Golden Globes 2016: Diary of a Celebrity Stylist

Awards season may be a frantic time for actors and actresses, but at the end of the day, all they have to do is look pretty and, if they’re lucky, deliver a speech or two. Behind the scenes, though, the celebrity stylist is working overtime to make sure her clients look pristine on the red carpet and don’t land on any worst-dressed lists. For Golden Globes weekend, stylist Karla Welch worked around the clock for a bevy of beauties: Olivia Wilde, Michelle Monaghan, America Ferrara, Melissa Benoist of TV’s Supergirl and Courtney Eaton of Mad Max: Fury Road. Here, a blow by blow account of how Hollywood got ready for its big night.

Thursday, January 7

6 a.m.: I joke that I don’t see my family during awards season, but clearly I see them long enough to take this pic of them sleeping.

8 a.m.: I couldn’t tell you what day of the week it is but my office is getting full. We have six people going to the Globes and parties and all our fittings need to happen this week.

12 p.m.: Michelle Monaghan getting ready for W’s party.

6 p.m.: The look is finally dropped off. Phew.

10 p.m.: Michelle rocking my favorite Prabal Gurung suit. The night is o-v-e-r.

Friday, January 8

9 a.m.: First of back-to-back fittings, followed by another at 11 a.m. and then another at 2 p.m.

4 p.m.: Olivia Wilde’s first fitting. She is presenting this year. We love the Globes. It was our very red carpet years ago so we are always a little bit sentimental.

5:47 p.m.: I literally just got word that America Ferrera is presenting. We hit the phones to get ready for a Saturday morning fitting.

Saturday, January 9

8 a.m.: I am f—ing tired

12:20 p.m.: America Ferrara’s first fitting. I knew as soon as I saw this gorgeous Jenny Packham gown it would be the one. And, it was the only one we tried one. Moral of the story, it doesn’t always or ever have to be hard.

1 p.m.: I’m old school and I like making lists on paper. Once we have everyone’s look including all accessories, my team and I make packing lists for everyone. I also like to get a parking ticket every Globes weekend.

4 p.m.: Second Olivia fitting. I like to always keep the event and reason behind all the clothing selects. This custom Michael Kors collection is perfect for the event and the parties.

Sunday, January 11 ____

7 a.m.: Breakfast with the family. Just kidding! I slept to the last possible minute and barely had a coffee.

11 a.m.: I am nothing without my wonderful team – Erica and Siena. We are off to dress six clients – all before 3 p.m.

1:30 p.m.: Check out the sick vintage Bulgari choker on Olivia.

2:30 p.m.: I wanted Melissa to feel just pretty and beautiful and fresh for her first Globes carpet. This Monique Lhuillier dress was the first dress we tried. We just knew it was right. I’m obsessed with her Irene Neuwirth jewels.

3:30 p.m.: The gorgeous Courtney Eaton is in Mad Max: Fury Road and tonight we went Frida Khalo in this incredible Alessandra Rich dress and sick Chanel jewelry. Here she is with the wonderful glam team of Christian Wood and Georgie Eisdel.

4 p.m.: Behind the scenes with Michelle in her Prabal Gurung gown – the color is insane especially with the lining. Clearly I have a crazy selfie face.

4:45 p.m.: Last but certainly not least: The coolest, Carrie Brownstein in Valentino. BOOM! She told me to bring tennis shoes and I told her to suck it.

5 p.m.: I went to see my lovely Europeans – Mathilde [Favier-Meyer] from Dior and Youssef [Marquis] from Givenchy for some Champagne with fellow stylists Elizabeth Stewart and Ryan Hastings .

10:45 p.m.: We were going to go to the parties but stayed home and played David Bowie. The Golden Globes are officially done.