When Stevie Dance left Russh earlier this year, many of her readers and admirers wondered what she would do next. Having been with the magazine since its launch – she joined as journalist, before becoming fashion director and most recently, editor – Stevie (above, centre) had almost become synonymous with the title. She certainly helped to shape its effortlessly cool style, a signature mix of dreamy and gritty, and gained countless fans in the process. And then she left.
“Of course, the decision to move on was a difficult one but creative renewal I think is key, as is following your dreams,” she says. “There is a season for everything and it feels so very exciting to be starting a new journey!”
Part of the “new journey” has involved a move to New York – though she hasn’t exactly been enjoying a lazy summer. “I’m writing a film, launching a creative consultancy firm and have contributed to i-D magazine, V magazine, Vogue China, Details magazine and Oyster.”
She’s also been flying home a bit over the past few weeks to work with Melbourne’s GPO centre, where she’s just started a year-long role as fashion ambassador. The project will see her contribute to four seasonal editorial campaigns, the first of which will be unveiled at the GPO tomorrow (see details below).
Called “Best Dressed with Stevie Dance”, the event is all very “multi-platform” and will be MCed by blogger Matt Jordan, aka the hilarious Imelda, The Despotic Queen of Shoes. Working with some of the MGPO’s retailers – Acne, Gorman, Alpha60, Lisa Ho and more – Stevie has produced a series of images (above, left and right) plus a short film, which will be screened before she takes part in a Q&A session.
Given that Stevie lists writing and directing feature films as her dream job, it’s not hard to see the appeal of this project. And although she’s now based in New York, she still has a soft spot for Australian fashion.
“Australian fashion, to me, has a real level of dedication and such a unique voice. I love flying home and watching what everyone is wearing, simply because our local talent has a committed audience and that is brilliant,” she says. “Australian fashion is grounded in our individual designers and the boutique shopping spirit. Nearly as wild as London, I think Australians really commit to fashion. Overall the world is a smaller place now and I love how trends follow through.”
Do you know Stevie?
Here’s what’s motivating the stylist right now…
Which three (fashion) pieces can you not live without?
My APC suede blue Beatle boots, my white highwaisted men’s pants and my Hermès bucket feedbag.
Which piece of art most recently got you excited?
Thurston Moore’s new music video “Circulation” and Hedi Slimane’s images of Frances Bean Cobain on his diary blog spot.
What’s your dream job/project/client?
To write and direct feature length films.
Best Dressed with Stevie Dance is being held Thursday August 25 at 12.30pm on level 1 of the MGPO. Entry is free.
Not in Melbourne? Look out for the film and images, coming soon to the MGPO’s website.
The Modernity Project 