MTV just released the third phase of the Video Music Awards promo videos featuring Lady Gaga, who is set to perform at the show on August 28th in Los Angeles.

Each one of these jobs: Lil Wayne, Britney, Gaga, and soon to be aired, Bruno Mars, were such an INCREDIBLE experience to work on. Each one so unique to the artist. I promise that as soon as I catch up on some projects, I will have more insight, but until then – I hope these small updates will suffice.

One of the best styling gigs I’ve had the pleasure to work on. Check out Britney Spears and 16 of her lead dancers as they kill it for the 2011 MTV VMM’s. Thank you Jahai Brightly for having me on this project- the first two spots look insane and I can’t wait to see the next round up!

Phase one of a 4 part series featuring MTV Video Music Award Nominees!

Stay tuned to hear about how my team and I shopped the streets of LA & New York, called upon a vault of designers and brands, and had custom pieces made to style 20-50 extras per a spot, costume 16 key dancers, dress one of the worlds biggest female pop stars, witness mother Gaga and her metal monsters dominate set, and suit up one soulful prince of pop, rock, reggie, n’ R&B – Mr. Bruno Mars.

Thank you MTV for giving me one of the most wild rides of my life!

xo leila

After this past week I have now styled two celebrities on the cover of this magazine. Here’s to following my dreams, being humble, and believing in oneself. I am eternally grateful for my loving family, my inspiring friends and my creative peers… but most of all to the Man above. Thank you all for being a part of my life ♥

Tonight is one of the fashion industry’s biggest nights– the CFDA Annual American Fashion Awards. It’s basically like the “Oscar’s of Fashion”.   Besides awarding recognition to some of the industry’s most prolific and badass creative forces, the event also brings together some of the most famous celebrities, fashion designers, and  style icons. Translation: A cerebral visual orgasm.

In 2011, the council will be giving Lady Gaga the famed Fashion Icon Award, Marc Jacobs will be presented the Lifetime Achievement Award by close friend and confidant Sophia Coppola, and Vogue’s Creative Director, Grace Coddington will present the Board of Directors’ Special Tribute Award to Arthur Elgort– a man that changed the way the fashion industry’s viewed fashion photography. And it will be Kanye West who will present the International Award to Phoebe Philo of Céline— a love connection that was crystallized after his on-stage fashion statement during the Coachella Music Festival this year.

THE BEST PART!?!  A black and white portrait series commissioned by the CFDA and muscled by my favorite power duo Inez & Vinoodh featuring a fuck-yeah mix of this year’s nominees and honorees –PS>> Simon Spurr, my crush quota just super spiked.

More information on the CFDA and the nominees and honorees, go to CFDA.com. Photos by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin

About a month ago, I got the call of a lifetime. All-star photographer and friend Kwaku Alston was on hold to shoot Brad Pitt for the cover of USA WEEKEND magazine and he wanted me on it. With a last minute confirmation I had less than 12 hours to pull clothes. The guidelines from Senior Photo Editor at USA Weekend Magazine, David Baratz, was clear “.. tops should be bright, colorful, casual.  No busy patterns, dark colors or shirts with messages/slogans/graphics.” Done and done.

Fast forward 12 hours.  Brad arrives to set, we meet, have brief conversation about the wardrobe and his direction is clear: “I’m going through my Johnny Cash phase. I’m liking black.”

This is a perpetual conundrum in my industry, pleasing both client and subject while keeping integrity in tact. In my humble opinion, the real self of a subject should never be compromised by a publicist, a manager, a photo editor, etc.. Of course, I aim to elevate, collaborate, and enhance the brilliance of the subject; however, I’d never attempt to make them into someone whom they are not unless that was part of the “story”. Could that be the secret to celebrity styling? Maintaining truth while championing for the best take? Perhaps.  Personally,  I’m just an artist who loves what she does, feels blessed for every job, every experience, and every challenge.

So here is to you Mr. Pitt, for making me believe that dreams do come true.