Creating a Buzz With Design

Getting a coveted celebrity to wear your design at an event where everyone asks: “Who are you wearing?” is priceless for a budding designer’s career and the Oscars is the biggest of them all. Getting your design onto a celebrity is the tricky part. Having the right contacts, industry press coverage is helpful, but sometimes it is just a little luck.

Alexandra Vidal Spring/Summer 2013 Collection: Deco Gold tulle/ georgette bugle beaded and fringe hand-embroidered gown. Elizabeth Lippman

NEW YORK—As Hollywood’s A-listers glide onto the red carpet before the Oscars, it’s the fashion-designing elite who are being scrutinized, hoping to top the best-dressed list.

Dior and Armani Privé struck gold with Jennifer Lawrence and Jessica Chastain, respectively, Sunday night. Naeem Khan, a New York-based designer, also hit the spot with classy art deco style metallic gowns on both the first Lady Michelle Obama and Stacy Keibler.

“The power of celebrity backing has been crucial,” Khan told the New York Times. “I would say that 90 percent of our brand recognition comes from celebrities wearing my pieces.”

Khan became a household name after Michelle Obama wore his design for a state dinner in 2009.

New York City designer Alexandra Vidal, only an eyelash away from the Oscar red carpet, agrees with Khan.

“It is a big deal when a celebrity wears something of yours,” she said. Getting to the Oscars is one of “every designer’s top accomplishments.”

Getting a Break