‘ANTM’ Star Nolé Marin Spills Shapewear Secrets, Style Confessions – and the Jennifer Holliday Moment That Changed Everything
He’s styled the likes of Tyra Banks, judged aspiring supermodels on America’s Next Top Model, and now he’s revealing how a once-taboo undergarment is taking center stage in fashion.
The celebrity stylist and former ANTM judge sat down with Varys Hollywood to discuss how shapewear has transformed from old-school corsets to runway-worthy essentials—and why he believes it’s the future of fashion.
“It used to be like a torture chamber,” Nolé Marin said.
“Panty girdles, corsets—all to get a snatched look. But now, it’s evolved into something lightweight, stylish, and empowering.”
Marin, a born-and-bred New Yorker, knows firsthand the impact of strong fashion foundations.
As a top stylist, he views shapewear as not just a trend but a necessity.
“It should be the foundation for anyone who wants to feel confident in their body,” he explained.
“You build from the base. That’s where it starts.”
While many still view shapewear as strictly functional, Marin says that’s changing fast.
“We’re seeing people mix it into ready-to-wear looks—pairing a structured bodysuit with a blazer or flowing pants.
“It’s moving from the underlayer to the main stage.”
And he would know. Marin recalled styling powerhouse vocalist Jennifer Holliday nearly 20 years ago—and the moment that made him a shapewear believer.
“She walked in and said, ‘Don’t worry, I’m going to put on my shapewear.’ And I watched her rebuild her body right in front of my eyes,” he said.
“She had lost a massive amount of weight, and once she put it on, the clothes fit like a dream.”
Since then, Marin’s styled countless A-listers and has seen shapewear help celebrities slip effortlessly into curve-hugging dresses—whether smoothing a post-burger tummy or slimming the hips under designer gowns.
“Throw on the Spanx, boom—the dress or pants slide right on,” he added.
“But Jennifer Holliday really made me a believer.”