The New It Girl on Every Best Dressed List

The name on everyone's lips this award season is that of Irish actress Saoirse Ronan. Though just 21 years old, Ronan is already a veteran in the business. The Best Actress Academy Award nominee for Brooklyn received her first Oscar nomination in 2008, as Best Supporting Actress in the period film Atonement. Ronan has starred in a slew of films between then and now, but her moving portrayal of a young Irish immigrant to Brooklyn in 1952, has garnered the most attention, in both the entertainment industry (hence the list of nominations this year) and the fashion industry.

Ronan has emerged this award season in one flawless look after another, all achieving the fine balance of appearing both classic and directional. So enamoured are we with the young actress's sense of style of late that we jumped at the chance to speak to her London-based stylist, Elizabeth Saltzman, about all things Ronan.

Scroll down to read what Saltzman (also the longtime stylist of Gwyneth Paltrow) had to say about everything from Ronan's new status as a fashion It girl to her favourite looks that the actress has worn thus far! And be sure to keep an eye out for Ronan at this Sunday's Oscars ceremony. All signs point to best dressed contender.

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WHO WHAT WEAR: How are current trends influencing your recent selections for Saoirse?

ELIZABETH SALTZMAN: It’s not so much the current trends that influence our choices but more the current vibe. It’s what feels right for the situation Saoirse is walking into. We approach each event with a view to what feels right for that particular moment.

WWW: How involved is Saoirse in the process? Would you say she's a fashion girl in the making?

ES: Saoirse is very involved in the process. I think that every girl in her position has the opportunity to be "a fashion girl," as we have so many choices at our disposal. However, in my opinion, I don’t think becoming known for that is necessarily a major priority for Saoirse, so to speak. She has an astute sophistication when it comes to her approach to fashion.

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WHAT: Vanity Fair and Burberry Celebrate the 2015 British Academy BAFTA Los Angeles Britannia Awards

WEAR: Stella McCartney jumpsuit.

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WHAT: 2015 LACMA Art + Film Gala

WEAR: Gucci dress.

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WHAT: 2016 Critics' Choice Movie Awards

WEAR: Antonio Berardi dress.

WWW: Do you have a favorite look that she's worn since you began working with her?

ES: I have so many favorite looks. The Duro Olowu look she wore to the Palm Springs International Film Festival with the Yoko pearls and the Pierre Hardy shoes just beamed cool and happy to me. Of course, I am not objective, as I wouldn’t put Saoirse in a look I didn’t love. I also really thought the Calvin Klein dress she wore to the Britannia Awards was a big move forward for Saoirse. There have been so many cool, fun looks. We have been lucky to work with a breadth of designers with Saoirse!

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WHAT: 27th Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala

WEAR: Yoko pearls; Duro Olowu dress; Pierre Hardy shoes.

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WHAT: 2015 British Academy Britannia Awards

WEAR: Calvin Klein dress.

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WHAT: 2016 SAG Awards

WEAR: Michael Kors dress; Forevermark Diamonds jewellery.

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WHAT: Burberry and Fox Searchlight Pictures Honor the Cast and Filmmakers of Brooklyn

WEAR: Burberry dress.

WWW: Are there any cool new designers in particular that you'd like to dress Saoirse in?

ES: One of the great things about working with Saoirse is her openness to work with any and all designers. I always look to support every level, whether it be new, established, or mass-market designers, when I am working. Brandon Maxwell, Emilia Wickstead, Christopher Kane, Erdem, Simone Rocha, Adam Lippes, Atea Oceanie, Delpozo, Self-Portrait, Huishan Zhang, Barbara Casasola are some of the designers that I look forward to working with, as they always showcase fresh ideas.

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WHAT: SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations With Saoirse Ronan of Brooklyn

WEAR: Temperley London jumpsuit.

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WHAT: Moët British Independent Film Awards

WEAR: Burberry dress.

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WHAT: 2016 Golden Globe Awards

WEAR: Saint Laurent dress.

WWW: Do you have a certain inspiration(s) that you draw from for her?

ES: I look at who she is as a woman, her personality, her beautiful face, her skin and her warmth, as well as her wicked sense of humour. One can’t help but be mesmerized and excited to dress her.

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WHAT: MoMA Film's The Contender's Screening of Brooklyn

WEAR: David Webb earrings; Laura Basci top and pants; Christian Louboutin pumps.

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WHAT: 53rd New York Film Festival

WEAR: Valentino dress; David Webb earrings.

Which of Ronan's looks this award season has been your favourite? Tell us in the comments below!

Opening Image: Getty Images

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.