Sibella Court, Stylist, The Society Inc.
I find inspiration in discovering new places ...
With an eye for all things stylish, author and interior stylist Sibella Court has forged her career by surrounding herself with beautiful objects. Sibella grew up in Sydney, and found her footing as a stylist while chasing her dreams in New York City. But after working with a number of high-profile clients in the Big Apple, Sibella’s soul longed for her hometown, and she returned to Australia to set up her own emporium of furnishings, textiles and art, The Society Inc., which is nestled amongst the shopping mecca of Sydney’s Paddington. Sibella’s eclectic and bohemian style is also reflected in her four books, and she has a fifth tome (aptly named Gypsy) in the works. For her latest creative flurry, Sibella loaned her discerning to eye to Queensland Museum’s Curators of Cool exhibition, and is the first of the exhibition’s six curators to hang her selection of artefacts from the museum’s collection. While Sibella was visiting Brisbane, The Weekend Edition caught up with her to chat weekend rituals.
How do you like to start your weekend?
I like to start my mornings with an early swim at Bondi Icebergs, followed by a soy latte with one.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
After my swim, I love to go to Rozelle Market to pick up seedlings for our veggie patch and then to the auctions to buy more things that I don’t need … Raffan & Kelaher in Leichhardt is one of my favourites.
How do you like to unwind?
I like to do pilates quite regularly. I also have a reference library in my studio housed in floor-to-ceiling shelves, so I love to read! I’m attracted to novels, as well as books on natural history, travel and photography.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Working on new projects, including my surfboard range, finalising pages for my fifth book, Gypsy, and catching up with friends and family.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
I’ve been meaning to have a quiet weekend! I find that the hardest thing to lock into my diary is downtime.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
I hope to score an invite to one of my sibling’s houses for a roast chicken – my favourite Sunday meal.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
Having a Sidewalk Sale at The Society Inc. Paddington alongside some of my favourite designers.
What are you reading at the moment?
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.
What inspires you?
I generally travel six months of the year and aim to visit places I’ve never been before. When I’m travelling, I love to visit museums, galleries, literature festivals, flea markets, furniture fairs, studios of new designers and any other exciting events that happen to be on when I’m in town. I find inspiration in discovering new places.
What was your childhood dream?
To grow up and navigate the seas as a treasure-seeking pirate.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Opening The Society Inc., my store in Paddington, as well as my four books.
What is success to you?
Making sure that all of my projects are new and exciting.
What are your words of wisdom?
Never be afraid of picking up the phone to make an introduction.
Only a local would know that … the best chicken soup in town is sold at Jackie’s Café in Paddington during winter.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
- Perk up … Bronte-to-Bondi walk.
- Relax … Bondi Icebergs, Bondi.
- Dine … The Fish Shop, Darlinghurst.
- Indulge … Facial at the Facial Room, Bondi.
- Shop … The Society Inc., Paddington.
- Catch-up … Cafe on South Dowling Street, Surry Hills
- Be inspired … Globetrotting.
