For celebrities navigating the glare of the public eye, keeping a pregnancy private can feel like an impossible mission. Yet stars from Halle Bailey to Ellie Goulding have successfully managed it, often with a little expert help. The secret weapon behind many a concealed bump is a skilled stylist, and one of the most in-demand is Ellis Ranson.
The Stylist Who Knows Before You Tell
With over a decade of experience curating wardrobes for high-profile clients, Ellis Ranson has become a trusted confidante for stars wishing to control their pregnancy narrative. The 31-year-old stylist, who has worked with Kate Ferdinand, Ferne McCann, and Dani Dyer, often deduces the news before it's officially shared. 'I see them in their underwear while dressing them so I’m usually one of the first to know,' Ellis revealed to Metro.co.uk. Her discretion is paramount, and she meticulously avoids slipping up, even feigning surprise when clients finally confirm the news.
Mastering the Art of Disguise
When enlisted early, Ellis begins crafting a strategic wardrobe plan. The goal is to introduce styles that will later accommodate a growing bump without creating a stark sartorial shift. For events during the secret-keeping period, she swears by a classic combination: mini skirts and boxy blazers. This look remains sexy and on-trend, drawing attention to the legs while the structured jacket camouflages the midsection.
Ellis emphasises the power of strategic dressing. 'You want to cover the area but in a way that people don’t suspect,' she explained. Following current trends helps, as onlookers focus on the fashion, not the form beneath. Creating an illusion is key; outfits that cinch at the smallest part of the waist and then flow out are ideal. She successfully used this technique with Kate Ferdinand before the announcement of her second baby, Shae, favouring jumpers, long skirts, and trench coats.
Colours, Cuts, and Current Trends
Ellis advocates for a dark colour palette—think black, navy, burgundy, and dark green—to diminish the appearance of a bump by drawing the eye elsewhere. Patterns provide a useful distraction, while neutrals and tight-fitting clothes are to be avoided. She is a particular fan of the ongoing baggy jeans trend, noting its utility for secret-keeping.
The challenge isn't just visual; it's emotional too. Ellis takes her role in boosting her clients' confidence seriously during a time when hormones and body changes can leave them feeling vulnerable. 'My job is to make them feel good about themselves. Clothes can have a big impact on their confidence so I take it seriously,' she stated.
From Hiding to Celebrating the Bump
Once the news is public, the fashion approach transforms. Ellis has observed a seismic shift in maternity style over her career, moving from conservative cover-ups to celebratory, bold choices. She credits Rihanna with helping change the narrative, making bump-revealing outfits fashionable. Today's style elite, like Sienna Miller at a Vogue World party, are embracing creative, over-the-top looks.
Ellis also praised stylist Nichole Goodman's work with Halle Bailey before the birth of her son Halo. Goodman chose pieces, like a yellow Dolce & Gabbana coat dress, that were 'tight in the exact right places, and loose where they needed to be,' allowing Halle to have fun with fashion while maintaining privacy until she was ready.
Ultimately, Ellis Ranson's expertise provides a fascinating glimpse into the high-stakes world of celebrity image management, proving that with the right styling, even life's most visible miracles can be kept beautifully under wraps.
