Spotlight: Leigh Williams
Lured by the beauty of fashion publications back in the U.K – even making her own as a child – Leigh’s career kicked off by diving straight into unpaid work experience which lead to working for one of the U.K’s biggest tabloids.
She now works creating and styling fashion campaigns and editorials in Byron Bay and has also just launched SENSE.
SENSE was born from a desire to help modern women feel good in what they wear. To inspire and encourage confidence and a self-belief that comes from an understanding of who they are, and how to express that through their clothes.
Can you tell us how you got into creative direction and styling?
Publishing - fashion magazines in particular - always captivated and inspired me even from a young age (I used to create my own magazines as a child!) After an unfulfilling detour into the corporate world straight from school, I quickly realised that wasn't for me and turned my attention to fashion. I gained various work experience placements (unpaid - I had 2 bar jobs at the time too) at fashion publications across London and eventually landed a Fashion Assistant internship, assisting more! magazine's Fashion Director on everything from pre-shoot production, sourcing clothes, locations, models and props, to on-shoot assisting. I worked on countless fashion editorials, and created content for both print and online. From here, through trial and error, and with guidance and inspiration from many before me, I became the Senior Stylist at the UK's biggest tabloid. I now freelance for a collection of wonderful brands and clients, creating and styling fashion editorials and campaigns.
You moved to Australia from the U.K a few years back, what was the inspiration behind this? Compared to living somewhere like London, what challenges have you found being so far away in the land down under?
I have always wanted to live by the ocean. The open horizon inspires me like nowhere else. After a 4 month sabbatical to Central American at the start of my freelance career, I knew I wanted to experience living overseas. Australia, for reasons unknown to me, always felt like a place I would visit and never leave. And guess what? .. Life here compared to London is different in just about every way. The routine, way of life, and especially the slang (I'm still trying to understand some Aussie phrases, 3 years in!) I work closely with independent designers here, which I love. Australia really is blessed with talented creators. I feel very lucky to work and live amongst such creatives.
You have just launched SENSE which is a personal styling service that focuses on how women feel and look in the clothes they wear. Can you tell us a little bit about why this is important to you and for women in the modern world?
What we wear is so much more than the clothes we put on our body. It is an outlet to portray who we are. When we feel confident, comfortable and supported, we feel empowered to take on our world from a place of true authenticity. This isn't always easy to navigate. SENSE. was born to support women through this process. A space to encourage and inspire an understanding of who they are and how to express that through their clothes. We help women (and men!) to curate and refine a wardrobe they can navigate everyday with effortless pieces that feel true-to-self and function faithfully. Thus, instilling a confidence and freedom to discover their innate sense of style - and self.
What is one of the most memorable jobs you've been a part of?
Shooting at sunrise in New York on a crisp Autumn morning. It was magic.
What creatives and photographers have inspired you most over the years?
Australian female photographers featured heavily on my Pinterest boards throughout the years too. Jennifer Stenglien, Brydie Mack and Ming Nomchong inspire a strong sense of female empowerment through their work that resonates and encourages me. And I feel beyond lucky to have worked with some of them since moving here.
What is some advice you would give to someone just stepping out into the industry?
Hands on experience is key. Working with a great stylist will afford you invaluable knowledge. We all have a unique style to contribute to the world, so have fun finding yours. And when putting your first shoot together - trust your gut instinct. It is as simple as that.
