In this week’s episode, Tessa is joined by Hollie Lacayo, a London-based fashion stylist and writer whose work spans major commercial campaigns and editorial features for titles including Vogue, GQ and 1883 Magazine. Hollie reflects on building a career across editorial, commercial, music videos and red-carpet styling, and the realities of the job that aren’t always visible from the outside.

She also speaks about her role as Chair of BECTU’s Fashion UK division, why the industry needs clearer standards, and the recurring issues she sees around communication, late payments and a lack of proper contracts. Hollie shares the advice that shaped her early career, what freelancers need to feel protected, and how the fashion industry can better support the creatives working behind the scenes.

Interview by Tessa Dewing for The Business of Modelling Podcast 

Hollie Lacayo is a London-based fashion stylist and writer who has worked for commercial campaigns, such as Hackett, M&S and Jaeger, alongside editorial features in Vogue and 1883 Magazine. Her career has taken her across editorial, music videos, red carpet and commercial shoots which helps give her a clear understanding of how varied, and demanding styling can be. “Styling can look glamorous from the outside, but the reality is a lot of carrying, a lot of shopping and long days on your feet.” 

Early Career and Learning the Realities 

Hollie began her career assisting at Another Magazine and Vogue, these experiences taught her both the creative opportunities and pressures of working within the industry. She speaks openly about burnout, boundaries and the early advice that stopped her from falling into the trap of unpaid and unsustainable work. Her broad experience helped her to build confidence on shoots. “Working across different areas meant I could walk into any room with confidence when I later became a stylist.” 

Raising Standards with BECTU 

Hollie is now Chair of BECTU’s Fashion UK division, the first union branch created specifically or stylists, MUA’s, photographers and any other behind-the-scenes creatives. She explains why she joined, the issues she sees repeatedly, and why the industry must stop normalising poor communication, late payments and unclear contracts. “People are just going to sign it, because they’re not going to have protection or understand what they are signing.”  

Her work with BECTU centres on building basic standards that the industry has lacked on for too long, including clearer contracts, proper communications and collective supports for freelancers. 

Understanding the Job Behind the Image 

Hollie emphasises the complexity of styling: navigating directors, clients, production teams and tight schedules while making sure the clothes, the story and the model all work on camera. She also highlights the difference between working with actors, musicians and models, and what separates genuinely strong talent from the rest. “A model is there to carry the look, to work with you so the outfit photographers at its best.” 

Looking Ahead 

For Hollie, the future of the industry relies on better communication, stronger standards and shared knowledge. Freelancers need support, clarity and the confidence to advocate for themselves and the industry needs to value the people behind the scenes who make the work possible. 

Her career and her union work both point to the same goal: a fashion industry where creatives are respected, protected and properly equipped to build long-term careers.