Fashion Forward

By Emily White

They’ve dressed supermodels and Dancing stars, hosted an event at Coachella, and are Amazon Live’s newest hosts, but celebrity styling duo Danielle O’Connell and Alix Gropper are just getting started as they curate clients’ images and collaborate with brands worldwide.

Ladies, how has your styling business evolved since you started?

Danielle O’Connell: Since launching Danielle & Alix we’ve expanded into everything from celebrity styling and campaign consulting to dressing talent for press tours, music videos, and brand ambassadorships. We’ve grown from pulling looks to curating an image. Our styling process is strategic; it’s not just about what someone wears, but how it positions them long-term. As we’ve evolved, so has our network. We now collaborate with designers and brands globally, shaping narratives far beyond the clothes.

What have been some of your career highlights so far this year?

Alix Gropper: This year has been wild—in the best way. We kicked it off by hosting our first-ever brand trip to Aspen in partnership with Casa Del Sol and Vivrelle, joined by some of our favorite “It” girls like Hallie Batchelder, Alissa Violet, Serena Kerrigan, and Natalie Mariduena. From there, it was the Super Bowl of looks—literally—with our sporty superstar Kay Adams, followed by a full awards season run with Dancing With the Stars champion Jenna Johnson, who walked nearly every carpet. We hosted our first Coachella event with LOFT, styled Kensington Tillo for our first Cannes Red Carpet, partnered with dream client Armani, and debuted as Amazon Live’s newest hosts. It’s been a full-on juggling act, but nearly every day feels like a new highlight.

How are you continuing to split your work between New York and Los Angeles?

Gropper: We truly love both cities and can’t remember a time without fully operating in L.A. The city brings a fresh entertainment network and creative energy, while New York will always be home. Our clients are bicoastal, and so are we. We’ve done red carpet fittings in hotel rooms, changed clients in airport bathrooms, sourced last-minute shoes across time zones, and booked same-day flights. It’s organized chaos, but it works. Our growing team also gives us more bandwidth to be in two places at once, which is basically the dream.

Who are some of your latest clients?

O’Connell: We’ve been lucky to work with some incredibly inspiring women across entertainment and media. Recent clients include Jenna Johnson, Liv Walker, Pressley Hosbach, Danielle Jonas, Kay Adams, Kensington Tillo—and a Hamptons favorite, Amanda Batula. We’ve also styled some cool brand campaigns for labels, like Amazon Fashion, Armani, LOFT, Alice + Olivia, to name a few.

Which piece or trend are you secretly tired of seeing, and what do you wish would replace it?

O’Connell: We know the fashion cycle is inevitable, but the skinny jean comeback? We’re not emotionally ready. We’re all for a resurgence—when it feels fresh—but right now, we’re still living for relaxed tailoring, wide-leg silhouettes, and vintage-inspired cuts that let both the outfit and the person breathe. Let’s give skinnies another season…or five.

What’s your “holy grail” item that instantly elevates any look?

Gropper: This summer, it’s the ballet flat. We’re big fans of the “unexpected shoe theory”—pairing a shoe that feels slightly offbeat with a look. Ballet flats are perfect with baggy jeans and a tee, a tailored set, or even a mini dress. We’re obsessed with the jelly ballet flats for the beach—chicer than a flip-flop and just as easy to throw on that matches every look.

Is there a particular Hamptons style “myth” you wish more people would let go of?

Gropper: That you have to wear pastels and florals to blend in. There’s power in contrast—white linen with black sunnies, breezy trousers with a vintage tee and pearls. Understated is just as impactful. You don’t have to dress like a postcard, especially if your personal style leans more minimal, timeless, or edgy.

What’s coming up for you?

O’Connell: We’re expanding—taking on bigger campaigns and brand partners, styling more talent in music and film, and getting comfy in front of the camera. We’re also committed to mentoring the next generation of stylists. We didn’t have a road map when we started, and we’re passionate about creating one. Long-term, we’d love to creative-direct for a fashion house or launch a capsule that captures our styling DNA. But for now? We’re riding the momentum, so stay tuned!