Bec Cole is the creative mind behind ‘the clutch that broke the internet’
Finding a great stylist is like finding a husband. When it comes to events and photoshoots, a stylist can make or break the outcome, and when two people are working together on something as personal as their own work, the creative chemistry has to be just right too.
That’s why I work with Bec Cole again and again. We’ve worked together on projects big and small, and when we’re working together, it just makes sense.
In my work, every single detail is important to me, and every finishing touch is a priority and Bec Cole feels the same about her work, and when we recently worked together on Daina Reid’s EMMYs outfit, the result was newsworthy – literally. Bec and I travelled to LA together on the ultimate girls’ trip, Daina Reid’s bespoke Julie Goodwin Couture outfit made headlines in Australia and America, and Bec Cole’s ‘Praise be’ clutch started a social media storm.
Behind the glitz and glam of her work, Bec is unassuming, grounded, and put simply, passionate about fashion…
How would you define your personal style?
I’ve become a lot more functional and practical as I’ve gotten older. I’ve also cultivated my appreciation for quality pieces and investment pieces that have longevity in my wardrobe. I’m a big believer in having good base pieces like coats and blazers, of which Julie is the queen of designing and tailoring!
How did you come up with the idea for Daina’s ‘Praise Be’ clutch?
Being a huge fan of The Handmaid’s Tale (of which Daina Reid directed and received an EMMY nomination for), it made sense to pay tribute. Julie, myself and Daina all approached collaborating together with a sense of fun, so it made sense to bring our personalities into the look in some way. I’ve always had a love of bags, having designed my own label many years ago that was stocked nationally in David Jones, so I felt pretty confident that my idea would translate well on the red carpet. I also am fortunate to have great contacts that were able to help me execute it. And who doesn’t love a statement bag right!?
You recently travelled to Los Angeles to style Daina Reid for her appearance on the Emmys purple carpet. What was that experience like?
Oh it was brilliant! Everything about it was incredible, and from the first fitting, we all felt a great sense of fun and excitement about it all. At the final fitting with Daina in Australia, Julie and I suggested in passing that we fly over, not fully sure of our schedules and if we actually could but it all just fell into place. I think in a way that relieved some of the red-carpet pressure for Daina too, as she felt more confident and comfortable having us on hand while she was getting ready. Thus, #teamdaina was born! The build-up to the Emmys was incredible and having an all Australian team, including hair and make-up artist Blondie and photographer David Higgs, gave us such an incredible comradery while we were all in Los Angeles.
What does a week in your shoes look like?
It can be pretty varied to be honest, which I love. There’s a bit of organising; it’s the pre-production that ensures a successful result. It’s true that you get out what you put in. This week I’m in pre-production for an advertising stills shoot as well as doing the set design for a gala event, no two days are the same.
What’s it like working with Julie Goodwin?
Incredibly organic, authentic and fun. Working creatively with someone is like a dance. We both manage to get into the groove, and not step on each other’s’ toes! We also have a very strong appreciation and respect for each other creatively and personally.
You have to pack a bag and you don’t know where you’re going. What three essential fashion items do you pack?
A good jacket, comfortable and stylish shoes, and a decent pair of denim jeans.
Why do you do what you do?
I love telling stories. I have a background in costume and set design, so I love the idea of intertwining what I love with fashion and beautiful locations or sets to invoke some sort of reaction. I also really love playing dress-ups! I always have; I have fond memories as a little 6-year-old-girl putting on mum’s fancy silk dressing gowns and transporting myself somewhere glamourous.
