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Kate Young Steers Natalie Portman’s Wardrobe Clear of ‘Pregnancy Clichés’

Kate Young, whose clients include the likes of Natalie Portman and Rachel Weisz, began her career as Anna Wintour’s assistant. After majoring in English and art history in college, the Pennsylvania native moved to New York and landed a job at Vogue. “I had a really different experience to what people assume I had. I really liked the job,” she says, dismissing nightmarish Devil Wears Prada visions. “Anna’s a really smart, tough woman, but I have nothing but good things to say about her.”

Today, the stylist works with Rachel McAdams, Selma Blair, and more; most recently, she dressed Portman and Alicia Keys for last weekend’s Golden Globes. “I like working with people that I admire, so I don’t have a huge roster like other stylists,” she explains. Dressing the high-profile-and-pregnant Natalie Portman has presented a welcome sartorial challenge. “Being pregnant, your body is very specific, and it changes everything,” she says. “I’m trying to keep her looking clean, modern, and flattering — and trying not to fall into pregnancy clichés.” We caught up with Young to discuss her A-list clientele, fantasy décor , and Fashion Week plans.

What should every woman have in her closet?
One dress that makes you feel good. It would be easy to say something in particular, like a little black dress, but that’s not right for everybody. If you’re a potter and you live in Woodstock, a black dress is dumb. I think everyone should have one outfit that they feel their best in.

Kate Young Steers Natalie Portman’s Wardrobe Clear of ‘Pregnancy Clichés’