LESLEY CRAWFORD

Lesley Crawford is a Sydney-based stylist and fashion icon celebrated for her vibrant, eclectic style and her role in redefining fashion. Originally from New Zealand, she moved to Sydney at 21 and transitioned from teaching to a successful career in film and television. For over a decade, she has worked as a stylist at SBS, where she established the network’s wardrobe department.

Lesley offers a thoughtful glimpse into her work, passions, and personal style, continuing to inspire and redefine traditional ideas of fashion.

What's your name and what do you do?

Lesley Crawford .. I am retired from full-time work and now do projects with friends that inspire me.

In my working career, I did many things, hence the many hats Instagram title. I never wanted to be pigeonholed! From kindergarten teaching, retail, styling, set decoration and production design to network stylist at SBS.

What is your personal approach to your style?

I like to wear clothes that make me feel good.

How would you describe the aesthetic?

My personal aesthetic is to mix it up, I don’t like to be predictable.… I love colour and print, but am not adverse to monotone and black and white. I have a lot of matching sets as they are so easy to wear.

Take us through your creative process, how do you find focus and what drives you?

I love playing dress-ups. I always try on different options depending on the occasion.

"I start with a pair of pants or a dress and build layers from there.. shoes ..glasses, sunglasses, jewellery, bag, hat or no hat. The process is the thing I enjoy the most."

One of the joys of being older is that I have an extensive wardrobe which I have built up over many years, so the possibilities are endless…

But comfort is paramount! I do not like anything tight or restrictive.

Who, what or where is inspiring you right now?

I am a very curious person, so I always have my eyes open wherever I am..

I love a great magazine .. old school, I know, but there is nothing like turning a page and an image capturing your imagination. Everything from old Italian Vogues to The Face, Nest, World of Interiors … I used to love doing inspiration boards for movies.

Art .. I regularly go to galleries.

Movies..

But the greatest joy is being home, cooking up a storm and eating and drinking around a large table surrounded by your nearest and dearest. They inspire me enormously.

In a world where digital presence is crucial, how do you maintain authenticity in your online?

By just being myself.

How do you quiet your mind, and find calm in the chaos?

Exercise always makes me feel better.

I am not really an athletic person, but have always gone to the pool and walked the dogs ..  I have now added weights and yoga. I want to be able to get myself off the loo when I am 95 years old!

Tell us about a project something you’re working on thats exciting you right now?

I am going to sell the warehouse I have lived in for 28 years. That involves downsizing in a major way, so I am currently doing an inventory and then watch this space for the blue shed shop on Instagram.