The Whitehouse Institute of Design is originally a Sydney-based design school, opening the doors to its Melbourne campus in 2008. Whitehouse offers courses in Fashion Design, Styling & Creative Direction and Interior Design, with graduates including Yeojin Bae and camilla and marc, as well as playing host to the Foxtel series, Project Runway Australia.

This year will be the Melbourne campus’ first with graduating Styling and Creative Direction students, each of which was given the task to create a space that represents the culmination of their 3 years of study. Ahead of this year’s end of year parade and exhibition, StyleZilla caught up with Greg Dennis, a soon-to-be Whitehouse graduate, and had a chat to him about his end of year space, his work and plans for the future.

SZ: First off, tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.

GD: I'm Greg Dennis, I'm 26 have lived in Melbourne for almost 7 years now, I'm originally from Wagga Wagga, NSW. I’m currently a student at the Whitehouse Institute of Design in my final semester studying Styling and Creative Direction. Over the past three years of studying I have experienced some amazing things and have been able to work with some really inspirational people and I feel I have really grown as an artist/stylist.

SZ: What can you tell us about your space? We can imagine you'd want to keep it under wraps, but is there anything you can tell our readers about it?

GD: The space I have created represents myself; as a person, a stylist and an artist. It has a lot of personal meaning and has taken a lot of time and effort to finalise.
Its also taken a lot of wool...

SZ: Your work has a very distinct style, how would you describe it?

GD: The way I look at my work is more about creating the whole image then just thinking about the styling. I think to be a true stylist you need to know how an image will look even before its been captured. I think my work is also very distinctive because I have a strong focus on using silhouettes of garments and the drape of fabric. I also try and create at least one element I use in every shoot I do.

SZ: Where do you get the inspiration for your work? Is there anybody in the fashion industry that has inspired or had an influence upon your work?

GD: I get inspiration from all around me, from the people who are close to me, from the things I see when I walk down the street, from imagery I look at. I think as an artist you have to take inspiration from anything and everything that is around you. In terms of people in the fashion industry I think there are so many people who have influenced me in one way or another, anyone who tasks a risk, who pushes the boundaries and who isn't afraid to show the world who they truly are.

SZ: After 3 years at Whitehouse, what is the most important thing you've learnt?

GD: I've learnt so much over the past three years; it's difficult to figure out what’s been the most important. I think the main things I have learnt are that you should never say no to any opportunity, always be prepared for anything and sometimes you need to do things you don't want to be able to do the ones you want. I've also learnt a lot about working with people and working for people and how each can sometimes be difficult, but more then likely, have a great outcome.

SZ: What are your goals for the future?

GD: There are so many things I want to do now, I want to create more installation pieces, I want to continue to style editorial shoots, I'd love to work for a brand that is willing to stand alone within the Australian fashion market. I'd like to explore more aspects in the field of styling and am always willing to try anything new.

If you’d like to see Greg and the rest of the graduating styling student’s work, as well as the fashion student’s annual end of year runway show make sure to click the link below to book your tickets and show your support for some of Australian fashion’s most promising talent.

http://www.moshtix.com.au/WhitehouseGraduateExhibition

Graduate & Industry Evening – Wednesday 30th November 14, 2011 (From 5pm)
Matinee – Thursday 1st December, 2011 (From 10am)
Friends & Family Evening – Thursday 1st December, 2011 (From 5pm)

Above, Greg Dennis

Model Jess Shoppe for et al, photographed by Greg Dennis

Image above photographed by Alex Dubois

Underwater shoot photographed by Kim Mennen

Photogrphed by Matthew Burgess

Pepe hat by Matthew Burgess