Ann-Marie Hoang, a costume stylist from Highland Park based in Los Angeles.
(Jennelle Fong/For The Times)
Ann-Marie Hoang has made her love of chaos a career.
As a costume stylist from Highland Park based in Los Angeles, Hoang finds her creative energy is best exercised on the set of a music video. There’s something about the long hours and collaboration across crews that always leaves her inspired. Whether it’s the film-inspired set of Ariana Grande’s “Thank U, Next” video, the twisted cityscape of Doja Cat’s “Streets” or Megan Thee Stallion’s brightly colored toy store in “Cry Baby,” Hoang helps complete the artist’s vision — she’s typically in charge of all the on-screen clothing not worn by the musician.
“I need to have it in my soul to feel creative and do some of these commercial photoshoots,” Hoang says. Some of her signature looks include the punk-inspired ones from Doja Cat’s Scarlet tour, the bright and mostly pink outfits from Grande’s “7 Rings” or even the office-chic outfits from Kacey Musgraves’ “High Horse.” Her most memorable photoshoot so far was working with the 200-plus-person team that styled Rihanna’s Super Bowl look.
Hoang enjoys working with musicians because she can dress “like herself and not feel judged.” Her personal style lies at the intersection of experimental and daring. Her outfits, which are often centered around several basic pieces, often incorporate sparkly dental grills, extremely furry hats, clever reflective sunglasses and high-heeled sneakers.
The three words Hoang would use to describe her everyday style? “No hang-ups, no armor. [with jewelry] “and unpredictable.”
Ann-Marie Hoang wears Pelle Pelle leather jacket, Empath top, HommeGirls underwear, Gucci glasses, Planeta keychain, Soto Gang belt, Ancuta Sarca heels and Evisu pants.
(Jennelle Fong/For The Times)
I always start my day with electrolytes or a kiss for my children.
When I'm in the car, I'm probably listening to Jungle.
The color I am unexpectedly drawn to is It's not something unexpected. Ever since I was a kid, I've only been attracted to one color, and that's green. In the past, I used to think that I was going to buy one of those imported cars and it would be green with green flames. Even if a project doesn't require the color green for some reason, I need to choose it and buy at least one green part.
My most prized piece in my closet is My Oakley Over the Top sunglasses. I've always wanted them. They're one of those things that I've always put on my mood boards. The fact that Oakley has come so far with their sunglasses is something I love. They're functional, but I've never seen anything like them. They were even used in the Olympics.
Ann-Marie Hoang wears a headscarf by Misbhv, earrings and anklet by VidaKush, Oakley Over the Top sunglasses, an airbrushed top by For Posse, and kitten heels by Jeffrey Campbell.
(Jennelle Fong/For The Times)
My ideal Saturday in Los Angeles looks like this Wake up, go to Cindy's house, and then maybe go to the park and have a picnic with my family. I try to take weekends off so I can spend time with my kids, because during the week, things get a little chaotic with their school schedule. I try to be present on the weekends.
My signature scent is Palo Santo, the roll-on. I've been using it for three or four years. I even order two at a time.
When I get dressed every morning, I always think about First I think about the weather. Then I think about whether I'm going to a jiu-jitsu class, whether I'm going shopping, or whether I'm going to be on set. Then I choose a statement piece that I want to wear taking all of those factors into account.
Ann-Marie Hoang wears a hat with veil by Ella Loca, a denim jacket by Mauricio Cruz and heels by Comme des Garçons x Nike.
A designer WHO Did it make me look at fashion differently? There was not [one]I love watching people. That's what attracted me to styling. I've never been interested in design because I'm not one to look at brands. I look more at a cut or how someone puts something together. That's more interesting to me than a designer.
It goes hand in hand with what I do. I work with background dancers and a lot of times… [brands] I don't want to give them clothes because they're not artists, so I have to find ways to enhance everyone's look without making it designer.
The best place for people-wpaste is The flea market, because I think people are really good at mixing modern, vintage and designer. In Los Angeles, people are always very scattered, but on Sundays, all the fashion people go shopping at the flea market. That's where I find a lot of inspiration.
I always show myself to work with Rihanna's team. I love supporting Jahleel. [Weaver, Rihanna’s stylist] Because it's a dream to work with him. His work ethic inspires me a lot. I want to work hard for that team, because they're so intentional. They're very professional and very cool at the same time.
My place of thought is my car every time I drive to a familiar place, like my house or [taking] Children at school.
My essential niche for a photo shoot This double-sided tape is called Fearless Tape. I can no longer find cans of this tape and my assistants have been emailing the company to get it for me. It is my most prized possession. Sometimes you don't even need safety pins and after dry cleaning it is still sticky.
If I had to wear one shoe for the rest of my life, it would be… My Prada loafers. I love them. They go with everything and give me a bit of height.
Ann-Marie Hoang wears Nike cap and sunglasses, Adidas biker jacket and shorts, Prada tie and loafers, Michael Hoban x Tried and True jumpsuit, VidaKush socks, and jewelry.
Hear [an artist’s] radio It is essential when working on a shoot. It's kind of like London rap or something really mellow. Maybe Little Dragon or Anderson .Paak. Something mellow but a little upbeat.
My comfort food is A crispy potato taco. There's a place down the street from me. They make the most delicious potato and shrimp tacos. You know they're good when there's a grandma sitting outside telling the chef what to make.
For me, the hardest part of doing someone else's hair is… Get them out of their comfort zone. We all dress every day, so we have an idea of how we should look. Sometimes people get so attached to their ideas that it's hard to let go and trust.
The key to building that trust between a client and a stylist is I tell them to try it. If they try what I want them to wear and then completely hate it, then that's fine. But I will break down the reasons why I do certain things. Sometimes, ultimately, it's not up to me or them; we all work for someone.
My biggest fashion mistake is… Skinny jeans. I don't think men's jeans should be tighter than women's. It's very unflattering because you end up looking like a chicken leg. It doesn't suit most people. I prefer to wear straight leg pants.
Ann-Marie Hoang wears a cap by Barney's Co-op, glasses by Bonnie Clyde, a top by Homme Boy x LTTT, jewelry by VidaKush, a belt and skirt by Poster Girl, and boots by Vintage.
(Jennelle Fong/For The Times)
Something I regret not buying is… I don't know. I buy everything I want.
This summer, I think probably everyone will be wearing… Baggy pants and tight shorts. Summer is turning into hot girl summer. Tight shorts, low rise shorts… all that is coming back.
