August 04, 2022

Stylist and Creative Director: Holly Irvine

1. We would love to know a little bit about you both.

My name is Holly Irvine, I’m a Stylist and the Creative Director of Holly Irvine Studio.

I spent my childhood somewhat a tomboy, growing up on a farm in South West NSW. I’ve always been creative, usually found elbows deep in clay or paint in my Mum's art shed.

I studied design, art and photography at school and went on to study Interior Design. I started my career as an assistant to the Market Editor of Donna Hay magazine, which opened many facets of the industry to me.

I’ve worked in food, lifestyle, fashion, wardrobe and event styling and I now specialise in interior styling.

2. Tell us about your big break – that holy shit moment in your career.

Being part of the styling team for Oprah Winfrey’s welcome event in Sydney, while working with Donna Hay magazine, was definitely a ‘wow’ moment for me. Sitting down to lunch in the studio with Neil Perry while working on one of his cookbooks was one of many memorable moments that had me pinching myself, but having my work published for the first time after starting Holly Irvine Studio was pretty special and I still get just as excited about it.

3. Where do you get most inspired?

I’m very much a visual person, I get most inspired visiting showrooms and art galleries and flipping through books and magazines, but I always try to be authentic, I like to put my own spin on things. Fashion has always been a big influence for me, as well as architecture and of course nature.

4. What is your favourite piece from Atley.co?

I can’t go past a sculptural ceramic piece, I love the Ceramic Arc and the Connection Ceramic Rings.

Image Credit The Palm Co

Image Credit Zoe.Interiors

5. One thing that makes you truly happy?

The ocean, nothing beats the salt water on your skin.

6. How do you deal with work stress?

I’m an early riser, taking time for myself before the day starts helps me to clear my head and feel prepared.

7. If you could only play one music album for the rest of your life what would it be?

The War on Drugs ‘Lost In A Dream’ is always on repeat.

8. Do you live by any piece of advice or motto?

I’m a bit of a minimalist, I always go by a less is more approach.

9. What’s your favourite Friday night tipple?

I wouldn’t turn down a Gin and Tonic on a Friday evening

10. Name somewhere you would love to live.

Italy, during the European summer and the Australian South Coast for the rest of year… although I am pretty happy at home in Sydney.

11. What’s your advice for aspiring designers and stylists that you inspire?

Define your own style, and be prepared to get your hands dirty!

12. Why do you feel now (as a community), it is really important to get behind and support locally made?

I think when we buy locally made products, we are not only supporting our local artisans, artists, craftsmen, farmers, communities (...and the list goes on) but also taking some accountability for the impact production has on our environment. With the recent events, both the global pandemic and Australia’s natural disasters that have affected our communities in such a big way, I think now more than ever it’s important to invest within our own communities.

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