Petra Flannery has spent decades crafting Hollywood's most watched moments. As stylist to stars including Emma Stone, Zoe Saldaña, Amy Adams, Reese Witherspoon, Claire Danes and Renée Zellweger, she has shaped the style of some of the world's most fashionable actors – not only through looks that generate conversation, but through years of evolving creative partnerships.

Since launching her namesake studio in 2006, she has been named Stylist of the Year by InStyle and Most Powerful Stylist by The Hollywood Reporter. 

In conversation, Petra reflects on her love of Fernando’s creations, which have adorned her clients for years, the red carpet moments she’s most proud of and the role jewellery plays in her work and life. 

I definitely come alive in the afternoons and evenings.

I don’t think I have a “typical day”. What I love about my job is that every day is different – we’re constantly working on a variety of projects from press tours to advertising and editorials. 

I’ve always loved fashion. I draw a lot from photography and models. Lately, I’ve been really inspired by the late 80s and 90s in particular.

I think I’ve learned over the years to try not to stress too much or lean into the pressure of it all. Easier said than done, but being a Type-A Capricorn, I try to get as organised as possible ahead of time. I check in constantly on custom dresses, so there’s no surprises, multiple fittings and I like to remind myself that in the end, things always work out. 

I am fortunate to work with really incredible women. I've had the honour of dressing Oscar winners four times now. So it’s always nice to be a little part of that history. I am super proud of Zoe [Saldaña]’s 2025 Awards season run for Emilia Perez – working with Saint Laurent was a dream, everything was detailed down to the jewellery she would pair with each look.

I think if you love your work, and you approach it with your family as a positive thing you set a good example for your children. My family knows what is going on in my world, and I like to include them in it. My job certainly has a lot of perks with travel, so I’ve occasionally been able to make family trips around work events. I turned a Paris Couture/London press tour into a mother-son trip with a stop at Wimbledon, which will always be a trip we hold dear. 

I love architecture and form. So maybe interior design – or jewellery making myself ; ) I’ve gotten to dabble a bit and I love the aspects of being inspired by objects and architecture. 

Jewellery plays a crucial role in the styling process. When you’re working with a brand like Fernando who has statement and sculptural pieces – sometimes it’s even designing the look around it. The special thing about jewellery is that it can really elevate a look. 

I always grew up with jewellery being a prominent aspect of style and fashion. My Italian grandmother always wore jewellery - even with her jeans. 

Jewellery is a very personal thing – it evokes an emotion, there is a visceral feeling when someone tries something on, and they really love it. 

When styling jewellery on clients, a lot goes into consideration – necklines, personal style, occasions. I even consider different tones of jewellery on different complexions. I personally like to wear jewellery that feels good when you put it on, like a second skin. I tend to use jewellery as a style statement.