#GuestSpeaker: Bea Lambos from Bea&Co Style

^{Ever wondered what it takes to turn a love of styling into a full-blown creative career?}

^{From Student to Stylist: Bea Lambos on Styling, Collaborations & Creative Confidence}

This week, we were thrilled to welcome back Design School alumni and acclaimed stylist Bea Lambos of Bea&Co Style as a guest speaker in our final class of the year. It was an extra special session for our Group 31 learners & trainer Holly Miskimmin — Bea's original desk buddy from our Abbotsford campus days. 

Warm, generous and refreshingly honest, Bea walked our students through her styling & decorating journey, from the pivotal moments, the unexpected challenges and serendipitous opportunities that shaped her creative career.

Bea’s Journey Into Styling

Bea shared how she first stepped into the world of styling- including her early shoots and collaborations with Melbourne-based Architectural photographer Dave Kulesza, for The Local Project.

 _{Photography by Dave Kulesza}

Throughout our chat, Bea highlighted the power of saying yes, trying new things, learning through action, and building experience whenever and wherever possible.

"Everyone knows someone that is renovating, building or needs a stylist/ decorator!"

It's all about networking, Bea emphasised. It isn’t about being extroverted, it’s about showing up, being curious, and nurturing genuine relationships over time. Don't wait for the opportunities to find you. 

... From the DS Archives: Bea's final class presentation @ Design School

_{Bea Lambos - DS Student Work— Circa 2017.}

Bea reminded us that skill, knowledge and confidence grow through repetition: 

“Keep styling, keep shooting, keep collecting references — your eye sharpens when you stay in motion.”

 

_{Leonard Joel — Photography by Prue Ruscoe}

Editorial Photography & Collaborations

One of the most insightful parts of Bea’s talk explored her creative partnership with photographers, particularly on architectural shoots.

She shared how these collaborations often begin with a simple connection, from an Instagram message or comment, a shared project or interest to the willingness to take a chance on each other.

_{Design Files — Styling by Annie Portelli & Photography by Eve Wilson}

Bea talked us through the rhythm of editorial shoots days and the value of recce days- understanding the space, noticing the details, and spotting key elements (like the memorable red hula skirt in Mardi Doherty's home that ended up on Vogue Living!) that can transform a shot from ordinary to extraordinary. As Bea put it..

"... it's all about making the eyes dance!"  👀

_{Photographed by Sean Fennessy}

Bea’s Practical Tips for Shoot Prep

Bea generously unpacked her full pre-shoot process,  a masterclass in preparation and professionalism, with a side of fashion!

Key insights included:

• Study your client’s brand and the publications they aspire to reach

• Sign off on all the details well before the shoot

• Clean hair don't care! Always arrive polished, professional and prepared. Pick the out fit the night before and don't forget the comfy shoes- always!

• Carry all essentials: from packing blankets & tape, microfibre cloths, all the 3mm tapes/hooks, scissors, 3pm snacks, stationery- and grab that all important 'under your arm' object before you leave the house!

• Styling Assistants are angels- they protect client belongings, manage unexpected challenges, and give you that invaluable extra set of eyes, ears, hands and legs!

 "The best stylists' make the best of everything."

Megan Morton

Bea emphasised always staying prepared and adaptable- ready for every vignette, ever styling moment, every unexpected shift- or gust of wind! She reminded us the immense trust involved when working in someone's home and handling their treasured belongings. Her insight gave our students a realistic and empowering framework for approaching their first editorial shoots.

_{Home of Bonnie & Neil- Photography by Martina Gemmola}

Bea encouraged students to stay open to learning, keep refining their storytelling, and lean into the parts of design that feel most aligned with their strengths. Find your people, refine your craft, and do the work you truly enjoy— that's how you build a rich and sustainable creative life. 

 _{Home of Artist Kimmy Hogan for Design Files — Photographed by Cricket Saleh} 

A Full-Circle Moment 

For us at Design School, having Bea return as a guest speaker was incredibly special.

Seeing our alumni carve their own pathways, from building businesses, collaborating with fellow DS students & graduates, and shaping Australia’s design and decoration landscape — is exactly why we do what we do!

Thank you Bea, for your authenticity, your humour (and the occasional profanity 😂), and your never-ending visual inspiration. You’ve left a lasting impact on our students and our whole Design School community. 🤎  

If Bea's story has inspired you to explore styling or elevate your editorial eye, we'd love to you into Design School Studio. Our Editorial & Styling Masterclass & Workshops are in launching in 2026. 

Sign up the the Studio waitlist to the first to access dates, enrolments and early-bird spots. 

 

_{Design Files — Styling by Annie Portelli & Photographed by Eve Wilson}