By Cait Munro
Portrait by Christian Oth.
Actress Lupita Nyong’o, styled by Erlanger in a Gucci gown for the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.
Micaela Erlanger may be Miami’s chicest new part-time resident. A top celebrity stylist who has dressed the likes of Lupita Nyong’o, Diane Kruger and Meryl Streep, Erlanger is preparing to expand her reach after recently launching a private client division. “I’m excited to bring the same access and exclusive experience I provide to my celebrity clients to a very select, private audience,” she says. Erlanger has also collaborated with De Beers on a collection of engagement rings perfect for discerning brides wary of mass market offerings.
Did you always know you wanted to be a stylist?
I’ve always loved fashion. Some of my earliest childhood memories are staging photo shoots with my sister. It wasn’t until college, when I started interning at magazines, that I realized this could be my career. I ended up landing an internship with a top celebrity stylist. I worked with her for about six years before going out on my own and finding my own celebrity clientele.
What do you love about living in Miami? How has your wardrobe changed since moving here?
I love the attitude and the pace and how vibrant it is. And I have definitely done some damage in the shopping department, because I had to have a wardrobe that reflected my new environment. I have more swimsuits than I know what to do with now. I love that people really get dressed up here—more is definitely more!
How would you describe your own aesthetic?
I lean towards preppy classics, like a great blazer, the perfect white shirt, really well fitting jeans, ballet flats and great little sneakers. You won’t really find me following trends. But when it’s time to get dressed up, you better believe I turn it out! I love evening wear—for me, it’s a really fun expression and I take a lot of joy in it.
Are there particular brands you gravitate towards when shopping for yourself?
I love Miu Miu, Alexander McQueen, Valentino and Ralph Lauren. I seek out well-made pieces, and I also really believe in an edit. My wardrobe is made up of pieces that I actually get a lot of wear out of.
A look from Valentino’s Act collection.
What advice do you have for people trying to hone in on their sense of style?
Look for visual references that help articulate the way you might want to look or feel. I often share a lot of reference pictures with my clients to help them nail that look they’re after.
Which fall trends are you excited about?
Big statement bags are definitely back this season, and I love that lower heels are still here. Now that the world is opening up again, I think we’re seeing things that are a lot more elevated— there’s this return to glamour.
Images courtesy of Valentino, Versace, and Aquazzura.
