Tara Swennen talks about Kristen with Cornell Alumni Magazine

On a Tuesday in mid-August, movie star Kristen Stewart was in New York City promoting her latest project, an action-comedy called American Ultra. She was a guest on "LIVE with Kelly and Michael" in the morning, appeared on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" at night, and flew back to Los Angeles at the end of the day. Her near-constant companion throughout that media whirlwind: Tara Swennen '01, her stylist for more than a decade.

Thirty-six-year-old Swennen has made a name for herself dressing an A-list roster of clients in her signature style, creating looks that are classic and elegant, but with a creative twist. In addition to Stewart—best known as Bella Swan from the Twilight movies—they include "Modern Family" star Julie Bowen, Kaley Cuoco of "The Big Bang Theory," and Emily Ratajkowski of Gone Girl and the "Blurred Lines" music video. "It's been lovely working with Kristen through her younger, teenage years and watching her blossom into a woman," says Swennen, who notes that Stewart is now the face of high-profile fashion brands Balenciaga and Chanel. "I've been able to have a lot of influence on her look, and we've done a lot of fun things together. It's a true collaboration."

For the New York outing, Swennen outfitted Stewart in a simple Thierry Mugler sheath on "LIVE" and a black Diane von Furstenberg romper on "Fallon." But she added her trademark visual appeal with unexpected color combinations—like the dress's mint and coral fabric—and edgy accessories such as the choker and strappy heels she paired with the romper.

You can read Tara's full interview with Cornell Alumini Magazine here.

Via Tara Swennen