Jenna Ortega Gives Tearful Speech at InStyle Imagemaker Awards 2025

Thanks in no small part to her stylist Enrique Melendez, Jenna Ortega has become one of the fashion world’s most exciting figures in recent years. Her dark academia meets high fashion red carpet glam looks never fail to impress and get everyone talking. At last night’s InStyle Imagemaker Awards, the Wednesday actress took a moment to thank Melendez for making it all happen.

Presenting Melendez with the Future of Fashion award, Ortega gave an emotional speech about her “intimate relationship” with her stylist, explaining that she had met him when she was 14 years old. “Enrique was one of the first people who ever made me feel seen or heard,” she said. “Growing up in an industry like this you learn to become the puppet and stand there and do what you’re told, and he always took everything I said with the utmost importance and respect and care.”

“Yes we work together, yes he’s one of my favorite visionaries, but more than anything he’s my friend,” she went on. “He’s been so good to me. He moves mountains silently.”

Ortega began to tear up, before she added, “It’s been really really wonderful. You’ve grown and shaped me in the most beautiful ways. You’re my big brother. I couldn’t do anything without you.”

Showing off Melendez’s work once again, Ortega wore a delicate sheer mauve lace dress with a thigh-high slit along with a drop necklace. She also rocked a deep burgundy fuzzy jacket around her shoulders, matching with Melendez’s burgundy velvet suit.

Ortega has worn a number of other bold, exciting looks, styled by Melendez. Earlier this week, for instance, she rocked a couture floating metallic top with a silk skirt. Then there was her all-jewel top moment at the Emmys. And, of course, her Carrie Bradshaw moment. It seems like we should all being saying thank you to Enrique Melendez!