Chëla Olea is a Mexico City-based image stylist, who we have had the great fortune of working with on projects for StubHub, Bacardí, Tequila Avion, and nearly 50 other projects.

Chëla combines a deep understanding of visual composition with inspiration she picks up from working with fantastic creative collaborators and experiencing the city she calls home. Her work has taken her all over the world, alongside some of the industry’s most notable names.

We talked to Chëla about her background in styling, her most memorable projects, and where she goes for inspiration.

How did you get started in styling?

Photography and art have always had a strong presence in my life; always being fascinated by colors and textures around. I studied fashion design and when I graduated, I immediately began working in theatre where I found myself creating the character’s narrative through colors and structure. Always being inquisitive in my field and while exploring the intricacies of it (during my time in Spain), that’s when I discovered the world of makeup.

Upon my return to Mexico I began working in different fashion editorials, multiple fashion shows (such as Fashion Week New York City) and diverse projects. I’ve been fortunate to have worked with some of the most prominent musicians of our times, like: The XX, Debbie Harry, Garbage + Björk (among many others). I’ve recently also been involved with multiple commercials and I love it!

Where do you go for for inspiration?

Living in such a massive city as this one, and having the opportunity to observe all the diverse people we live among has been fascinating to me, and of course, pretty inspiring. I constantly try to go to museums, galleries, shows and listen to a variety of different musicians, as gathering inspiration by things that move you, is always great for any creative process.

What are some of your favorite visual references?

One of my first visual references came about from my interest in performance and plastic art. Legends such as the iconic David Bowie and Alexander McQueen have always been incredibly present in my life and have been a huge influence in what I do. Characters such as Leigh Bowery, Michael Clark, and Boy George have also always been around from the very early stages of my career.

What do you enjoy most about working in Mexico?

In Mexico, everything is possible! The passion that surrounds the country is unique and rare in its purest forms. The locations, culture and people are what make it so remarkable and special. When you’re able to combine all of the above, that’s when you find yourself immersed in a work experience that is very hard to top, or even find in any other country. I’m sure of that!

Can you take us through styling a project at The Lift you particularly enjoyed?

It’s very hard just to mention one.

However I thoroughly enjoyed working on Tequila Avion with Jake Scott. The thematic story line behind such a powerful creative director made this an unforgettable experience.

I also enjoyed working on the PlayStation set with Henry Hobson. I love when the director gives you all the creative freedom and trusts that your personal talent will deliver. It was a multifaceted project where the crew was able to give their best, and by combining those elements, that’s what made it so great.

How would you describe working with The Lift?

It’s been one of the best experiences in my life. Each project is a challenge and that is what pushes me to become a better artist. It’s also given me the opportunity to work with such amazing, creative, and talented people. We’re a team that has reached a certain level of respect and freedom that is honestly hard to find anywhere else.

What are you working on next?

I have a couple of things in the works, however I believe one should never tell until it’s 100% confirmed! What I can say though, is that these two options are not in Mexico.

What project are you most proud of and why?

I have more than one significant project on my showreel, but I think the most memorable one has been the Bacardí shoot with Michel Gondry. We had many characters that required looks with a ton of mojo… And the pressure was there! I grew up watching videos of this amazing director, and you never want to disappoint. Thankfully he liked what I did, and the end result was with no doubt, amazing.