Fashion wars behind the scenes

Nicole Chavez

A-list clientele: Rachel Bilson, Jaime King and Kristen Bell
Signature style: Funky but classy

Work on a few movies in LA, including Old School, led Nicole to the costume department of The O.C. where she oversaw Rachel Bilson's wardrobe. The pair hit it off and have become firm friends. She and Rachel considered collaborating on a clothing line, but instead now focus on supporting fledging designers whose collections they like.

'Nowadays, with the weeklies, when people see somebody they recognise, they notice which designer they're wearing and it just resonates,' says Nicole.

Her favourite designers include Brian Reyes, Zac Posen, Marc Jacobs and J. Mendel. Her three important rules for every woman are to invest neutral basics, stay on-trend with accessories, and use a tailor to make clothes fit to perfection. 'It's more affordable, and in the end you will be able to get dressed faster and with more ease,' she adds.

Britt Bardo

A-list clientele: Kate Hudson and Eva Mendes
Signature style: Hippy chic

Britt was working the boho chic look years before Sienna Miller had even bought her first pair of Ugg boots and also worked for Jennifer Lopez as her full-time stylist for six months. She says she works hard to make sure her clients look 'super-relaxed and effortless'. She adds: 'I don't want anyone to look like they are trying too hard.'

Working with yummy mummy Kate Hudson has also seen Britt's star rating soar and she is currently a consultant to Nike. 'It has definitely opened up other doors,' she says. 'I've been talking about how I want to start a small clothing line, or an intimate apparel line.'

Kate Young

A-list clientele: Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams and Jennifer Connelly
Signature style: Quirky haute couture

New York-based stylist Kate was the woman responsible for Michelle Williams' Vera Wang dress at the 2006 Academy Awards. She is also behind Natalie Portman's classic look, dressing her in Parisian labels like Lanvin and Balenciaga.

'I love clothes, I really like pretty things and nice things,' says Kate, who insists she won't be stepping in front of the camera like some of her peers.

She explains: 'I'm really not interested in being a celebrity, being glamorous, being famous. A stylist should never be a celebrity.' However, she has put her famous names to a few goodies, and adds: 'I make and collect jewellery and I have a line of stationery.'