully crafted collaboration. I will encourage Natalie to try things on that she may not have considered before, this happens when there is trust and understanding between you, and that all develops with time."

7. What is she like to work with – is she open to trying new looks or does she know her own style?

Alison: "Natalie is always very open minded. In fittings we tend to try on everything and that includes the pieces she isn’t naturally drawn to. Sometimes those pieces are the ones we end up falling in love with. In films or editorial shoots actors are a persona, but at premieres I like to ensure that what is worn is a true representation of them, and not of the role they are playing."

Natalie Dormer at the SAG Awards in Marios Schwab

8. Is Natalie interested in fashion?

Alison: "Who doesn't love clothes? I love introducing her to new designers and we discuss seasonal trends when we see each other. As Natalie is British we always try and wear a good mix of designers who either come from or show in London. This doesn’t mean we are confined to just those brands. I feel that is important to support new designers as well as established fashion houses. Promoting Mockingjay in London Natalie wore Micheal Van Der Ham, Tatanaka, House Of Holland, alongside Christian Dior, Pucci and Dolce and Gabbana."

9. How did you become a stylist?

Alison: "I really loved the history of fashion, and while studying at Central St Martins I met Sarah Mower who gave me a job at The Fashion, a bi annual publication she was editor of at the time. She taught me so much and introduced me to Fashion Editors who freelanced for the title. It was from there I focused on styling and honed my craft assisting Kate Phelan, Jane How and Anna Cockburn, which was invalubale. I moved onto styling shows and editorials alike. Over the years I worked with an array of clients and celebrities, including Margaret Howell, Matthew Williamson, L'Oreal, Nicola Roberts and the the rest of the Girls Aloud for their TEN tour and Demi Lovato."

10. Is there anything you think would surprise people about your job?

Alison: "Styling for the red carpet isn’t just about just putting on any dress because it looks pretty. There is a carefully thought out process behind it. You have to consider how someone will be perceived, as well as creating and maintaing a brand. For red carpet looks, I become fixated with perfect tailoring. These girls are shot from every angle so every little detail needs to be considered and studied. We have no control of the angle someone is going to be shot from or the lighting they are going to be in, so nothing can be left to chance. Sadly life doesn’t have an automatic retouch or colour work button like Instagram, styling looks for the red carpet is about being particular and precise. Nothing can be left to chance."

See Natalie's style evolution in the gallery below...