Hello and welcome! I’m Shreya, the founder of SGK Styles, and if you’ve ever looked at a Bollywood celebrity at a film premiere or an airport and thought, “How do they always look so effortlessly put-together?”, then this blog post is for you.

I’ve spent over eight years styling some of the most incredible names in the Indian film industry—from the elegance of Katrina Kaif to the dynamic charm of Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan. It’s a world that looks incredibly glamorous from the outside, but on the inside, it’s a high-stakes game of strategy, psychology, and logistics.

Many people, from aspiring stylists to my own lovely bridal clients, often ask me: “What is the difference between what you do and what a fashion designer does?”

It’s a great question. So, let’s pull back the curtain on the art and science of celebrity styling.

Styling vs. Designing: The Grand Distinction

Think of it this way: A fashion designer is the architect; a celebrity stylist is the interior designer.

A fashion designer (like the brilliant Sabyasachi or Manish Malhotra) creates the garment itself. They dream up the silhouette, select the fabric, and oversee the embroidery. Their focus is on creating a beautiful, stand-out piece of clothing that reflects their brand's aesthetic.

My job as a celebrity stylist is not to create the clothes. My job is to curate them. I don't just pick a dress; I build a persona.

I’m the one who decides which designer’s outfit will tell the right story for my client at this specific moment. Then, I complete the picture. I decide if that Sabyasachi lehenga needs a heritage polki necklace or a pair of modern, statement earrings. I decide if the hair should be in a sleek bun or loose waves, and if the shoes should be a classic stiletto or a quirky sneaker.

A designer gives you the tools; a stylist teaches you how to use them to build your personal brand.

The Many Hats of a Celebrity Stylist: One Size Does Not Fit All

One of the biggest misconceptions is that styling is just for red carpets. Far from it. A celebrity is a brand that is "on" 24/7, and their style needs to adapt to every single scenario.

Here’s a look at the different "modes" I switch between when working with a star:

1. The Red Carpet & Awards Night: The "Wow" Moment

This is the Super Bowl of styling. The goal here is simple: make a statement that will be talked about. We’re looking for high drama, impeccable fit, and that "stop-scrolling" factor. The outfit needs to look flawless not just to the naked eye, but to hundreds of high-definition cameras flashing at once. It’s about creating a moment that becomes part of fashion history.

The Vibe: Glamorous, iconic, and perfectly tailored.

2. Movie Promotions & Press Junkets: The Marathon

When a big film is about to release, the lead actors go on a whirlwind promotional tour. They might do five interviews and two events in a single day. My job is to create a series of looks that are distinct yet cohesive. They need to be comfortable enough to sit in for hours but stylish enough to look fresh on camera every time. We often plan 20-30 looks for a single promotional leg!

The Vibe: Trendy, relatable, and photo-ready from all angles.

3. Airport Looks: The "Off-Duty" Cool

This is a uniquely Indian phenomenon. The airport arrival has become its own runway. The brief is tricky: it has to look comfortable and "thrown together," but it must also be impossibly chic. We’re talking premium athleisure, a perfectly oversized jacket, and the right pair of sunglasses. It’s about projecting an aura of cool, effortless luxury while navigating customs.

The Vibe: Aspirational comfort. "I just woke up like this (in a designer tracksuit)."

4. Feature Films & Ad Films: The Character Builder

This is where styling meets storytelling. When I style for a movie (like my work on Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani) or an ad film, I’m not styling the actor—I’m styling the character. Every piece of clothing has to serve the script. Does this character shop at high-street brands or luxury boutiques? Are they confident or shy? Their clothes have to answer those questions before they even speak a line of dialogue.

The Vibe: Authentic to the character's world and narrative arc.

The SGK Philosophy: Why This Matters for You

So, why am I telling you all this?

For the aspiring stylists out there: understand that this job is 20% fashion and 80% problem-solving, psychology, and logistics. You need to be organized, empathetic, and quick on your feet.

For my wonderful brides and grooms: I bring this exact same strategic, high-stakes methodology to your wedding styling.

Just like a celebrity on a press tour, your wedding is a multi-day event where you are the star of the show. You need distinct looks for the Mehendi, Sangeet, and Wedding day that are cohesive yet unique. You need outfits that are photogenic, comfortable enough to dance in, and perfectly tailored to your body and personality.

When you hire SGK Styles, you aren't just getting someone to help you shop. You are getting a partner who understands how to build a personal brand through clothing, how to manage a complex wardrobe timeline, and how to ensure you look and feel like the biggest star in the room—because on your big day, you absolutely are.

Ready to create your own iconic looks? Let's chat.

With love and style,

Shreya Gupta Kedia

Founder, SGK Styles

From Red Carpet to Real Life: What Does a Celebrity Stylist Actually Do?