Billie Iveson and James Pillion, Bellevue Hill, Sydney
Images by Sophie Brockwell
Fashion Director and Creative Consultant Billie Iveson has been part of the Australian fashion community for as long as we can remember. Always a smiling face in the crowd at events and with an eye for detail that helped shape one of our favourite magazines, RUSSH, for over nine years. We caught up with Billie and her partner James Pillion at their apartment overlooking Bondi to talk art, creativity, and increasingly long walks around the neighbourhood.
“We have been living in Bellevue Hill for just over six months. We were initially drawn to the large arched windows, which reminded James of L.A., where he lived for many years. It’s so beautiful waking up to a view of the ocean. The natural light makes it very special.”
Billie & James’ bed is dressed in an IN BED 100% linen duvet cover, pillowslips and fitted sheet in white with a flat sheet in cool grey and extra pillowslips in dove grey.
“We’re lucky to count so many creatives as our friends and love filling our space with their work. Our bed frame is by Daniel Boddam, a talented architect and interior designer and is one of our favourite pieces.”
“I have a beautiful painting by artist Annalisa Ferraris who is a dear friend and also own prints from some of the photographers I’ve worked with including a large floral print by Nick Tsindos and a palm print by Kelly Geddes. In our office James has an amazing vintage film poster designed by Saul Bass (Billy Wilder’s One, Two, Three) and a print of Salvador Dali by Italian photographer Adalberto Guarnerio which he discovered in Rome last year.”
“We love going down to Bondi for a swim and to stock up on fresh fruits and veggies at the markets on the weekend. I love dropping into Orchard St for a chai, the Shop is our favourite spot for a happy hour wine and Peppe’s is always fun for a vegan pasta.”
“We were both working from home before lockdown started so in some ways our day to day hasn’t changed all that much. Not leaving the house to head to shoots or meetings has been an adjustment for me as I’ve never loved being tied in front of a laptop. James is lucky in that he can continue writing and recording his podcast, Popcorn Therapy, from home.”
“My regular local Pilates place, MPower pilates, has been offering Zoom classes which have helped me to maintain a sense of routine. We have been taking long (longer and longer) walks around our neighbourhood and discovering new streets which has been lovely. I’ve also been reading so much: Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo was a recent favourite and have found comfort in rewatching some film classics like The First Wives Club.”
“I’ve been trying to stay creative and have found new ways to keep my hands busy that aren't scrolling on my phone. So cooking and hand-building pottery at the dining table have been filling my evenings and weekends. Our Vedic meditation practice is as important as ever to create a sense of balance too.”
“I always knew I wanted to work in fashion and loved the curation aspect of publishing/media. I was previously at RUSSH magazine for over nine years, as Fashion & Beauty Director and finished up as Acting Editor. It was amazing supporting emerging talent and working with such creative people.”
“Since leaving I have been working as a fashion director and creative consultant - working with brands on defining their aesthetic vision and putting that into action, from campaigns through to design assistance and content. I love the variety each day brings and working with talented brands and fellow creatives. Very soon I’m coming on board at ELLE Australia as Acting Editor in Chief to do a maternity leave cover. It will be great to jump back into the publishing world and work with their talented team. It’s definitely a challenging time so to help support the Australian fashion industry and continue to create beautiful content will be rewarding.”
Billie & James’ bed is dressed in an IN BED 100% linen duvet cover, pillowslips and fitted sheet in white with a flat sheet in cool grey and extra pillowslips in dove grey.