Celebs Call Me When They Need a Look—3 Red Carpet Trends They're Loving Now
As an editor, I've been to so many showrooms I can't even count them all. But walking into Janet Mandell's showroom in New York City is a whole new kind of experience. Mandell first got on my radar after I noticed she was tagged in look after look worn by celebrities dressed in vintage designer pieces that you can't just walk into a store and buy. Mandell was credited for sourcing archival looks such as a Gianni Versace Couture 1991 top worn by Keke Palmer and Shania Twain's vintage Chanel set for the CMT Awards. I just knew I had to check out this showroom for myself.
Once you arrive at Mandell's showroom, you are greeted with racks and racks of designer dresses organized by hem length and color. Vintage archival pieces are everywhere, and there's a wall of accessories that almost made me cry. (Sometimes, vintage Chanel has that effect on me.) It was like my dream wardrobe. I was seeing a Jean Paul Gaultier dress I was in love with one minute and then would be completely distracted by a Saint Laurent dress I remembered melting over as it came down the runway a few years ago. I was curious about Mandell before, but after checking out her showroom, I was waiting on the edge of my seat to know about her sourcing process, the iconic red carpet looks she and her team played a role in, and runway trends she's predicting will dominate the 2024 award season.
I tapped Mandell for answers to all of these questions and a few more. Keep scrolling to read our conversation.
What photo shoot or red carpet look that you were a part of stands out to you as most iconic?
One that stands out is when we re-created an iconic '90s Chanel look for the 2023 Met Gala. Everyone remembers Linda Evangelista dripping in layers upon layers of Chanel leather and chains. We re-created this look for a prominent socialite from India. It took sourcing from several different collectors and an incredible amount of work, but the final look was perfection. Definitely a moment we are proud of.
What inspired you to get into the world of sourcing vintage pieces and dressing celebrities for events?
From the beginning, it was important for us to collect rare and unique vintage gowns. We love the sustainability and circular fashion concept behind pre-loved vintage pieces. As our collection grew, word spread, and celebrities started calling.
How do you go about sourcing your pieces?
I curate from a wide variety of outlets and use my connections and ability to think outside the box. I can't give away all my secrets, but I will say the trick to sourcing is timing.
When helping to assemble the perfect red carpet look for a celebrity client, what do you take into consideration?
With celebrities, they want to know that no one else has worn this look on a red carpet. They gravitate toward our one-of-a-kind vintage archive pieces.
What red carpet trends do you predict will dominate the 2024 award season?
We are in the thick of award season right now and have been slammed as usual. This year, we are seeing lots of Old Hollywood glamour paired with gloves, classic and chic silhouettes, quiet luxury, and feminine details like a dainty bow.
Shop the trends:
Old Hollywood
Romantic Details
Quiet Luxury
Mandell usually works with celebrities for high-profile events and red carpets, but you don't have to be a celebrity to get to work with her. You can book a styling session, consign, and rent magical pieces yourself by reaching out on Instagram.
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Grace has always been a lover of all things fashion and beauty. Upon receiving her first degree in visual communications from FIDM in Los Angeles, she moved to New York City and continued her education at LIM College, majoring in fashion media with a minor in society and culture. Grace has worked for PhotoBook magazine, Insider, and Harper's Bazaar. As a writer, Grace has had pieces published covering topics including racial justice, fashion, politics, and current events. During her free time, she loves wine tasting, creating content for her social media, spending time with friends, traveling to new places, and Pilates, and has a love for reality television, especially The Real Housewives. Grace is the person in your friend group everyone goes to for recommendations for the best place to grab drinks in NYC on a Friday night or the best hotels and restaurants to try when traveling to a new city. While fashion is her main love, she loves all things wellness and lifestyle as well. Her ideal sunday is brunching with friends then walking around furniture shopping and listening to a podcast. As the assistant shopping editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Grace loves finding the best buys out there for the WWW readers.
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