Karla Welch's Life and Career as a Celebrity Fashion Stylist

Karla Welch is one of the fashion industry’s most high-profile stylists and creative directors. Her looks have been on display at Los Angeles red carpet events and New York fashion shows alike. Over the course of her fashion career, she’s styled dozens upon dozens of celebrities for magazine shoots as well.

Drawing on street style, high fashion, and minimalism, Karla has cultivated a distinctive and recognizable approach to fashion. She sells clothes through x karla, cofounded The Period Company, and helped start the styling app WISHI.

Karla Welch’s career has sent her from Los Angeles to New York and Paris styling celebrities and models. Here are four facts to know about her:

1. 1. She’s an award show mainstay. You might have seen Karla’s styling at major Hollywood awards shows like the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Grammys. She’s also debuted plenty of clothing combinations at New York Fashion Week and the Met Gala.
2. 2. She puts an emphasis on minimalism. While Karla is comfortable with couture, she often emphasizes simplicity. You’ll often see celebrities in her photo shoots in a minimalist tee or classic dress, perhaps modeling a tote bag or purse. She’s as adept with high fashion as she is with secondhand thrift finds.
3. 3. She’s styled celebrities. Celebrities of every stripe have called on Karla to put their fashion ensembles together. Over the course of her career, she’s worked with Busy Phillips, Hailey Bieber, Justin Bieber, Karlie Kloss, Olivia Wilde, Sarah Paulson, Tracee Ellis Ross, and others.
4. 4. She’s worked with major fashion brands. Karla’s collaborations have stretched from the highest heights of Parisian fashion to more consumer-facing brands. She’s helped style campaigns for Dior, Hanes, Levi’s, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and other major fashion designers.

Karla Welch has spent years using fashion to make simple yet powerful aesthetic statements. Here are five concepts you can expect her to discuss in her class:

1. 1. Building a business: Karla has designed looks for some of society’s most notable stars and founded multiple different businesses. “Really have a vision,” she says of starting your own endeavor. “Understand if there’s a need. I’ve made a million mistakes. But I’ve also had a ton of successes as well.” In this class, you’ll learn what it takes to build a fashion brand of your own.
2. 2. Democratizing style: For Karla, fashion has always been about inclusion and accessibility. “I think there’s this thread with me of, like, democratizing and making things accessible to everyone,” she says, “because maybe when I grew up, nothing was accessible to me.” Learn how she’s helped make it easier for stylists and everyday people to follow in her fashion-forward footsteps.
3. 3. Developing confidence: Experimenting with your style can help you feel empowered. “Your own personal style can help you feel powerful, confident, healthy, happy,” Karla says. “It’s a way of telling the world who you are.” Let her show you how your clothes can make you feel more comfortable with who you are.
4. 4. Finding your own look: You’ll often find Karla in a relaxed yet stylish blazer and T-shirt. It’s part of her trademark look, and she can help you find yours, too. “If you want to change up your style, I think one of the easiest ways at home to do it is to look at people whose style you like,” she says. “Look at what they're wearing and think about what you can emulate yourself. Imitation is the highest form of flattery.” Learn more about how to pick out clothes to express yourself in the stylist’s class.
5. 5. Making a statement: Karla’s spent as much time engaged in activism as she has in designing red carpet and runway looks. “People can change and we can hope that they change,” she says, “and part of me being an activist and being vocal with my platform is to help that change happen.” See how she uses her voice to call for change both inside and outside the fashion industry.

For additional perspectives on fashion and personal style, check out:

1. 1. Diane von Furstenberg Teaches Building a Fashion Brand: Designer, model, and inventor of the wrap dress Diane von Furstenberg has broken down barriers since the 1970s with her stunning work. Watch Diane’s class to learn how to create a brand identify and find the courage and tenacity required to thrive in the fashion industry.
2. 2. Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia on Creative Collaboration: Fashion luminaries and Oscar de la Renta creative directors Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia understand how to collaborate to bring ideas to life. In Laura and Fernando’s class, learn how to establish a brand and forge a thriving creative partnership, as well as their tips for creative collaboration.
3. 3. Tan France Teaches Style for Everyone: Stylist, designer, and Queer Eye cohost Tan France believes anyone can achieve great style and look their best with the proper guidance. Watch Watch Tan’s class to learn everything you need to know to develop your personal style, which include his tips on how to take fashion risks, shop for denim, and edit your wardrobe.

Developing your fashion taste can go a long way toward building your confidence and helping you feel comfortable in your own skin. Discover Karla Welch’s approach to becoming a fashion stylist, building wardrobe essentials, and finding your personal style when you sign up for a MasterClass Annual Membership.