March 27, 2015
STYLIST DANIELLE SELIG
“On my first day at Vogue Living I knew I was on the right path,” says Danielle Selig, a Sydney stylist. It was a career she had never considered at school or university, where she graduated with an Arts/Law degree. But when she started working for a leading Sydney firm, Danielle soon realised it wasn’t the life for her. “The moment I knew this career existed and there was a possibility of doing what I loved full-time there was never any other option for me.” Danielle started as a style assistant at Vogue Living and after taking a maternity leave position styled her first decorating story and grabbed the cover. “It was hugely reassuring to have my work recognised in this way,” she says. Now working as a freelancer, she has also worked for Country Style and Inside Out.
Which five words best describe you? Intuitive, risk-taker, creative, determined, honest.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? After completing my Arts/Law degree I practiced as a lawyer in a Sydney firm, however, it didn't take me long to realise that billable hours were not for me!
I swiftly left the law firm and it seems all my stars aligned as I soon started interning at Vogue Living. I worked closely with Vogue Living style director Alexandra Gordon who was generous with her time and knowledge. I quickly learnt the ropes and after a few months I was brought on full time to cover Alexandra's maternity leave.
After almost a year in this role, then editor-in-chief Victoria Carey gave me the opportunity to style my first decorating story for the magazine. I was lucky to be able to work under the creative direction of Giota Letsios and unintentionally managed to land my very first cover. I’m eternally grateful to Alexandra, Victoria and Giota for nurturing me as a stylist at the start of my career.
I took the plunge into the freelance world this year and so far it’s been exciting, challenging and also really rewarding. I’m have a few exciting personal projects in the works at the moment and am looking forward to seeing what else lies ahead this year.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? To trust and rely on my intuition. I’ve learnt that I work best when I do things that excite me. Because of this I've started working on a few shoot concepts that are purely ideas that I really want to bring to life. Be kind, always be kind.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Styling my first decorating story and cover for Vogue Living and later learning the story had been requested by Vogue China and Vogue Portugal.
What’s been your best decision? To create a career out of doing what I love on a daily basis.
Who inspires you? I’m currently inspired by the work of stylists and set designers Studiopepe and Milan-based interior designers Dimore Studio. Lorenzo Castillo always inspires me with his clever use of pattern in his interiors.
What are you passionate about? Pattern, textiles, linen, hotel robes, pasta, peonies, design, interiors and travel - in no particular order!
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Gio Ponti.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Pack up and move to Italy. I’d also love to take a ceramic course and learn a language.
What are you reading? One of my best girlfriends has just given me Amy Poehler’s Yes Please.
images courtesy of danielle selig; photography felix forest + art direction giota letsios for vogue living
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