Elliot Garnaut is a Stylist & Creative Explorer living in Sydney

Elliot Garnaut is one of Australia’s most loved and respected celebrity stylists, with a roster of star clients. His avant-garde style, that’s harmoniously woven with a relaxed aesthetic, has set the pace for the wider male population. He truly knows how to use and wear colour.

So, I simply had to pick his brain for five minutes on his career genesis, what style trends we’re going to see in 2023 and the beauty essentials he swears by.

How did fashion first come into your life?

Through my mother and my grandmother. Such chic women, always put together (albeit in very different ways). Before it was fashion, it was presentation. I was always encouraged to wear what I wanted when I wanted as an expression of my personality. From there, the love story began.

At what age did you realize you wanted to become a full-time stylist?

WAY later! I fell upon styling as a coincidence through my now dear friend Rozalia Russian. She approached me out of the blue and was my first client. I was 27.

Who inspires you creatively?

I find I’m creatively inspired by the media I consume more so than specific people. Whether that be a book I’m reading, a piece at the NGV or even a video game I’m playing on PS5 lol. In saying that, I do love people watching. Wherever I am in the world, I often have breakfast alone. I love to look at what people are wearing and draw inspiration from those around me.

You’ve worked with countless icons, but what’s one memorable look you put together for a client that stands out for you?

I loved Mavournee Hazel at The Logies in 2018. I styled her in archive Romance Was Born. I also adored Roza this past Oaks Day in Bluemarine. Each outfit has a moment of WOW, but these two looks had something so whimsical about them.

Do you use any particular websites or publications as style references?

Instagram is always a scroll away. I really like the celeb IG wardrobe accounts. They don’t miss a beat on what my favourite chicks are wearing, and these are a great source of reference. I also loveeee the old school mags, I’m talking like a gossip tabloid like HELLO! Doll, I can’t not look at The Princess of Wales.

What brands are you currently obsessed with?

Currently I am stuck in this ‘I can’t be fucked getting dressed’ era and have paired everything back so I don’t have to think about putting a look together. No shit, I am absolutely loving Uniqlo for great quality, easy to wear basics. I just bought the best jeans, cargo pants, peak caps and tees that I’m wearing on heavy rotation this summer. Keeping it stupid simple.

What’s going to be your next designer purchase?

Louis Vuitton x Murakami Cherry Keepall. I just need to bite the bullet and make it happen.

What style trends do you think 2023 will bring?

I hope none. People are becoming more confident in their own skin and, subsequently, in their wardrobes. Whist trends will come and go; what is incredible is the personal style we develop for ourselves. I think we will see a lot more ‘dressing for oneself’ this year.

What style trends do you think should stay in 2022?

Hate to say it but I’m so bored of the Kim Kardashian aesthetic. Speed Racer meets Moto GP meets Fashion Gworl. Yawn. It's so repetitive and tired. We need more muses on her scale to inspire a new global phenomenon. I’m so happy for it to be Kim, I literally adore her. Perhaps it’s time for her to swap stylist? I’ll stay tuned…

What beauty products do you use?

We could be here for years.

Skincare morning:
The Ordinary Glucoside Cleanser (I don’t think it’s out yet!)
Rationale 1 Serum
La Roche Posay TOLERIANE DERMALLERGO LIGHT CREME HYDRATING MOISTURISER
Rationale 3 Tinted SPF 50+

Skincare evening:
The Ordinary Glucoside Cleanser
La Roche Posay cicaplast b5 serum
Rationale 5 Serum

Makeup, desert island essentials:
Tom Ford For Men Bronzing Gel
Charlotte Tilbburty Crème bronzer
Charlotte Tilbury ‘The Retoucher’ Concealer shade 3
Charlotte Tilbury Cream blush, shade Pillow Talk
Dior backstage mascara, shade brown

Hair:
Literally any max strength hairspray I can find in Woolies, the chemist or the petrol station. Think literal glue.

Favourite scent?

Of all time? Rose Ikabana Hermes. It reminds me instantly of mum, and when I wear it, it makes me feel like she is next to me.

What advice do you have for our Saucettes trying to make it in the styling world?

So many people have taste, but it’s only half the job. Be organized as fuck. Stay on top of your shit, and always be on time. Get your returns back before they’re due. Bring the right energy to set.

Interview - Liam Sharma
Images - @elliotgarnaut

Elliot Garnaut