Designer and Stylist Brandon Maxwell on That Time Lady Gaga Made Him Cry

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At last month's Oscars, jaws dropped when Lady Gaga hit the red carpet in a radically elegant jumpsuit designed by her best friend, stylist-turned-designer Brandon Maxwell. It was timeless and otherworldly all at once, generating tons of buzz and best-dressed love.

Since all eyes are on the humble NYC talent right now, we sat down with Maxwell at The Hollywood Reporter's annual "25 Most Powerful Stylists" list party hosted by Jimmy Choo after our chat with Rosie Huntington-Whitely (a fellow jumpsuit lover). Here, Maxwelll (THR's #13) tells us all about his emotional Oscars experience and why fashion is his drug of choice.

Just a glimpse inside my really glamorous life.... ✂️

A photo posted by Brandon Maxwell (@brandonmaxwell) on Feb 29, 2016 at 3:34pm PST

After years of working in the fashion industry, how does it feel to be in the spotlight?

I feel very fortunate and grateful. You see, I come from a very small town in Texas, so every time something major happens in my career, it feels like the first time.

Speaking of major, let's talk about that Oscars moment.

Oh my God. I have to tell you, as soon as I saw Gaga on the red carpet I cried for about two hours. It's been my lifelong dream to have a dress on the red carpet at the Oscars—that ceremony was the only Hollywood thing that I knew about, growing up in small town. My mom and I would watch it every year, so it was my big, big dream. I'm getting emotional just talking about it! I cried for so, so long. Also, to have it be my best friend who has given me so much—it was such a weird, amazing, incredible moment. I felt so happy and thankful.

Do you have any other big dreams for your career?

I just want to keep doing what I'm doing. I love it so much. I don't do drugs, but styling and making clothes gives me the best high.