Five minutes with… Patricia Villirillo

If you’re at all tuned into fashion and culture, you’ll have come across stylist and creative director Patricia Villirillo’s work. Styling two of our favourite independent labels, Edward Cuming and Paolo Carzana, stylist to screen queen Margaret Qualley and the brain behind The 1975’s slick looks, Patricia’s work is as diverse and versatile as it is alluring. 

What do you wish you knew when you were just starting out in the industry?

That time is everything and has to be used so wisely. It’s so important to develop a strong discipline, in this way you’re ready – mentally, creatively, and emotionally – when projects come your way. And I also mean time off – try it, it’s fun… and hot!

Who or what are you most grateful for?

I’m grateful for my perseverance and to all the creative encounters and creative families I keep building around all the projects I do. 

What was the moment you decided to make what you love into a career?

Barbies in my bedroom! Having those bodies to style and transform – from classical dancers to techno rave queens, manic pixie dream girls to princesses, city girls to Mary Lennox, Heidi, Sailor Moon… I’d colour their hair with nail polish, cut their bangs, slash their dresses, pinch skirts to create cute silhouettes. 

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I’m in a really energised place creatively, fully immersed in every part of the process, from direction to styling and storytelling. I love building a strong visual world and bringing the right team into it. Collaboration is everything to me, and I always aim to create an environment where ideas can flow, and people feel seen and inspired. Each project feels like a new chance to push things forward and make something that really connects. In five years’ time I’d love to build on this foundation and be leading bold, culture-shifting campaigns – the kind that don’t just follow trends, but spark them.