Inde Navarrette’s fashion backlash says as much about celebrity styling as it does about her wardrobe

The world of celebrity styling can be cutthroat when it comes to fashion. While we regular folk don’t have to worry too much about what we wear, it can be make-or-break for movie stars like Inde Navarrette. Recently, the actress has found herself the subject of mockery after a succession of bold fashion choices led fans to joke that her stylist hates her.

Since her breakout role in Obsession, it’s been a whirlwind of press junkets, photoshoots, and high-profile job offers (including a major role in future Marvel projects). We’re seeing Inde everywhere, and if you ask me, that’s a good thing, but it hasn’t all been positive. The actress and her stylist are facing backlash over her recent wardrobe choices.

You’ve no doubt already seen some of the things being said about the actress’ Shiaparelli polka-dot dress, but for those not in the know, Navarrette’s dress at the Academy Museum Gala was met with ridicule last week. Fans pointed out the problem with the noticeable gap in the bust of the dress. 

But that’s not the only example, as fans have expressed their distaste for her other red carpet looks too, including her appearance at the 27th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival, in which she wore a floral dress, which fans claimed was “ageing her.”

Much of the blame for Inde’s recent looks has fallen on her stylist, Enrique Melendez, whose clients include Jenna Ortega, according to Evie Magazine. But while Ortega’s wardrobe boasts elegant dresses that complement the actress’s natural look, Navarrette’s outfits, on the other hand, have left us scratching our heads and have been met with almost universal criticism.

It’s a balancing act

The response to Inde Navarrette highlights the kinds of pressure both stylists and celebrities face when it comes to putting together their wardrobe. It’s a difficult balancing act: trying to create that viral red carpet moment or risking an experimental style, and when it works, it works, but when it doesn’t, you’ll most certainly know about it.

Conversations about celebrity fashion often turn to the stylist responsible, and it’s easy to criticize Melendez for the bold choices made with Inde’s wardrobe. But the recent backlash also gives us a glimpse of just how challenging it can be to balance a designer’s vision with a celebrity’s image.

As I said, the world of celebrity styling can be cutthroat. People rarely hold back when it comes to criticizing red carpet looks. So what’s the answer? Should all celebrities and stylists play it safe from now on? I don’t think so.

Fashion isn’t all about aesthetics; sometimes the celebrity is trying to spread a message, like Sarah Paulson at the Met Gala. It seems like Navarrette wants to be bold and weird with her style, and there’s no denying that her wardrobe certainly communicates that.