Simon Cowell often has something to say about the X Factor stage looks, but the stylist has hit back at the media guru.
Gemma Sheppard is dressing this year’s finalists for the live Saturday and Sunday shows, and she has been forced to defend her fashion choices.
Gemma Sheppard is styling this year's contestantsSimon slammed contestant Lola Saunders’ dress on Saturday night, comparing the bold look to ‘tape’.
He said during the show: "I really don't like what you're wearing.
"I'm gob-smacked. You just look like you're wrapped up in tape. It's important that you dress how you want to and not how somebody else tells you to in order to become the artist you want to be."
Lola on stage in her look /Credit ITVHowever, Gemma insists the outfit was intended to be more a fashion statement "meets costume" and opted for the voluminous dress to help Lola feel "empowered" to perform Sam Smith's ballad 'Stay With Me'.
She explained to MailOnline: "For her styling it was a case of fashion meets costume, the red dupioni silk gown with that 12ft train looked spectacular as she moved to centre stage, that was the money shot! I believe that statement dress empowered Lola for her performance."
She added: "It's all about confidence and getting inside of the contestant's heads. It is their closest moment to becoming a pop star so I want that to be translated in what they're wearing."
In spite of Simon's harsh criticism, Gemma isn't fazed by the remarks and accepts that negative comments are just part of the show.
She said: "Criticism is part of the show, this is a contest, and I'm willing to take on board all the comments.
“Fashion is hugely subjective and you can't please everyone."
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