The Who What Wear Podcast

Stylist Enrique Melendez on Jenna Ortega’s Gothic Glam Style Evolution and Those Viral Wednesday Season 2 Press Looks

Host: Hilary Kerr (Who What Wear Co-Founder & Chief Content Officer)
Guest: Enrique Melendez (Celebrity Stylist)
Date: November 12, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the collaborative journey between celebrity stylist Enrique Melendez and actress Jenna Ortega, showcasing how they crafted her now-signature gothic-glam aesthetic, particularly for the highly anticipated Wednesday Season 2 press tour. Hilary Kerr and Melendez discuss the evolution of Ortega’s style from her early days post-Disney to her current status as a fashion risk-taker. They touch on viral fashion moments, behind-the-scenes stories for specific looks, the role of major designers, and the importance of trust and innovation in stylist-client partnerships.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Jenna Ortega’s Style Evolution (03:00–04:14)

• From Disney to Dark Glam: Melendez recalls starting with Ortega at age 14, initially following the example of other Disney stars’ transitions—Zendaya, Selena Gomez, Dove Cameron, Sabrina Carpenter.

"At the beginning of her career, we kind of followed a blueprint, so to speak ... but as she got older, everything we were wearing wasn't representative of who she was." – Enrique Melendez (03:17)

• Discovery of Authentic Style: The pivot came as her roles matured and they explored what felt true to her personally.
• Wednesday as a Turning Point: The Wednesday press tour marked the first major opportunity to experiment and establish a distinctive, bolder style.

2. The Gothic-Glam Aesthetic and “Method Dressing” (04:14–05:36)

• Genre Influence vs. Personal Taste: While the gothic motif complements Ortega's personal love for the horror genre, Melendez emphasizes the natural gravitation toward darker, earthier tones.
• Flexible Identity: Even with a shift in role type (e.g., to a rom-com), Jenna’s aesthetic would remain true—"Rom-com silhouette, but in black." (05:33)

3. Press Tour Strategy for Wednesday Season 2 (06:09–08:32)

• High Stakes of Anticipation: Melendez shares the pressure of meeting higher expectations for Season 2, given Season 1's runaway success.
• Embracing 90s Minimalism: Ortega requested a more mature, 90s-inspired look, channeling “old Calvin Klein,” Kate Moss, Christina Ricci, and Winona Ryder.

"She has to feel great in what she's wearing ... I want her to feel like something new." – Enrique Melendez (06:32)

• Collaboration under Constraint: With minimal conversation due to scheduling, the team prepped an abundance of options, functioning like a “choose your own adventure.”

4. Memorable Looks: Behind the Scenes

A. The Futuristic Nude Gown (Ashi Studio, London Premiere) (08:49–13:11)

• Segment: 08:49–13:11

"It was a semi sheer latex, and it has a really subtle snakeskin print, so it almost looks wet in certain places ... but then how the whole thing comes together...the glam choices made it all sing." – Hilary Kerr (09:17)

• Details: Futuristic minimalism, subtle gothic romance, with blue glam and a strong lip completing the look.
• Team Synergy: Artistry and confidence were key, with a hair and makeup team fully embracing editorial risks—especially with unexpected details like bleached brows contributing to the 90s aesthetic.

B. Zac Posen x Gap “Tattered Tee Dress” (Season 2, Part 2 Celebration) (14:01–16:37)

• Segment: 14:01–16:37

"Last minute, like, something was missing in that 90s grunge world. ... We cut [a lace bra] up and put it underneath that dress." – Enrique Melendez (15:45)

• Process: Melendez collaborated with Zac Posen’s team to turn a basic concept into something that fit Jenna's narrative—adding distressing and lace, even cutting garments last-minute at Ortega’s suggestion.
• Notable quote: "[Jenna] chimed in and was like, yeah, can we slash it around the legs? And here?...So you guys customized it!" – Hilary Kerr (16:30)

C. Vivienne Westwood Aubergine Gown (Paris Event) (16:55–19:16)

• Segment: 16:55–19:16
• Customization and Brand Negotiation: Securing the look was a challenge—the brand hesitated since the Paris event was “only” for fans, but Melendez persuaded them due to its importance.
• Personalization: Accessories chosen collaboratively, with Jenna hand-selecting a Lori Rodkin necklace.

"I love fittings with her because you...don't know what the outcome is gonna be, but I always make sure that she's covered." – Enrique Melendez (19:10)

5. The Sarah Burton for Givenchy Collaborations (20:18–29:31)

• Initial Hesitations, Then Breakthroughs: After fitting hurdles, Melendez secured extraordinary Givenchy pieces—demonstrating how press exposure and smart styling led to greater trust from elite designers.
• Photo Call Look: Black Leather Three-Piece (22:10)

"It also showed Givenchy that she could still wear a Runway look. Cause she's, you know, she's five' one, and the Runway model is...not." – Enrique Melendez (22:50)

• Major Trust Moment: Sarah Burton offered to custom-make looks for Ortega to wear at a show—an exceptional sign of trust and respect for the team (24:03–24:58).

A. The Emmys Look – “Death Becomes Her” Reference (25:11–28:57)

• Segment: 25:11–28:57

"I always thought that in my head, I didn't think that...the fashion world was going to actually pick up that reference...living my Isabella Rossellini Death becomes her dreams." – Enrique Melendez (25:31)

• Practicalities: Dramatic, heavy (20–30 lbs), with a complex unboxing and fitting process; Jenna chose a lower-waisted custom skirt for a fresh, editorial twist.
• Collaboration: Ortega and Melendez make last-minute creative choices together, underscoring trust and shared vision.

6. Style for Low-Key Events and Fashion Trends (29:34–31:36)

• Brands and Inspiration: Melendez is watching Loew, Bottega, Calvin Klein, Acne, and New York's Grace Ling for future inspiration (30:00).
• Casual Looks: Ortega insists on practicality and minimalism for smaller engagements—channeling 90s icons like Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.

"[Jenna] said, I want to wear something...practical one day. And I said, you know what? ... What version of practical do we mean, practical on Mars?" – Hilary Kerr (31:44)

7. The Power of Longevity and Trust in Collaboration (32:16–34:44)

• Emotional Reflection: Melendez is most proud of the decade-long relationship and mutual understanding that defies the industry’s typically transactional nature.

"I think the relationship that we've had and how we're growing...it's a testament to, like, the respect and love we have for each other." – Enrique Melendez (32:16)

• Intuitive Communication: After years together, they communicate in shorthand and references, fostering a creative environment where “the best collaborations come from people who have worked with each other for a long time.” (33:33)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Rom com silhouette, but in black." – Enrique Melendez (05:35)
• "It was a full room of...too many racks. It took a day to set up everything." – Enrique Melendez (07:43)
• "That is the sort of, like, fashion directional editorial moment that, again, we do not always see on a mainstream red carpet. And it looked so beautiful and so cool and so interesting." – Hilary Kerr (29:16)
• "When she walked...that's the first time anyone's seeing that look before it even walked the Runway." – Enrique Melendez on Givenchy (24:38)
• "[Jenna] said, I want to wear something practical one day. And I said, you know what? ... What version of practical do we mean, practical on Mars?" – Hilary Kerr (31:44)
• "We kind of do...we just understand and we know the references...and I think that's really special because it keeps things interesting." – Enrique Melendez (34:01)

Important Timestamps

• Jenna’s journey post-Disney: 03:00–04:14
• Defining "gothic glam": 04:14–05:36
• Wednesday Season 2 fitting logistics: 06:09–08:32
• Ashi Studio latex gown deep dive: 08:49–13:11
• Gap x Zac Posen collaboration: 14:01–16:37
• Vivienne Westwood Paris look: 16:55–19:16
• Sarah Burton for Givenchy and photo call: 20:18–24:58
• Givenchy Emmys look & “Death Becomes Her”: 25:11–28:57
• Low-key looks & practical style: 30:27–31:44
• Reflections on collaboration: 32:16–34:44

Podcast Tone

The conversation is candid, playful, and highly collaborative, reflecting the long-standing professional and personal relationship between Melendez and Ortega. Hilary Kerr’s hosting is warm, enthusiastic, and rooted in deep industry knowledge, while Melendez speaks openly about both challenges and triumphs in the styling process.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the art of celebrity styling, fashion’s role in narrative and self-expression, and the often unseen teamwork that creates iconic moments on and off the red carpet.