Each year, HAIRHOUSE collaborates with an Australian artist to design our Holiday campaign. In 2024, we are thrilled to introduce Julia Stephens (Summer Svenson) whose bold use of colour, nostalgia and joyful nods to Australiana bring pure magic to the Hairhouse ‘It’s Giving…’ Holiday story.
With the holiday season representing various things to different people, Julia created a quilt-like visual that embraces varying celebrations, symbolism, cultures, and experiences. Mimicking wrapping paper, Julia’s designs combine traditional Christmas colours and motifs alongside bright pops of vivid colour revealed through each product, packaging, and promotion across digital and print.
Julia’s bold narrative proves a joy to unwrap at each touchpoint of the Hairhouse holiday season. Here she chats to HAIRHOUSE about her artistic inspiration and her very own holiday wish list.
Tell us about your artistic journey?
“Following a hectic career in the world of television production, maternity leave allowed me to slow down and pursue my painting a little more seriously. Starting with personalised Christmas baubles, I quickly found my niche and went from a seasonal painter to a full-time artist!”
Why do you think your art sparks so much joy?
“I love the idea of art as a functional piece in the home and this led to a beautiful online community emerging during lockdown when I was painting pots and vases – my favourite! This really aligned with many people stuck at home at the time and the joy that art can bring to any space!”
Where does your inspiration come from?
“My inspiration comes from fashion, textile design and all things vintage, including greeting cards, toys, and books. I try and pour joy into each piece I create.”
What was your inspiration for the HAIRHOUSE Holiday Campaign?
“This was a fun project! I really wanted to lean into a ‘colourful Christmas’ so I approached the artwork as a large, irregular, hand-drawn patchwork quilt. I really let loose with my favourite florals, stripes, and tartans with a touch of Christmas motif, hoping it would capture the ‘more the merrier’ mindset. HAIRHOUSE Holiday is all about a fun colour explosion to amplify the happiness and anticipation of the holiday season.”
What’s on your HAIRHOUSE wish list this Christmas?
“Anything Kerastase, in particular the new Premiere Serum Filler Fondamental. I was gifted this one for my birthday and it has taken my fine, blonde, damaged hair and completely transformed the texture. A worthy splurge!”
“Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Treatment is such a beautiful, nourishing mask, my hair always feels strong afterwards. I use this mask when I need a good hair day!”
“ghd Bodyguard Heat Protector Spray is my daily essential. I'll admit to a reliance on hot tools, so I need a good product to protect my highlighted hair. I love this as it goes on lightweight, and my hair feels clean.”
“ghd Chronos Ultra-Fast HD Hair Straightener is a recent update to my Haircare Tool kit. I am so thrilled with this one as it works in a single pass, saving me lots of time.”
“Redken All Soft Mega Curls Hydramelt Leave-In is a go-to for my daughters’ curly hair. It leaves it so bouncy and shiny.”
Explore Julia’s joyful work and all the amazing offers in our ‘It’s Giving…” Holiday Campaign here.
