“I’m trying to see how long I can save money,” Damson Idris joked to E! News on the 2026 Oscars red carpet. The F1 actor wasn’t talking about saving on rent by having roommates, but about his outfit: a custom Prada suit inspired by the memorable fall 2012 menswear runway show—nicknamed “The Villains”—which featured models like Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, and Gary Oldman. He completed the look with a custom F1-inspired brooch from his own jewelry brand, Didris. Idris noted that, unlike the usual industry practice, he chose not to work with a stylist for the event—a deliberate move for a stylish star on one of fashion’s biggest, most brand-partnership-focused nights. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that he’s already a Prada ambassador.

These days, it seems everyone is aware of the inner workings of celebrity style. With the rise of online red-carpet commentary, terms like “brand contract,” “full look policy,” and “designer credits” are tossed around on high-fashion Twitter as much as in internal editorial chats. That’s why it’s especially surprising to hear an actor take a now-unconventional approach to dressing.

This is particularly notable given the current moment, where rising stars are being signed by fashion houses earlier and earlier in their careers—just look at Heated Rivalry‘s Hudson Williams, who made his Oscars debut as an official friend of Balenciaga. However, Idris isn’t alone in taking sartorial risks. Some celebrities, like Blake Lively and occasionally Bella Hadid, famously never work with a stylist.

It may feel like a lifetime ago, but there was a time when Timothée Chalamet was an emerging star, fresh off the success of Call Me By Your Name, wearing a series of experimental Louis Vuitton and Haider Ackermann looks to awards season’s biggest events. Those were all self-styled moments. His genuine friendship with the now-creative director of Tom Ford led to some of the red carpet’s most memorable recent fashion risks—like his quicksilver suit or the backless halter top some compared to The Chronicles of Narnia‘s Mr. Tumnus—which helped establish him as a best-dressed regular. Today, the actor works with stylist Taylor McNeill, who, starting with the press tour for A Complete Unknown, helped transform his public image from a soft-spoken indie darling to the exuberant leading man of Marty Supreme.

Teyana Taylor also dabbles in self-styling. The actress told Vanity Fair ahead of the 2026 Oscars that it depends on the type of look she wants. She regularly works with styling duo Wayman and Michah, who dressed her in Chanel for that night. However, when she wears custom pieces—like her trompe l’oeil Thom Browne outfit at the 2026 Actor Awards—she prefers to work directly with the brand to build personal relationships. One glance at the array of fashions Taylor wore throughout the 2026 awards season makes it clear that, stylist or not, she knows exactly what works for her: usually form-fitting, sparkling, and a touch avant-garde.

By constantly changing her approach, she keeps fans guessing and avoids being tied to a single fashion house, giving her far more flexibility to wear a wider variety of brands compared to official ambassadors or “friends of” a label.

The same goes for Odessa A’zion, whose quirky yet relaxed style has been charming red carpets. The actress chose a vintage Armani jumpsuit at the 2026 Actor Awards.On the red carpet, she told hosts that she always likes to slip into a pair of pants whenever possible. Last night at the Oscars was no exception—she wore a fringed look straight from the Valentino spring 2026 couture runway, then changed into a sculptural Harris Reed dress for the Vanity Fair after-party. For A’zion, styling herself feels just as natural as her slightly unconventional awards season fashion, helping her quickly establish a signature look.

While landing a brand ambassadorship for an event like the Oscars can seem like an Olympic-level competition, with every celebrity (and their stylist, manager, and agent) suddenly vying for attention, some stars still manage to stand out on their own. Taylor and A’zion keep things intriguing, always leaving us eager for more. Meanwhile, Idris’s decision to go without a stylist felt perfectly suited to his own bejeweled designs, making the evening a truly personal affair from head to toe.

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about celebrities like Damson Idris skipping professional stylists for major events

FAQs Celebrities Skipping Stylists for Red Carpets

Beginner General Questions

1 What does it mean that Damson Idris skipped the stylist for the Oscars
It means he chose his own outfit for the event without hiring a professional fashion stylist to curate source and style his look

2 Why would a celebrity choose not to use a stylist
There are a few key reasons to express their personal taste more authentically to avoid the high cost of stylist fees to make a statement about fashion industry norms or simply for the comfort and ease of wearing something they truly love

3 Isnt a stylist essential for a big event like the Oscars
Traditionally yes Stylists have industry connections to secure designer loans and create cohesive red carpetsafe looks However some celebrities are challenging that idea proving a personal touch can be just as powerful

4 Who else has done this recently
Stars like Jeremy Allen White Ayo Edebiri and Paul Giamatti have notably chosen their own outfits for recent major awards often opting for classic personal suits or simple elegant dresses they already own or feel comfortable in

5 Does skipping a stylist mean they just wore old clothes
Not necessarily It could mean buying a new outfit themselves wearing archival pieces from their own wardrobe or collaborating directly with a designer without a stylist as the middleman The key is personal choice over professional curation

Advanced Industry Questions

6 What are the potential risks of not using a stylist
The main risks are fashion faux pas criticism from industry outlets missing the opportunity to wear exclusive designer pieces only offered through stylist relationships and the logistical challenge of securing fittings and alterations alone

7 Whats the financial impact Is this about saving money
It can be Top stylists can charge tens of thousands of dollars per event Skipping that fee is a significant saving However for many its less about cost and more about creative control and authenticity

8 Is this a new trend or a lasting shift in celebrity culture
It appears to be a growing trend part of a