Penny McCarthy

Penny’s obsession with fashion began very early in her life when magazines dominated her preferred reading list at school. Those days couldn’t end fast enough and the minute they did she was headed straight for Paris to study the language and immerse herself in everything French. Hours spent wandering the streets and sitting in cafes observing and absorbing the innate style and culture of the cities’ inhabitants. To this day it remains her favourite city and a destination she has travelled to many times to shoot. Back in Sydney she joined the Fashion Publicity team at David Jones working on their advertising campaigns and TVC’s where she travelled both in Australia and all around the world to shoot. She also worked on their legendary runway shows. Following on from David Jones Penny made a move into magazines joining MODE as Fashion Director during which time MODE became HARPER’S BAZAAR. A role as Fashion Editor of MADISON followed and she also spent time with The Sydney Magazine, MARIE CLAIRE as Fashion Editor and as Executive Fashion Editor for VOGUE Australia. Currently Penny is the Fashion Director of SUNDAY LIFE Magazine (Sydney Morning Herald). Alongside her editorial achievements she has worked on numerous advertising campaigns having the opportunity to engage with so many talented photographers, art directors, producers, hair and make-up artists and models. She loves the collaboration of a shoot – ‘you are a little family for a day…. I thoroughly enjoy been surrounded by creative people. I also adore styling actresses, they make the best models and I love styling what the industry refers to as ‘real people’ – real women!’ ‘True style comes from within and transcends trends, it’s an art form.’