How stylists Pepe Muñoz and Sydney Lopez turned Celine Dion into a fashion icon


Paris Fashion Week is known for its theatricality and couture and we’re sure this season’s line up will be no less extravagant. 

Yet the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode has confirmed all shows will be viewed from the safe distance of our digital devices from Monday, March 1 through Tuesday, March 9. 

The shorter time frame is to be expected as more and more iconic world events and gatherings have become virtual.

And while virtual shows let everyone around the world (press or not) enjoy them, there’s one thing none of us can revel in this year: the street style!

Paris attracts some of the world’s biggest stars, most notably the Queen of Couture Week, Céline Dion.

DailyMail.com chats with the 5-time Grammy Award winner’s styling team Pepe Muñoz and Sydney Lopez about what it takes to turn the streets of Paree into your own personal catwalk.

Paris Fashion Week: The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode has confirmed all shows will be viewed from the safe distance of our digital devices from Monday, March 1 through Tuesday, March 9

Paris Fashion Week: The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode has confirmed all shows will be viewed from the safe distance of our digital devices from Monday, March 1 through Tuesday, March 9

Pepe Muñoz

Sydney Lopez

Céline squad: DailyMail.com chats with the 5-time Grammy Award winner’s styling team Pepe Muñoz and Sydney Lopez about what it takes to turn the streets of Paree into your own personal catwalk

Serving look after killer look is not for the faint of heart

To rebrand herself as a high-fashion star in the French capital, Céline put all her trust in her styling team.

‘That opened the door for us to have fun and try new designers and new ideas and looks she never wore before,’ shared Sydney who learned the art of styling working alongside Tara Swennen and also briefly with Law Roach.

‘It was an amazing opportunity to show her who we love and who we want to introduce to the world.’

Sydney revealed that Céline is crazy about clothes and was open to everything. No garment — or lack thereof — was off-limits. 

One of her most revealing ensembles was an Off-White bathing suit worn beneath a matching blazer while attending a day of couture shows. 

Legs for days: One of her most revealing ensembles was an Off-White bathing suit worn beneath a matching blazer while attending a day of couture shows

Legs for days: One of her most revealing ensembles was an Off-White bathing suit worn beneath a matching blazer while attending a day of couture shows

Runway: The look was first seen on Gigi Hadid

Runway: The look was first seen on Gigi Hadid

The colorful graffiti printed look was originally worn on the runway by supermodel Gigi Hadid who is half Céline’s age.

‘She’s fearless,’ shared Pepe who’s opportunity to style the songstress is a first outing in styling. 

‘Whatever we proposed, she would say, “Lets try it!” “Lets do it. »

‘That day I warned her that she would only be wearing a bathing suit under the jacket, and she loved it, she embraced her body.’

Later in the week, the « My Heart Will Go On » singer turned heads in a museum-worthy, see-through Iris van Herpen gown made of wavy red strands creating the effect of an optical illusion.   

Work of art: Later in the week, the "My Heart Will Go On" singer turned heads in a museum-worthy, see-through Iris van Herpen gown made of wavy red strands creating the effect of an optical illusion

Work of art: Later in the week, the « My Heart Will Go On » singer turned heads in a museum-worthy, see-through Iris van Herpen gown made of wavy red strands creating the effect of an optical illusion

Trailblazer: Twenty-two years ago the music legend wore one of the most daring and talked about looks of all time to the 71st Academy Awards

Trailblazer: Twenty-two years ago the music legend wore one of the most daring and talked about looks of all time to the 71st Academy Awards

Fashion fearlessness comes naturally to the 52-year old.

Twenty-two years ago the music legend wore one of the most daring and talked about looks of all time to the 71st Academy Awards.

In a sea of dresses, the star was ahead of the fashion curve in a sleek pantsuit by John Galliano.

She made the look utterly unforgettable by wearing the tuxedo jacket backward and topping it off with a rakishly tilted fedora and diamond-studded Ray-Ban sunglasses.

‘I was the only one wearing pants in a backward suit from Galliano, and if I would do this today, it would still work,’ she told People magazine.

‘It was avant-garde at the time. And it doesn’t matter, you just have to assume what you wear, you wear, and I did.’  

Designer threads: When the Queen of Adult Contemporary slips into something that she fancies, there's a sparkle in her eyes according to Pepe

Designer threads: When the Queen of Adult Contemporary slips into something that she fancies, there’s a sparkle in her eyes according to Pepe

Céline has modeled for Pepe

Pepe's passion is fashion illustration

Renaissance man: In addition to styling Céline, Pepe is a talented fashion illustrator 

Put your heart in it

Prior to reaching her elevated fashion icon status, Pepe, a former backup dancer and fashion illustrator, believes some people, including many fans, may not have known how much Céline loves clothing.

‘For her, it’s all about the garment, I’ve never seen her looking at the labels.’ But the megastar won’t turn down designer offers, of course!

Before hitting up a show she posed for photographers with her toned physique on full display in a black Chanel unitard accessorized with the iconic logo chain belt.

Pepe continued by saying that for Céline it’s about fun. ‘We were never told, ”I don’t like this. »

He does, however, admit to getting a bit carried away at times.

Sydney added: ’There were some days when we changed her three times because we were realizing how intensely people were watching her.’

‘It was a runway everytime she walked out, so we took advantage of that. We were hauling garment bags in the back of vans.’ 

White hot: 'It was a runway everytime she walked out, so we took advantage of that. We were hauling garment bags in the back of vans,' said Sydney

White hot: ‘It was a runway everytime she walked out, so we took advantage of that. We were hauling garment bags in the back of vans,’ said Sydney

Boss babe: She struck a pose in a yellow frill skirt by Ronald Van Der Kemp during Couture Week

Boss babe: She struck a pose in a yellow frill skirt by Ronald Van Der Kemp during Couture Week

It takes a village…

‘We worked insane hours,’ said Pepe who accompanied Céline to countless events and shows.

‘We didn’t sleep for a year-and-a-half, but we had fun and we just wanted her to have fun, too!’

They was a synergistic group and completely committed to the job according to Sydney.

‘There was a beauty to the relationship that we shared. Between me, Pepe, Céline, Dee (hairstylist Deanna, “Dee, » Marti), we worked long hours because we were always together.’   

Storytelling through wardrobe

With a passion for fashion, the « I’m Alive » performer isn’t limited to a single look or uniform.

‘We were in this world of creating a story,’ shared Sydney.

‘And when she put on certain outfits she would change into how that character felt, and it was really wonderful to watch.

‘She’s like a superhero looking at their armor, thinking how strong they’ll feel once they put this on. She’s a performer and brings that to you.’ 

She changes the storyline and character with each outfit change.

While attending the RVDK Ronald Van Der Kemp Haute Couture show, she looked all business in a powerful pantsuit.

In contrast, she gave off laid-back vibes when stepping out in a yellow windbreaker and high-top sneakers.

Location and audience also played a factor in their wardrobe decisions. ‘There are huge differences between what she was wearing in Paris versus what she wears in New York or Vegas,’ said Sydney.   

A hard days work: 'We worked insane hours,' said Pepe who accompanied Céline to countless events and shows

A hard days work: ‘We worked insane hours,’ said Pepe who accompanied Céline to countless events and shows

Express yourself: ‘She’s like a superhero looking at their armor, thinking how strong they’ll feel once they put this on. She's a performer and brings that to you,' shared Sydney

Express yourself: ‘She’s like a superhero looking at their armor, thinking how strong they’ll feel once they put this on. She’s a performer and brings that to you,’ shared Sydney

Effort: Adequate preparation is important to have success in any endeavor. And when it came to Céline's wardrobe, nothing was left to chance. 'We would always have a plan,' shared Pepe

Effort: Adequate preparation is important to have success in any endeavor. And when it came to Céline’s wardrobe, nothing was left to chance. ‘We would always have a plan,’ shared Pepe

In contrast, she gave off laid-back vibes when stepping out in a yellow windbreaker and high-top sneakers

While attending the RVDK Ronald Van Der Kemp Haute Couture show, she looked all business in a powerful pantsuit

The world is her stage: She changes the storyline and character with each outfit change. While attending the RVDK Ronald Van Der Kemp Haute Couture show, she looked all business in a powerful pantsuit

More is more: While some women may identify themselves as a "shoe girl" or "handbag girl", according to the team, Céline's an 'everything girl'

More is more: While some women may identify themselves as a « shoe girl » or « handbag girl », according to the team, Céline’s an ‘everything girl’

Preparation is key

Adequate preparation is important to have success in any endeavor. And when it came to Céline’s wardrobe, nothing was left to chance. ‘We would always have a plan,’ shared Pepe.

‘What is she doing? Where is she going? What is the weather?

‘What I learned from Syd is that you need a Plan B, C, D and E.’

The duo revealed they traveled to PFW with about 10-15 trunks filled with enough clothing, shoes and accessories to fill an entire hotel suite.

While some women may identify themselves as a « shoe girl » or « handbag girl », according to the team, Céline’s an ‘everything girl.’

‘She loves everything,’ said Pepe. ‘Socks, sunglasses…’

‘Jewelry, belts, purses and hats,’ added Sydney.

Prepare for everything: 'What I learned from Syd is that you need a Plan B, C, D and E'

Prepare for everything: ‘What I learned from Syd is that you need a Plan B, C, D and E’

Belle of the ball: Wearing a shimmering, 22-pound Oscar de la Renta fringed bodysuit, complete with a feather headpiece and legs for days, Céline shut down the 2019 Met Gala pink carpet

Belle of the ball: Wearing a shimmering, 22-pound Oscar de la Renta fringed bodysuit, complete with a feather headpiece and legs for days, Céline shut down the 2019 Met Gala pink carpet

Aim to be unforgettable

Wearing a shimmering, 22-pound Oscar de la Renta fringed bodysuit, complete with a feather headpiece and legs for days, Céline shut down the 2019 Met Gala pink carpet.

The theme was “Camp: Notes on Fashion. »

And while the singer admitted to not initially understanding the theme, she proved that divas do it best, stealing the show in an over-the-top showgirl look inspired by Judy Garland and the glitzy costumes of the Ziegfeld Follies.

She completed the ensemble with a copper smokey-eye, gold brows, and temples, defined by a heavy application of black eyeliner and ample lashes.

Topping every best dressed list, it was an unforgettable look for everyone – including Pepe.

‘I felt like a dad taking my child to the prom,’ shared the stylist.

‘It was one of the most memorable and iconic moments for me.’

Have no fear

As the future of award shows is uncertain, Sydney said that she wants to be sensitive to what’s happening in the world, but she also thinks there are people who want to see the red carpet.

Pepe is certain that there’s going to be a feeling of happiness and gratefulness. His advice for up-and-comers is to be fearless.

Syndey added: ‘Be who you are and be unapologetic. It’s a beautiful thing and it’s why people are drawn to Céline.’ 

Fearless: 'Be who you are and be unapologetic. It's a beautiful thing and that’s why people are drawn to Céline,' Sydney said

Fearless: ‘Be who you are and be unapologetic. It’s a beautiful thing and that’s why people are drawn to Céline,’ Sydney said

No fear: To steal the red carpet, Pepe believes you must be 'fearless'

No fear: To steal the red carpet, Pepe believes you must be ‘fearless’ 

Post-pandemic Pepe is certain Pepe is certain that there’s going to be a feeling of happiness and gratefulness

'She wears something and she’s thinking about the next thing, she doesn’t care about “Likes."

Wear what you love: ‘She wears something and she’s thinking about the next thing, she doesn’t care about “Likes ». The streets of New York (pictured) were also a runway for the star

A true artist: 'Sometimes she turns things into something else, she’s not aware of how great she is at styling herself'

A true artist: ‘Sometimes she turns things into something else, she’s not aware of how great she is at styling herself’

Self love: 'Céline doesn’t read the articles. She doesn’t know what people are saying about her. The fearlessness comes from not giving a damn,' revealed Pepe

Self love: ‘Céline doesn’t read the articles. She doesn’t know what people are saying about her. The fearlessness comes from not giving a damn,’ revealed Pepe

Never read the reviews

‘Céline doesn’t read the articles. She doesn’t know what people are saying about her. The fearlessness comes from not giving a damn,’ revealed Pepe.

‘She doesn’t care and it’s so wonderful to see. She wears something and she’s thinking about the next thing, she doesn’t care about “Likes. »

‘I admire that about her. She’s playful and at ease in fittings. Sometimes she turns things into something else, she’s not aware of how great she is at styling herself.’

What’s up next for the diva? More drama, of course!

‘I would love to get her in Area,’ said Pepe. ‘It’s the perfect mix of newcomer New York and showgirl.’  

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