You may have seen her work on the red carpet, but Georgette Pollock-Johnston’s styling philosophy goes far beyond celebrity glamour.
After years working across the world’s most prestigious fashion spaces – from Vogue editorials to Rita Ora’s Met Gala prep – the Auckland-born stylist returned home to launch Studio Cassini, a sanctuary dedicated to personal styling and advanced colour analysis.
Rooted in a rich family legacy of textiles and design, Georgette’s work is part editorial finesse, part soul work. Whether she’s guiding a client through their perfect colour analysis or weighing in on a Marc Jacobs necklace backstage at the Met, her mission is clear: help people feel seen, celebrated, and confident in their own skin.
We caught up with Georgette Pollock-Johnston to talk career highlights, colour theory, personal style myths – and why your wardrobe should be built for you, not for trends.
Your styling career has taken you from New York Fashion Week to Vogue editorials and even the Met Gala. What was the most surreal or defining moment during your time styling internationally?
The wildest part is seeing these celebrities you grew up watching on TV in the flesh and realising, once you meet them, they’re just human too. That hits you pretty quickly.
But one of the biggest ah-ha moments of my career was working on Rita Ora’s team for the Met Gala. She was being dressed by Marc Jacobs, and it was every bit as fabulous (and chaotic!) as you’d expect. Rita was excited and nervous, and so were we. All the creatives feel like part of something bigger it’s like watching your artwork walk the Met red carpet. Even if you’re just helping steam the dress, zip it up, or weigh in on whether she should wear this necklace or that one it all matters.
People don’t realise how many brilliant, talented people are behind every celebrity look. After Rita left for the red carpet, we all sat in her suite with the TV on, waiting to see her pop up on screen. It was major. Then you tidy up, wait for her to come home, help undress and get her ready for the after-party all while a stream of fabulous, famous people casually walk in and out of the room like it’s just a normal Sunday night. I’ll never get over that experience
You grew up surrounded by fashion, with your grandfather and mother both running iconic fabric businesses in New Zealand. How did that heritage influence your approach to style and your eye for detail today?
It shaped everything. I grew up in Centrepoint Fabrics, with a mum who was eccentric, glamorous, and totally unafraid of being “too much.” Nothing was off-limits sequins, colour, drama… she loved it all.
She actually tried to steer me away from the fashion industry, thinking it would be too tough to break into. But there was no way in hell I was going to listen. I was obsessed with it and lucky to have a mum who fuelled that passion (and a fabric store I could help myself to, which was very handy!).
Mum thought maybe I’d take over the family business, but my heart was more in styling. She laughs now at the irony that I still drape people in fabric for a living just not in the way she imagined.
Colour analysis has become a core part of your work. For someone new to the concept, how would you explain its impact and why does it make such a difference to how people feel in their clothes?
Colour analysis is like flicking on the lights. It’s not about strict rules it’s about harmony. When you wear colours that complement your natural features, your skin glows, your eyes pop, and everything just looks right. You need less makeup, you feel instantly more polished, and most importantly you feel like you.
Confidence is a huge part of it. I used to wear all black to blend into the background. But after studying colour analysis and seeing myself in colour for the first time, I had this moment of, wait… who is that? I didn’t recognise the version of me looking back softer, more vibrant, and beautiful in a way I’d never let myself feel before.
That experience changed me. I knew I had to share that gift with other women, especially those who’ve spent years second-guessing themselves in the fitting room.
You launched Studio Cassini as both a styling HQ and a creative space what inspired the concept, and how do you see it evolving?
Studio Cassini actually started as a creative photography space and event venue — we hosted everything from weddings and hens’ dos to intimate functions. I used to style clients there too, and after I trained in colour analysis, I began using one little corner for sessions: just a mirror, a chair, a table, and my drapes in this big, empty room.
Colour quickly took off. I eventually had to close the events side and dedicate the studio fully to styling. Now, it’s exclusively for colour analysis and personal styling and I adore it. It’s so me — warm, creative, beautiful — and every client who walks up those stairs falls in love with the space. It really is my little sanctuary.
From styling Rita Ora to working with everyday clients, your approach seems deeply personal. How do you tailor your styling to make each person feel seen, confident, and themselves?
Every client is completely unique, and I never make assumptions. Styling isn’t just about clothes it’s about identity. I listen, ask the right questions, and observe.
Whether I’m working with a celebrity or a mum rediscovering herself post-baby, my goal is always to reflect their essence back to them. It’s not about forcing someone into a trend it’s about amplifying them.
It’s really important to me that every client walks out of their session feeling empowered, seen, and genuinely beautiful.
In a world of fast-changing fashion trends, how do you help your clients navigate what’s “in” versus what truly suits them?
Trends are fun, but they’re not a rulebook. I always start with the person in front of me their colouring, their shape, their lifestyle, their personality. If something on-trend works for them, great! Let’s play. If not, we leave it.
I teach clients how to build a wardrobe that’s rooted in what suits them, so they’re not always chasing the next thing or feeling like they’re falling behind. When you understand what flatters you, you shop with purpose, not panic.
What’s one styling myth you’d love to bust and one piece of advice you think everyone should hear when it comes to dressing for themselves?
The biggest myth? That there’s one “ideal” body type and everything else needs fixing or hiding. Absolutely not. Style isn’t about camouflage, it’s about celebration.
And if I could give one piece of advice: stop waiting. You don’t need to lose weight or hit a milestone to wear clothes that make you feel amazing. Dress for the body you have now. It’s worthy of joy, love, and attention just as it is.
Want to discover your perfect colour palette with Georgette? We’re giving one lucky winner the chance to experience a complimentary colour analysis session at her beautiful Auckland studio. Enter HERE to be in the draw!
+ Keep up to date with Georgette via Instagram HERE and book your colour analysis via her website HERE
