Since leaving the editorship of Russh, Stevie Dance has gone a long way to establish herself as Australia's next superstar stylist. Sydney born, Dance has been working in New York for well over a year now, establishing herself as part of the rapidly expanding core of Australians in the Big Apple's fashion industry.
Not without title for long, Dance has picked up a job as a Contributing Editor for Oyster, a role she is doing alongside her booming freelance career, which includes, amongst other things, consultancy work for some seriously big brands.
Back at home, the indie fashion vixen's talents have been noted by the Melbourne GPO, who have brought her on board as a style consultant. We caught up with her last time she was in Australia to host an event with the shopping centre, then ran into her again at Oyster's New York launch party.
What sort of work do you hope to create for Oyster magazine in your new role?
Oyster is a great project to be involved with. It is an internationally based team and that was an attraction as well as the American Edition that we're launching, especially now that I am living in New York full time. Oyster is a really fun, energetic and innovative title, so my work with be in line with this sentiment.
Can you tell us a bit about the other sorts of work you’ve been doing since you finished up your Russh editorship?
I’m writing a film and I've recently shot for i-D, China Vogue, Details and V magazine.
What is the most inspiring discovery you’ve made in the last three weeks?
The color of the sun setting in Tennessee and a new dialogue of music swapping with a dear friend.
Can you tell us a bit about your life in New York?
I ride my bike. I drown out the Chinatown banter with Sonic Youth, The Breeders and Mingus. I water my plants and burn incense. I work, work, work and work! I drink iced tea on Hester St and eat raw goji berries on 1st street. I meet with models. I plan routes across America. I skype a lot and I dream.
What is your creative process when it comes to putting together a shoot? Where do you usually look to for ideas?
My ideas are amalgamations of my imagination and things that have stuck with me... narratives, characters, films and pop culture that has come into my life, long term or even for just a minute and from there it is about what happens when we evolve these ideas with the whole team.
What first drew you to fashion?
Photography.
Can you tell us a bit about your work with the MGPO and how it came about?
I am working with MGPO and their in house publication to create editorials and visual essays as a new way to support their retailers. We have had a great time together starting this project! We shot Jade Jackson, a local Melbourne sensation whom I met in New York just after she shot H&M with Terry Richardson. Our first project is all about dressing your best for Spring.
If you weren’t a stylist, what career do you think you’d have?
I’d love to make movies.
How do you feel about the attention editors and stylists have started to attract?
I think it's fantastic that people are more aware of the industry and those who contribute to it.
How would you describe your approach to personal style?
I wear clothes that inspire me.