Why she matters: A year ago, the world had never heard of Ruth Negga, but between her subtle turn in Loving, for which she was Oscar-nominated, and her exquisitely standout red-carpet presence, courtesy of Welch, the actress is now a fashion force. That's the power of a No. 1 stylist. Welch, who won the top spots on Vogue's best dressed lists for all three of Hollywood's major red carpets — the Emmys, Golden Globes and the Oscars — possesses a range as dynamic and varied as her clientele. She favors high-risk looks by Rodarte, Gucci and Louis Vuitton for Negga (balanced by the Oscar nominee's penchant for demure long sleeves); lady-with-an-edge selects for Prada-prone Emmy winner Paulson, 42; modern body-conscious picks for supermodel/girlfriend-in-law to Jared Kushner, Kloss, 24; and eclectic glam for Michelle Williams' awards-season plus-one, Philipps, 37. Negga credits Welch for her new "It" girl fashion status: "Before I ever started the [Loving] campaign, I was reading the top 25 stylists [list] and was like, 'I pick that girl.' There was something about her energy, that fierceness. Before I go anywhere, she does my [red carpet] poses for me, and I just copy them." The 35-year-old star's crowning moment was crimson Valentino couture topped off with a 146.16 carat Gemfields x Irene Neuwirth ruby headpiece at the Oscars. Welch also boasts an impressive #Beliebers following. "Anytime I put Justin in a suit, it gets a lot of attention."
Top looks: Negga, for whom Welch created her own #MegaNegga hashtag on Instagram and Twitter, glittered in silvery Louis Vuitton at the Golden Globes ("Modern armor," says Welch). The L.A.-based stylist, who accessorized all of her clients' Oscar looks with blue ACLU ribbons, also adored Paulson's emerald Emmys Prada, as did the actress herself. "I would like to be buried in it, walk to Gelson's in it, go to the movies in it," jokes The People v. O.J. Simpson actress.