Molly Johnstone shares her career highlights, a typical day on set, and speaks on how to start a career in styling.
How would you describe your personal style?
I’d best describe my style as,
forward
comfortable
statement
loud
mood dependant
What does your average workday look like?
On a typical shoot day I’ll be up pretty early to pack the car with the suitcases, steamer and styling kit and head to the studio or shoot location. Will meet with the team, order a coffee, go over any changes and receive the rundown from the client for the order of the day. I'll unpack and organise the pieces into shoot order, ensure everything is steamed then lay out accessories, shoes and extra items. I keep a close eye on how every piece sits on the model and make adjustments as needed, be organised for every outfit change ahead of time and take some behind the scenes shots.
We break for lunch and the team will debrief and look over the images and content then continue on to finish the second half of the day. Depending on the client we may take social content and for example I may prepare some “How to Style” Tik Tok’s using the client’s products and models. During the day I always aim to super prepared and a step ahead of the process, also packing away pieces once they’ve been used to speed up the End of day process. I return home to unpack and prepare for the next shoot. All returns to stores/brands will begin the following day.
What are some defining moments in your career so far, and how long have you been a Fashion Stylist?
I have been a freelance Fashion Stylist since 2017 when I graduated uni I moved overseas to work in the UK. I returned home to Melbourne and signed with Precision MGMT at the beginning of 2021.
Some defining moments in my career so far would be working with Maybelline on a national campaign involving 4 influential women, seeing this advertised on TV was a very proud moment for me. Recently my work made the cover of Alice D Magazine and was exhibited at a Melbourne Fashion Festival gallery viewing event.
What advice would you give to anyone who is looking into Fashion Styling as a career?
Build a body of work, a portfolio and network by reaching out to like-minded creatives such as photographers, developing models, make-up artists and organise editorial projects to showcase your skill set and share on social media.
You can all gain something from it and try to do this as much as possible.
What are your most loved and hated trends?
The trend I’m loving most at the moment is knitted balaclava’s and oversized parachute pants. A trend I would enjoy not returning is skinny jeans and over-distressed ripped denim.
Who are your top fashion icons?
Dua Lipa
Zoe Kravis
Camille Charriere
Matilda Djerf
Bella Hadid
Image credits: (chronological order)
1 [Image description] Black and white images depicting a model wearing Prada:
Stylist: Molly Johnstone
Model: Franny richardson
Styled by: Molly Johnstone
Photographer: Steph Cammarano and Daniel Congerton
Beauty: Nat Rider
Hair: @beauhairjobs
3 [Image description] Two images amongst green background
Stylist: Molly Johnstone
Photographer: Jordan Drysdale
Models: Hannah Sam & Whynter Van Ravenstein
5 [Image description] Single model walking in thigh high Gucci boots, for The Consign, three images in total
Stylist: Molly Johnstone
Photographer: Sulaiman Enayatzada
Models: Dijok Mai
7 [Image description] Summer of ‘99, Bikini
Stylist: Molly Johnstone
Photographer: Ramsay Hosn
2 [Image description] Beige image, single model with cowhide skirt
Stylist: Molly Johnstone
Model: Bella Geminder
Photographer: Ramsay Hosn
4 [Image description] Two images, orange and blue
Stylist: Molly Johnstone
Photographer: Jordan Drysdale
Makeup: Shella Ruby Martin
Model: Dechen @d.10zin
6 [Image description] Single model wearing a long knitted dress in a white background, three images in total
Stylist: Molly Johnstone
Photographer: Steph Cammarano
Model: Anjani Monga
Assistant: Jasmine Knights