Inside Out Search for a Stylist has Gone Next Level this Year

Inside Out Search for a Stylist is back – and it’s gone next level this year. I should know, because I took part in last year’s competition and can say with all confidence that this year’s entries are out of this world. If you’re not completely across what this competition is, let me give you the lowdown.

The team at Inside Out have joined forces with TheHome to give eight emerging designers from around the country the chance to design a faux cover of Inside Out. You get just a few hours to put it all together and have it snapped, and the public then gets to vote for their fave cover.

The winner of the competition gets to style a real Inside Out shoot and work on the front cover of TheHome’s Summer Style magazine. It’s a pretty big deal.

The competition is harder than it seems, especially if you’ve not been exposed to working real photo shoots before. You are strictly timed (I got four hours last year) and get no help from any of the pro’s on the day, so the nerves are running wild and you question every element you put in or pull out.

This year the entrants look to have been given some larger-scale furniture to work with, and their talent has really shone.

I’m going to share my fave covers below, but you can jump over to Inside Out’s Facebook page to vote for your fave.

I do hope you support this competition. It’s such a great way to shine a light on local, emerging designers – and Inside Out are really good at doing grass roots things like this!

My Fave 3 Covers from this years Comp.

3. Emily O’Brien’s Cover

I’m loving the carefully considered elements in this shot. Trust me, it’s often what you don’t put into a photo that makes all the difference, and I feel like Emily has been very controlled here. The shot feels casual and inviting but still retains a sense of sophistication – and you know anything featuring cat imagery is going to win me over. I also adore that table’s clean lines.

2. Emma Duckworth’s Cover

Now, I’m not normally one to go gaga over neutrals but there is something so warm and inviting about this shot. There’s also something classic about this setting. It reminds me of an old issue of Inside Out – so I appreciate the sense of nostalgia there. The wood teamed with the leather and the chunky throw.; it’s a textural dream and I want to dive in.

1. Dani Butchart’s Cover

Oh Lordy. This is the winner. When I first opened the page of all eight covers my eyes immediately went here. There are so many killer elements at play; the chair turned sideways, the grid wall, the draping flowers, the pink X light. It has so many elements in it and yet they all work together beautifully. The job of a stylist is to make you want to buy the products – and I want ALL of them!

Which of the eight covers did you vote for? Drop me a comment below and share what you’re loving from your fave look!