Sarah Birchley is a fashion stylist, writer and creative director. A regular contributor to cult mags like Elle, Marie Claire, Vogue Australia, Russh and Harper’s Bazaar – we’re always thrilled to watch Sarah in action here at our studio. In our interview with Sarah she reveals her path to fashion, pinch-me moments in Paris and advice for aspiring stylists.
Tell us about your journey to becoming one of Australia’s top stylists. Talk us through the baby steps and the major milestones.
I have always been interested in fashion and was working part time at a vintage clothing store whilst studying a dual degree in Music and Literature at UQ. I was meeting lots of like minded young creatives through both my job and studies, and started collaborating on test shoots and small scale runway events. Towards the end of university I had been assisting some other stylists and was enjoying what I saw of the industry. I wanted a bit of a break before going onto further study (my plan had been to do post graduate study in music history) and decided to take a chance and give fashion a try. After a few years building my experience and portfolio, juggling fashion with a part time job, I started to develop a client base and have my editorial shoots published online and in print. I signed with a creative agency for a few years which helped build my understanding in the traditional advertising realm, but am currently enjoying managing my own clients and projects.
Your work is incredibly unique and varied (stylist, creative director and fashion editor!) – which part gives you the most satisfaction?
One of my favourite things about my job is that each day is different. I’ve learnt since starting out as a stylist, that so many creatives cross over into different roles depending on the project and what it needs. I am passionate about casting and fortunate to be able to consult on this and creative direction for many of my clients. Juggling multiple roles can be stressful but ultimately the final result is so rewarding when you see all of the elements come together.
Who in the creative world inspires you?
So many of my talented industry friends who are chasing their dreams every day – celebrity hair stylist Iggy Rosales, jewellery designer Holly Ryan and photographer and director Thom Kerr to name a few.
Most challenging shoot?
The most demanding shoots are often on location and the challenges come with extreme or unpredictable weather – I’ve worked on projects in Eastern Europe in the middle of winter at -15 degrees, the Whitsundays on hot and humid days mid summer, Paris when cold and rainy and many more. I feel very lucky to be able to work outside and in some incredible locations – so despite the challenges, these shoots are often the most memorable.
Biggest ‘pinch me’ career moment?
My first season doing the RTW shows in Paris I was so excited to visit the Christian Dior atelier for my re-see appointment. I was awestruck walking into the showroom at the beauty and heritage of the building but realised soon after that I was standing next to iconic American Vogue editor Grace Coddington and was rendered speechless! I had been reading Grace’s book before I had left on that trip and her work has always been an inspiration to me – I couldn’t believe that we were in the same showroom appointment.
Work life balance or blend? And how?
Work life blend. I’m always aiming for more balance but freelance life is erratic, and sometimes you just have to jump at opportunities even if they are on a weekend or mean you have to forego other plans. Many of my close friends are in the industry and understand how unpredictable our schedules can be – and fortunately my boyfriend is very patient and supportive.
Who are you dying to work with?
I have always admired British photographer Tim Walker’s work and the way that he fuses fashion with fantasy. I hope that I get a chance to shoot with him at some point in my career.
Any tips for aspiring young stylists?
Take the time to assist stylists whose work you admire, and learn from the experiences you witness on set. Be polite and courteous to everyone – you never know who you might want to call for a favour or to work with later on. Lastly but probably most important; organisation is key.
What’s in the pipeline for you and where might we see you work popping up next?
I’m always planning my next overseas trip and am currently looking at stints in the USA and Europe in the next few months. My latest campaign for Christie Nicolaides featuring Jena Goldsack has just come out and is one of my favourites that we have shot for the brand. I’ve also just shot a fashion story in Sydney for the next issue of Black Magazine, and worked on several campaigns due for release very soon.
Need to know more about Sarah? Catch her here:
sarahbirchley.com
@sarahbirchley
