Dressing the world’s biggest musicians is no small feat, yet the stylists featured inside 10 Magazine Australia Issue 25 make crafting superstar fashion perfection look like light work.

Anna Trevelyan, stylist and creative director

Trevelyan’s embrace of visual fantasia and love of storytelling have made the pink-haired powerhouse one of the most in-demand image makers in music. She’s worked with a pantheon of musical superstars, including Nicki Minaj, Halle Bailey, Lizzo, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Tyla, Billie Eilish, Bree Runway, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Dua Lipa.

How would you describe what you do?

I feel like it’s being thrown around in a washing machine of chaos and somehow making something inspiring happen at the end of it. I would describe it as trying to express [yourself] with images instead of words. Trying to tap into someone’s soul and help them express that on the outside. [It’s about] being whimsical and having an encyclopaedic knowledge of fashion, politics, designers, photographers and all the wonderful creators you need to collaborate with to make it happen.

What place does fashion have in music today?

They go hand in hand. Visuals are more important than ever. People want to know the story of the artist they’re listening to. Fashion helps to tell that story, to express that identity, and also enables fans to emulate a visual mood and be part of that community.

How do you work with an artist to build their image?

I work differently with every artist – it really depends on the person, their character and needs. Ultimately it’s about elevating their style and personality to a place that makes sense with visuals. I take how they express themselves but also add in how I see them, though only if it’s aligned with them. Often there is a story you want to express and I do more album covers, videos and tour styling than personal styling. Usually we think how best we can tell that story. It doesn’t have to be realistic to their everyday style.

What’s been your proudest image-making moment with an artist?

I’m still so proud of the Rihanna Work video with the fishnet dress. I also loved doing a couture mermaid story for V magazine with Halle Bailey. And also, sometimes it’s just as simple as a new ’fit, like putting Tyla in Willy Chavarria pants, with huge, beautiful hair. That was one of my favourite moments too [also for V]. There are others I’m so proud of but… so many NDAs!

Anna wears jacket and skirt by CHANEL

What’s the most rewarding thing about your job?

I love making women feel beautiful and empowered. I love being part of pop culture and making images that young people interested in that medium take inspiration from. And I love [making sure clients have a] great chance to give opportunities to young designers, help them get their work out there and help grow their brand.

What’s the toughest thing about your job?

The constant internal crisis about sustainability and how drastically our industry has to work on bettering this. And also constantly navigating the complex sets of politics involved in fashion.

What’s your favourite getting-ready track?

Old UK garage albums.

What fashion item gives you the ick?

There’s only one answer. Shoes with toes!

How do you measure success?

Creatively? When I create something I would want to rip out of a magazine and put on my wall. In life? Finding a balance with work and life, and having moments and experiences with people I love that are not based around work.

Tour looks or red carpet dressing – which do you prefer?

Tour every time. There are so many different approaches to styling. I greatly admire red carpet stylists, as there’s a whole other set of politics to deal with. However, on tour you get to be more fantastical, create a narrative and see your work come to life. Live performances are also super-stressful [because of] making sure straps don’t break, beads don’t fall off, microphones don’t get tangled etc, but for me it’s the most fun.

How do you deal with superstar demands?

It’s my job to make crazy things happen. It doesn’t really faze me, I’m not sensitive about it. I just do it and have a wonderful team of assistants who support me. I’m probably more demanding of myself than anyone else is.

If you were in a band, how would you style yourself?

I’d wear the craziest looks and the craziest hair, as you can get away with more as a musician. If I dressed that way as a stylist all the time I might not get hired! I’d probably be in head-to-toe crystals every day, with 10-inch platforms and pink hair to the floor. I can only dream.

@annatrevelyan

STYLE COUNCIL

Creative Editor GARTH ALLDAY SPENCER
Text CLAUDIA CROFT
Portrait DIEGO BENDEZU
Fashion assistant GEORGIA EDWARDS
Production SONYA MAZURYK