A Stylist Eye, Gemma Keil.
COMMUNITY
Sydney-based stylist and creative consultant Gemma Keil is known for her refined eye and considered approach to dressing.
Sydney-based stylist and creative consultant Gemma Keil is known for her refined eye and considered approach to dressing. Working across editorial, fashion and commercial projects, Keil collaborates with brands to shape visual narratives from concept through to final image.
This International Women’s Day, we spoke with Gemma about her career as a woman working in the fashion industry, the creatives who inspire her, and the role thoughtful design plays in building a lasting wardrobe. Styling new-season pieces from the Fall ’26 collection, she reflects on the power of accessories to shift a look, and the pieces she continues to return to.
How would you describe your work as a
stylist and creative consultant?
My work varies depending on the client and the stage of the project. Some brands bring me in right from the beginning — consulting on the collection, shaping the creative direction, guiding casting, and then carrying that vision through to on‑set styling. Others simply need a considered eye on the shoot day to refine looks and make sure the story lands. Having a nuanced approach to each client is essential; understanding their brand identity, their customer, and how they want to show up in the world shapes every decision.
How has your career influenced the
way you choose pieces for your own life, beyond styling for others?
Being so close to the industry has changed
my eye completely. Once you’ve seen how garments are made—the craft, the shortcuts, the impact—it becomes impossible to buy mindlessly... I gravitate toward pieces that are built to last, ethically made, and designed with enough integrity to live
in my wardrobe for years rather than just
a moment.
“My personal style sits in that space between feminine classics and clean structure, with a relaxed sensibility that keeps everything wearable. I love taking traditionally formal pieces and making them feel everyday — a vintage Chanel jacket with denim bermudas is a perfect example of how I balance polish with ease. Day to day, my decisions are guided by comfort, practicality, and looking quietly chic, but also by intuition. I dress by feel each morning, choosing pieces that support whatever the day demands.”
How do accessories and footwear contribute
to the overall direction of a look?
Accessories are transformative — they
decide the tone of a look. I’ve spent a frankly alarming percentage of my career debating the right shoe, because footwear and bags in particular have the power to shift an outfit from relaxed to refined, feminine to androgynous, or practical to polished in a single choice.
I’m drawn to pieces that work with the way I dress every day. I wear a lot of black and I never take off my gold jewellery, so I naturally gravitate toward black leather with gold hardware — it feels cohesive and effortless. Beyond that, I love texture and softness: slouchy shapes, subtle grain, anything that adds a bit of dimension
without shouting.
How do you think about functionality and longevity when choosing accessories you return to regularly?
I’m rarely tempted by sweeping trend pieces; I always come back to accessories that genuinely align with my style and will stand the test of time. When I’m investing in a new bag or pair of shoes — which are usually big‑ticket items — I’m very considered. Functionality plays a role, but quality is paramount.
“I’m constantly inspired by the women around me — my peers, collaborators, and especially my mum. Surrounding yourself with creative people naturally breeds more creativity; their energy, curiosity, and dedication shape the way you see the world. I’m often most inspired by women who are true masters of their craft, whether they’re incredible cooks, respected architects, interior stylists, or creators of any kind. There’s something powerful about watching someone work with skill and conviction.”
As a woman in the creative industry, how have you shaped your career on your own terms, and what has that journey taught you?
I feel genuinely fortunate to have built a career that moves at a pace that allows me to juggle a young family while still doing work I care about. Navigating that intensity has taught me to trust my intuition, make decisions quickly, and appreciate the quieter days just as much as the busy ones. It’s kept me grounded, and having children has a way of putting your priorities into sharp focus.
The balance isn’t always easy — in fact, it’s often very hard — but hard doesn’t mean bad. It’s shaped me into someone who knows what matters, who can hold both ambition and presence at the same time, and who’s learned to define success on her own terms.
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