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cliques
September 24, 2014

A Who’s Who of Katy Perry’s Crew

By Julianne Escobedo Shepherd

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In terms of dollars, the Katy Perry brand looks solid: The dreamy dance-pop album Prism is her third to go platinum, and her Prismatic World Tour — now hitting the West Coast — was the best-selling stadium romp of the summer. But in her personal life, she’s dealt with some downers: a divorce (to Russell Brand), a breakup (with John Mayer), and a rather unfortunate VMAs outfit (denim, with Riff Raff). Luckily, she has plenty of pals and staffers around to help keep her spirits up. Some of her BFFs, including Rihanna, Mia Moretti, and Shannon Woodward, are quite visible on her Instagram and Twitter — and other known associates are on her frequently on her arm at parties. Click through our slideshow for a comprehensive list of who’s who in the Perry entourage.

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Jeremy Scott Yes, this designer is friends with every “It” musician and pop star, but Perry’s global stature elevates her past the “complimentary... Jeremy Scott Yes, this designer is friends with every “It” musician and pop star, but Perry’s global stature elevates her past the “complimentary winged Adidas” level into J-Scott VIP level, and she rewards him by wearing his designs everywhere. Most recently, she sat front row for his fall 2014 debut as creative director of Moschino, though she was booed by the crowd after walking down the runway to take her seat ... 50 minutes late. Photo: Dave Benett/MTV 2011/Getty Images
Rita Hazan Perry’s a key figure in the mainstreaming of non-natural hair color, and much of the credit goes to her longtime colorist Rita Hazan, ... Rita Hazan Perry’s a key figure in the mainstreaming of non-natural hair color, and much of the credit goes to her longtime colorist Rita Hazan, who has taken Perry from blue to green to violet to yellow to red, pink, multi, magenta, and everywhere in between. Though the “slime green” look Perry debuted in April was done by Nina Kairouz of L.A.’s Chris McMillan Salon, Hazan has been responsible for most of Perry’s color transformations. Fans who want Perry-hair without the commitment can turn to Hazan’s new spray-on, shampoo-out Pop Color line.
Mia Moretti Another friendship Perry’s had since the struggle days, fashion-fave DJ Moretti has produced official remixes to songs like “Hot N Co... Mia Moretti Another friendship Perry’s had since the struggle days, fashion-fave DJ Moretti has produced official remixes to songs like “Hot N Cold,” “Peacock,” and “Part of Me." According to Billboard, Moretti acted as “muse” for “International Smile,” which is pretty obvious from the lyrics: “Flowers in her hair, she don’t care/peach-pink lips, yeah, everybody stares.” A pitch-perfect description of Moretti’s style — if only Perry had name-dropped a crown-braid! Photo: Rob Kim/Getty Images
Kasey Musgraves Country starlet Kasey Musgraves joined Perry on the cover of Billboard in 2014 to promote their joint CMT special “Crossroads,” a... Kasey Musgraves Country starlet Kasey Musgraves joined Perry on the cover of Billboard in 2014 to promote their joint CMT special “Crossroads,” as well as Perry's Prismatic tour, where Musgraves appeared as the opener. After hearing Musgraves's song "Merry Go Round", Perry Google-stalked the singer and convinced her to collaborate on some as yet to be released tracks, including one inspired by The Wizard of Oz. She told Billboard: “I think [Musgraves] straddles the line like I straddle the line of appropriateness and still maintaining a sexuality that is healthy and exciting. And it's not all about that. It's about sending inspiring and empowering messages and being a think-for-yourself type of woman." The partnership has also given Perry a little extra cred in the country world. Photo: Laura Farr/AdMedia/Corbis
Markus Molinari “We’re like each other, but in different bodies,” Perry once said of jewelry designer/nightlife entrepreneur/party hopper Molinar... Markus Molinari “We’re like each other, but in different bodies,” Perry once said of jewelry designer/nightlife entrepreneur/party hopper Molinari, whom she has also described as her “main gay.” With his jewelry company, J.Molinari, he has replicated drug paraphernalia for high-end aficionados — silver roach-clip pendants, pill diamond earrings, a razor blade with diamond “detritus” on the sharp end and embossed with the word ADDICTED. Classy stuff! In 2012, Molinari blew up Russell Brand’s spot via Twitter for allegedly cheating on Perry. He is also very good at finding famous people to selfie with. Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Rihanna  The friendship between these pop stars seems so idyllic: They bond over bags; they sit side by side in the front row at fashion shows. ... Rihanna  The friendship between these pop stars seems so idyllic: They bond over bags; they sit side by side in the front row at fashion shows. (The two met in 2009. When Perry complimented Rihanna on her Valentino bag, Ri sent her an identical one on Valentine's Day.) "She's so unedited it's scary," Rihanna told Elle in 2012. "That's what intrigued me most about her: she said it like she saw it." That same year, though, when Rihanna reunited with her famously abusive ex Chris Brown, Perry's disappointment allegedly caused a rift. But apparently it was short-lived: They were once again seen together in 2013, and just this past April were snuggling up in the DJ booth at NYC's 1OAK during a secret Diplo set. Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images
Adam Lambert  Though this pop star might be friends with everyone in the entertainment world, he and Perry have been friends since his pre-fame ... Adam Lambert  Though this pop star might be friends with everyone in the entertainment world, he and Perry have been friends since his pre-fame days, back when he was losing American Idol but upstaging everyone else nonetheless. With his recent move to her Hollywood Hills West neighborhood, their friendship is only bound to deepen, and he’s also slated to tour with Queen, whose original vocalist, Freddie Mercury, is Katy Perry’s documented all-time favorite. Perry is “very aware of people,” Lambert told Ellen in 2011. “She understands that energy thing.” Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald Along with songwriter Max Martin and protégé Benny Blanco, Perry's longtime producer is respon... Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald Along with songwriter Max Martin and protégé Benny Blanco, Perry's longtime producer is responsible for the majority of her most addictively catchy songs. Dr. Luke has worked on every Perry record, starting with two of her biggest early hits — "I Kissed a Girl” and the follow-up "Hot N Cold." He employs her as a songwriter in his pop factory — a relationship that hasn’t always been easy, and they almost didn’t get together in the first place. “I wouldn’t meet Dr. Luke for six months because I knew he wasn’t really a doctor," Perry told Billboard in 2013. "What’s wrong with your first and last name? Why do [you] have to be from outer space?” Photo: Joe Scarnici/Getty Images
Shannon Woodward Perry and Raising Hope actress Woodward have known each other since they were both struggling unknowns and their buddy-come... Shannon Woodward Perry and Raising Hope actress Woodward have known each other since they were both struggling unknowns and their buddy-comedy friendship is a regular feature of both Perry’s and Woodward's Instagram feeds (witness this recent clip synced to the Seinfeld theme song). The two regularly help each other career-wise: Woodward guest-starred in Perry’s video for “Hot n Cold,” while Perry played a prison warden on an episode of Raising Hope. Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images
Ruth Bernstein Perry’s publicist also works for Kristen Stewart, which is wild if you’re a Katy Perry–Robert Pattinson truther (have they ever da... Ruth Bernstein Perry’s publicist also works for Kristen Stewart, which is wild if you’re a Katy Perry–Robert Pattinson truther (have they ever dated, and are they dating now?), but also probably just means she’s excellent at her job. Bernstein has also helped Perry land high-profile fashion covers like Vogue (solo) and V (with Madonna). What better way to keep both your high-profile clients in the tabloids at all times than to link them to a shared boy-toy? Photo: Rachel Murray/Getty Images
Bonnie McKee Best known as the co-writer behind some of Perry’s top songs — “Teenage Dream”, “California Gurls”, and “Roar” — McKee was Perry’s p... Bonnie McKee Best known as the co-writer behind some of Perry’s top songs — “Teenage Dream”, “California Gurls”, and “Roar” — McKee was Perry’s pal before she was her collaborator. “I met Katy in a thrift store on Melrose,” McKee told Cosmopolitan. “We were both trying to sell our clothes because we were broke, starving songwriters.” Perry went to a party at McKee’s that night and the duo became “fast friends,” which was a good thing since later, McKee saved Perry from drowning in the ocean. Perry appeared in the video for McKee's 2012 single “American Girl.” Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Yung Skeeter This L.A. DJ-producer has been a friend of Perry’s since she had a shag and “Ur So Gay” was a folk song. He joined her on the “Calif... Yung Skeeter This L.A. DJ-producer has been a friend of Perry’s since she had a shag and “Ur So Gay” was a folk song. He joined her on the “California Dreams” Tour as DJ and can briefly be seen hamming it up in her “Teenage Dream” video. Skeet's got a sharp ear for talent; in addition to Perry, he’s been instrumental in promoting the career of L.A. soul singer Banks. Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images
Marina Toybina The designer responsible for the costumes on the Prismatic World Tour, Toybina makes creations that are sometimes fun (the play on... Marina Toybina The designer responsible for the costumes on the Prismatic World Tour, Toybina makes creations that are sometimes fun (the play on KatyCats via Cats the musical) and ... sometimes offensive (those aforementioned caricatured, mummified dancers). But Perry was intimately involved; she had the co-sign and final say. As Toybina told The Hollywood Reporter, “her creative involvement was daily, down to us deciding together on trims, final prints, specific materials and color spectrum for any and all digital artwork." Photo: Byron Purvis/AdMedia/Corbis
Diplo Better known as Diplo, Wesley Pentz is one of the world's top-paid DJs and a producer for stars including MIA, Usher, Bieber, and, soon, Ma... Diplo Better known as Diplo, Wesley Pentz is one of the world's top-paid DJs and a producer for stars including MIA, Usher, Bieber, and, soon, Madonna (with whom Perry recently shared the cover of V). When he and Perry were allegedly spotted mid-canoodle backstage at this year’s Coachella, rumors flew that he was Perry’s John Mayer rebound. Quoted in Radar, Diplo’s mom said the DJ “doesn’t seem to be making a big deal about it,” and after a few more public appearances, they were rumored to have split. In June, however, internet sleuths discovered that Perry and Diplo were in Jamaica at the same time and their respective Instagrams showed matching ... hammocks. Photo: John Sciulli/Getty Images
Selena Gomez Gomez has been spending a lot of time with Perry over the past year, and told Seventeen she sees her as a big sister. “I actually ta... Selena Gomez Gomez has been spending a lot of time with Perry over the past year, and told Seventeen she sees her as a big sister. “I actually talked to Katy Perry about guys who are intimidated by strong girls,” the singer-actress said. “I haven’t found someone yet who could understand my lifestyle, support it, love me through it, and not be threatened by it.” Testify! As of April 2014, Gomez fired her parents as managers and hired Perry’s team to take her career to the next level. Photo: Charley Gallay/Getty Images
Ellie Goulding This British star met Perry via the music industry and now calls her a friend. Goulding recently told Glamour that her friendship ... Ellie Goulding This British star met Perry via the music industry and now calls her a friend. Goulding recently told Glamour that her friendship with Perry and Taylor Swift helps her navigate the vagaries of pop stardom. “We’re friends because they understand the predicaments. They see what is and isn’t real,” she said. “I have strong female characters all around me.” And they take selfies together! Photo: David M. Benett/Getty Images
Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo Better known as the Swedish synth-pop dueo Icona Pop, these two were up front about their intentions toward Perry fr... Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo Better known as the Swedish synth-pop dueo Icona Pop, these two were up front about their intentions toward Perry from the get-go. “We met Katy Perry, and we were like, 'Hey, we want to go on tour with you, we love you and we love your music!” Aino Jawo told Billboard. And it happened: The "I Love It" stars opened for Perry on her Prism tour this past summer. Photo: Larry Marano/Getty Images
Johnny Wujek  The first time a pre-famous Perry met this former model, she hit on him. Wujek politely declined (maybe because he’s gay?), but th... Johnny Wujek  The first time a pre-famous Perry met this former model, she hit on him. Wujek politely declined (maybe because he’s gay?), but that night she hired him as a stylist, and he’s occupied that role (so much less complicated than boyfriend!) ever since. He’s responsible for her wildest ensembles, including her whipped-cream bra in the “California Gurls” video. In 2011, he told T Magazine, “After that, for Halloween I noticed all these people going around with cupcake bras. That was the video that made me think, Whoa, she’s like a big pop star now.” Photo: Venturelli/Getty Images
Angela Perry Perry’s roots as a singer go back to a time in her childhood when she was busy copying her older sister Angela’s every move — save f... Angela Perry Perry’s roots as a singer go back to a time in her childhood when she was busy copying her older sister Angela’s every move — save for one. Katy told Jimmy Kimmel that as a teen, Angela stole "a bra and panty set from Macy's," an event that led their super-Christian parents to ship her off to another family's home in Arizona for a time-out. (Angela and Katy also have a younger brother, David, lead singer in the rock band Hudson.) Since Katy's career took off, Angela has helped her in business matters as a tour coordinator and is featured in Part of Me. In March, Katy helped Angela deliver her baby, via waterbirth, in her living room, and recorded the birth with her iPhone, "like Martin Scorsese." Photo: Florian Seefried/Getty Images
Todd Delano For all of Perry’s hair-color adventures, when it comes to makeup, she tends to stick to classic, old-Hollywood looks. Makeup artist ... Todd Delano For all of Perry’s hair-color adventures, when it comes to makeup, she tends to stick to classic, old-Hollywood looks. Makeup artist Delano has worked with Perry for years, perfecting her Rita Hayworth lips and lashes, and though recently she’s been experimenting with her make-up, as in her "Dark Horse" video, his default look for her is relatively understated. "I always try to give Katy a classic, beautiful makeup look no matter what her hair color," he told Allure in August. "The makeup doesn't change too much whether her hair is green, pink, or purple." Photo: Courtesy photo
Jiff  Jiff the dog, an adorable Pomeranian famous for being so adorable he looks fake, has more than 14 million Twitter followers and has appear... Jiff  Jiff the dog, an adorable Pomeranian famous for being so adorable he looks fake, has more than 14 million Twitter followers and has appeared in television, film, and commercial spots, but his most prominent achievement thus far is arguably his cameo in Perry’s “Dark Horse” video, where he appears in a gilded collar and walking on two hind legs (he can walk on his front two, too). Since Jiff and Perry worked together, she has christened him her official “#cuddlebug,” and her “baaaaaast fraaaaand fur-avaa.” Jiff has yet to respond to rumors that he is her Diplo rebound. Photo: Getty Images
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