Fashion wars behind the scenes

Anna Bingemann

A-list clientele: Uma Thurman, Rachel Weisz and Naomi Watts
Signature style: Pared-down elegance

A tall, elegant Australian, Anna likes to keep a low profile but her reputation has earned her some of the world's most beautiful women as clients. 'Good styling takes personality into account,' she says.

'Celebrities sell magazines and products, that's how my job was created. But the real talent is with the designers. You very quickly sense what looks right and which designers they should wear. If she's a young New Yorker, then Marc Jacobs is perfect, but if she's very chic, I'll go for the French designers.'

Thanks to Anna's fascination with all things Roland Mouret, Naomi Watts and Rachel Weisz were among the first to wear his now-legendary Galaxy dress. 'At the end of the day, it's not about being in fashion, it's about being stylish,' says Anna. 'Great style is knowing what suits your body and your age, and knowing when not to wear something.'

Ones to watch:

Cristina Ehrlich & Estee Stanley
This duo have been credited with Mandy Moore's transformation from teen queen to effortless cool. They also created the Miss Davenporte fashion line which has developed a strong cult following.

Tara Swennen
A former assistant of Andrea Lieberman's, Tara cut her fashion teeth styling the costumes for music videos. After working with Rachel Zoe, she picked up red carpet tips and learned not to be afraid of being different. 'I am willing to risk getting panned a little bit more because I see it as an art,' she says.

Misa Hylton
Working with rap royalty like Mary J Blige, Lil Kim, Foxy Brown and Missy Elliott helped Misa become the woman to know if you want to make it big in bling. She has collaborated on lines for Reebok and G-Unit, and has an online boutique.