A Star Behind Sugarland: Gillian Steinhardt
The sound of Sugarland's music has stayed blessedly consistent since they debuted in 2004. But their style? That has evolved. It has moved from blue jeans and T-shirts to, well, everything else. And that ever-changing fashion sense comes from Gillian Steinhardt, the stylist behind Sugarland.
It's because of Steinhardt's strong bond with Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush that the duo never clung too tight to the same-old, same-old uniforms of country music. Nothing against antiqued denim and $300 belt buckles. But Sugarland always seem to be one step ahead of the curve. "Their performance is always the priority," Steinhardt told me. "So the clothes just have to complement that." She added that part of what makes her job so special is that the two stars are always open to trying new things, whether they're working on a look for a video, an album shoot, a live show or a long walk down a red carpet somewhere.
In the two and a-half years she's been working with Sugarland, fans have seen skinny jeans with flowy tunics, buffalo plaid shirtwaists, tiny shrugs over tiny tank tops, long braids over long scarves, black satin blazers, gingham button downs, striped bikinis and the classing-it-up Fedoras. As for that move away from the cowboy hat, Steinhardt says it's just about changing things up a bit. "The cowboy hat image will always be tied to Kristian. But we move, and we shift," she said.
And when she's putting looks together for Nettles, Steinhardt says she just wants everything to fit the mood. "Jennifer has a very good sense of her own presence. She wants looks that make her feel comfortable," Steinhardt said. "But she's willing to challenge herself with style."
I think there's something very fitting about that. About a band as artsy as Sugarland opening themselves up to creativity in everything they do.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Cowgirls Cry says:
Since when did we care about who is an artist stylist ?? Who cares how they dress? This isn’t Hollywood. Please lets not turn country music into who wears what and all the other red carpet garbage that goes on in Hollywood. Fake smiles and all
Marianne says:
Everytime I see something new from Sugarland I am just as in love with the outfits as I am with the songs. Its part of who they are and I wish I could play dress up all day like Gillian gets to! What a great job.
Toni says:
Where do u get a job like that??? I’m so jealous. But she does a great because Jen and Kris always look so cute.
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lynnie says:
CowgirlsCry,
its 2008—country music has grown and the look nowdays is just part of the whole package—Sugarland have positioned themselves as the leaders in this new way of doing things in Nashville which will only make their stock go up.
Fabian says:
Sugarland is the greatest duo I have ever heard,their music is wonderful and I just can’t get enough.jennifer and kristian are always looking good in all the award shows.I will never stop liking Sugarland.
Dee says:
I agree with the one that said who cares about the fashion. The music, the depth of the songs, the music are all I care about.
Joy says:
Amen Lynnie!
Andrea says:
I can ignore bad fashion and like the music anyway.
But what’s wrong with talking about a good style?
MiaT says:
Oh how I wish to have her as a stylist. I LOVE the looks she puts together for Jennifer. That job cannot be easy. Always staying ahead & making sure the artist is comfortable with the style. Sugarland has never sounded & looked better. Great job Gillian!
No Plain Jane says:
If Jennifer Nettles walk onstage in nothing but a Gap tshirt and wranglers she would not be where she is today. The depth of the songs does matter, but that isnt enough anymore–you have to look the part which Sugarland always does.
bingo says:
DEE IF YOU DID NOT CARE ABOUT FASHION WHY ARE YOU ON HERE THAT GOES FOR THE OTHER PERSON WHO SAID THAT!!MOST PEOPLE WANT TO SEE NEW TRENDS.
C-natural says:
Jennifer and Kristian always look incredible, but never like they’re trying too hard. They’re never afraid to make a statement with their music, and the always dress like the play. It’s all very synergistic.
Cricket on Froggy 104 says:
I’m jealous too, Toni! But of Jennifer Nettles–she looks amazing all the time. I’m sure she has good taste of her own, but it must be amazing to have a stylist help you have the reputation of looking effortlessly fabulous all the time. I actually took a picture of Jennifer with me to my stylist a couple months ago because I HAD to have her hair. Way to go Gillian!
Rachel says:
Gillian is amazing!
Rachel R. says:
Gillian, a true talent! So inspiring, so full of idea’s, and a beautiful artist. Thank you Gillian for never ceasing to surprise us with what Jennifer and Kristian wear next! We only wish you could style EVERYBODY, then the world would be a much more beautiful place.
Keep up the amazing work!!!!!!
vicki says:
i have been a diehad fan of sugarland since their first album…i took my daughter to see them in concert with sara evans & brad paisley for her first concert at age 6, but we were there for sugarland…we have all of their albums, and get them on the day that they drop…know every word to evey song, and sing them out loud…we LET GO LAUGHING all the time…i even bought Love On The Inside for my cuz, and he loved it so much that i bought him the other two and sent them to him…he is now a die hard fan like me my daughter…kep on singing & writing chick we LOVE YOUR SOUND (and your style)…Kristian too baby…you are on my rinfback for everybody who calls my cell :)