As partners of Melbourne Fashion Week, we had the pleasure of chatting with personal, editorial, and red-carpet stylist Juvelle Behrendorff after the delightful experience of meeting her in person, of course wearing her signature boxy suit jacket.
Juvelle shares her journey into the world of fashion, sparked by a love for creativity and style and shaped through hands-on experience and formal training with the Australian Style Institute. Juvelle also incorporates sustainable practices into her styling, encouraging clients to make thoughtful, long-lasting wardrobe choices. Her expertise offers a wealth of insight, from essential wardrobe staples to recommended brands that prioritise eco-friendly practices.
Read on for her unique tips and advice on crafting a wardrobe that’s both stylish and sustainable.
I’m Juvelle, I am a fashion stylist working in the personal and editorial space. I also do content creation on the side too.
What inspired you to pursue a career in fashion styling, and what was your journey like to get where you are today?
I was at a point in my career where I wasn’t deeply loving my job and I needed something with more creativity and flexibility. Fashion has always been something I have been interested in (yes! it’s a passion) but I never considered a career in it until a friend encouraged me to explore my love of it more. I don’t have the patience or skill to be a designer so after some research I discovered styling which made sense, I was that “go-to person” for my friends whenever they needed to go shopping. I found a course in it through the Australian Style Institute and that was it, I found my people and something I loved.
What are some of your career highlights or memorable projects you've worked on?
I styled Jessica Rowe on the pink lake (Hutt Lagoon) in remote WA for a Bio Oil campaign a few years ago now but it still sticks in my mind. It was a really fun photoshoot. Jess is an amazing and lovely person, and the landscape was incredible. I have also been very lucky in having clients who trust me to dress them for some of the biggest events they will attend, such as the Brownlow, the Australian Cricket Awards and even the Logies.
Photographer: Jason Lau Photos
How do you stay current with fashion trends, and what resources do you rely on for inspiration?
Social media, especially TikTok can be fantastic. I follow some very talented fashion experts who break down trends and fashion industry news, hearing their different points of view is great for staying on top of the fashion pulse and being inspired. I also try to read as many different articles on fashion industry news, whether that is through print or digital publications, to stay ahead of what is a fast-paced industry.
What are some essential wardrobe pieces you believe everyone should have?
This is hard as I believe style is personal so it’s not a one-type-fits-all scenario. But if I had to loosely choose some pieces, I think well fitting denim is a great wardrobe staple that has a lot of versatility in any wardrobe and if cared for correctly will last for years. Basics like tees, tanks or shirts that can transform the more statement pieces in your wardrobe and give greater versatility is always a good idea. Also, tailored pieces, such as a blazer, tailored trousers or even a full suit (depending on your style) that can easily dress up even the most casual of basics is a good investment. The great thing about these items is you can choose how these pieces suit your style and make them work for you, whether that is classic neutrals or bold colours, or the kind of fit you prefer (is it slim, fitted on the waist, boxy or oversize?) you get to adapt them to your own preferences.
Photographer: Jason Lau Photos
What role does sustainability play in your work, and how do you incorporate eco-friendly practices into your styling?
It plays a huge role, I am a believer that any item you purchase, you should do so with the mentality to wear it as much as you possibly can and I encourage my clients to do the same. This is done in a lot of different ways.
First off, making sure any purchase meets your own personal style, if it doesn’t feel authentically you, you are unlikely to wear it and that can lead to clothing being discarded and ending up in landfill.
Any purchase should have the ability to mix and match to create 3-4 outfits (minimum) with what you already own, otherwise it’s a piece that often leads to further purchases and overconsumption to make it work within your wardrobe, or once again clothing being discarded.
Repair rather than buy new whenever possible.
A big reason why clothing doesn’t last its full lifespan is due to incorrect care, such as washing and storing incorrectly, so I always make sure to care for my garments correctly and pass this knowledge on to my clients too.
Lastly, I personally try to buy as much as I can via small local brands and brands that align with my values or even second-hand. I will show the same outfits and clothing pieces on my social media too, part of being sustainable is to wear and re-wear what you already own.
Can you share some of your favourite sustainable brands or designers you love to work with?
I try to support small local brands as much as possible and I often find it's the smaller brands that are the most transparent with their practices which is fantastic.
For sunglasses, I love Sito Shades; they are a small brand that is B Corp certified. All their sunglasses are made from plant acetate, and all their packaging is biodegradable or recyclable.
Virk bags is a small made-to-order bag brand based in Naarm run by two sisters. They crochet all the bags themselves from recycled t-shirts and denim.
Citizen Wolf have the best tees that are custom made to you and your desired fit.
A brand that often gets suggested to clients is NZ brand Kowtow. They are leading the way when it comes to sustainable materials and circular design. Their clothes are also really beautiful.
Another NZ brand Maggie Marilyn is great for effortless and fashion-forward designs that will still feel fresh in years to come.
For interesting basics that can be worn in a lot of versatile ways Bassike is a great option. Their designs are relaxed, effortless and fashion-forward.
How have digital media and social platforms influenced your work as a stylist?
It’s shifted the ways that I get to communicate with clients as well as potential future clients. Social media has become a large part of my daily working life, something I never considered when I first started in this industry. I have a small following but I am focused on building a great community by answering my follower’s questions, sharing my knowledge (whether it’s brand knowledge, style tips and tricks, trends or industry news) as well as what is currently inspiring me. I try to be an advocate for dressing to your authentic personal style and supporting local. Social media has opened me up to some great experiences within the industry, too that I will always be grateful for.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to pursue a career in styling?
If you have any interest or desire, explore it, don’t wait on the idea too long, talk to other stylists in the industry who you admire, seek out internships or do what I did and explore a course. Changing careers to a creative job like styling has been so fulfilling in many ways and one of the best things I have done for myself.