They’ve dressed supermodels and Dancing With the Stars contestants, hosted an event at Coachella, and are Amazon Live’s latest hosts, but styling duo Danielle O’Connell and Alix Gropper are just getting started as they curate clients’ images and collaborate with brands worldwide.
Ladies, how has your styling business evolved?
Danielle O’Connell: Since launching Danielle & Alix, we’ve expanded into everything from celebrity styling and campaign consulting to dressing talent for press tours, music videos, and brand ambassadorships. We’ve grown from pulling looks to curating an image. Our styling process is strategic; it’s not just about what someone wears, but how it positions them long-term.
What have been some of your career highlights this year?
Alix Gropper: We kicked it off by hosting our first-ever brand trip to Aspen in partnership with CasaDel Sol and Vivrelle. From there, it was the Super Bowl of looks with our sporty superstar Kay Adams, followed by a full awards season run withDancing With the Stars champion Jenna Johnson. We hosted our first Coachella event with LOFT, styled Kensington Tillo for our first Cannes red carpet, partnered with Armani, and debuted as Amazon Live hosts.
What trend are you secretly tired of seeing, and what do you wish would replace it?
O’Connell: We know the fashion cycle is inevitable, but the skinny jean comeback? We’re not emotionally ready. We’re all for a resurgence—when it feels fresh—but right now, we’re still living for relaxed tailoring, wide-leg silhouettes, and vintage-inspired cuts that let both the outfit and the person breathe.
What’s your “holy grail” item that elevates any look?
Gropper: This summer, it’s the ballet flat. We’re big fans of the“unexpected shoe theory”—pairing a shoe that feels slightly offbeat with a look. Ballet flats are perfect with baggy jeans and a tee, a tailored set, or even a mini dress. We’re obsessed with the jelly ballet flats for the beach; it’s chicer than a flip-flop.
Is there a particular Hamptons style “myth” you wish more people would let go of?
Gropper: That you have to wear pastels and florals to blend in. There’s power in contrast—white linen with black sunnies, breezy trousers with a vintage tee and pearls. Understated is just as impactful. You don’t have to dress like a postcard, especially if your personal style leans more minimal, timeless, or edgy.
What’s coming up for you?
O’Connell:We’re expanding—taking on bigger campaigns and brand partners, styling more talent in music and film, and getting comfy in front of the camera. We’re also committed to mentoring the next generation of stylists. We didn’t have a roadmap when we started, and we’re passionate about creating one. Long-term, we’d love to creative-direct for a fashion house or launch a capsule that captures our DNA. But for now we’re riding the momentum, so stay tuned!
Follow Danielle O’Connell and Alix Gropper on Instagram @danielleandalix and check out their website at danielleandalix.com.
All images courtesy.
