From the 'burbs of Wellington, to the pages of some of the world's best interiors and lifestyle publications, and now to New York City - ready to take his styling career to even greater heights...
Whilst working as a high-end visual merchandiser, Glen's window displays were spotted by an editor at Inside Out magazine, and he was given the opportunity to join the staff as their newest stylist. Good move. Glen turned out to be nothing short of an artist, with his eye for beautiful things and his ability to use them as a master would his oils, painting a moody, romantic story around them. Glen soon became Australia's foremost interior stylist and a leading food stylist, was named Style Director for Inside Out and grew hotly in demand with international commercial clients.
You're (originally) from New Zealand - where were you born and raised? Do you come back often?
Yes. I was born in Wellington and grew up in the suburbs areas of the Hutt Valley. I left for Sydney when I was 21 years old and never looked back basically. I do enjoy coming home though as there is nothing more nurturing for the soul than the landscapes and natural flora and fauna of Aotearoa.
I was back in January this year for a long weekend. Whilst working in Sydney on an advertising gig meant I could zip over and see Ma & Pa. When I come home I just enjoy being on the farm with the folks where there is no internet, no mobile reception. Just the sound of the occasional Morepork and Tui's.
Where did it all start for you? Was there a moment or a person or a project?
I had a background in Visual Merchandising and was looking after a team of people at David Jones in their Market Street (Sydney) Store. We would turn over the thirteen store front windows every few weeks as well and all the internal displays and events.
I distinctly remember installing a homewares window from the latest catalogue and looking across at the Elizabeth St Store where they had unveiled the latest cover issue of Marie Claire Lifestyle as a huge image in the main window. I thought to myself, "that's what I want to do next. Work in magazines!?"
I had no idea how that was going to happen nor did I really even know what a stylist was at that point.
That next year, I was working at a boutique home and lifestyle store, Empire Homewares responsible for styling and merchandising the store along with conceptualising windows and their installation. From there, I was spotted by the Food Editor for Inside Out Magazine, Sue Farlie Cunningham who put me in touch with the Editor, Karen McKartney. I started as their on staff stylist on a trial basis and was catapulted into this phenomenal industry where again, I have never looked back.
Daniel & Emma story for Inside Out
Collectors feature for Inside Out
What are you looking forward to at the moment?
Getting back to NYC and my gorgeous wee apartment. I have only recently moved there from Melbourne so I really haven't had time to settle in. Winter is on it's way out and we're all looking forward to a bit of sunshine and warmth. Travelling so much means I don't really get much time to sit in one place so when I am back in Manhattan I literally hunker down and enjoy time with friends and uncovering new parts of the city.
What are the best things about New York so far?
The fact that you can shop till 9 pm most night and have everything delivered to your apartment that evening (even on Sundays!) Perfect for a bit of last minute prop hunting.
Commercial work for Aura Bed Linen.
What's on your design wishlist right now?
At present, I'm wanting to install one of these mural wallpapers from Surface View. Particularly images from the archives of the National Gallery of London. I should like to cover one of the walls in the living room. Kind of the 'new' feature wall one could say. http://glenproebstel.com/archive/ideal-curation/
Ok, I love a good recommendation. Tell us something we should totally know about:
If you haven't had a chance to check this new online magazine out, you should head to http://thequintessentialmagazine.com.au/ - full of inspiring images and a stunning way to approach industrial style. One may not envisage having their entire home full of one kind of style but it's all in the mix really and how you can include elements of various styles and genres into your space, defining your own personal style.
What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?
In five years time (and somehow it may even be sooner) it's all about collaborating with photographers and creatives around the globe. It's important to me to continue to evolve and expand, both professionally and personally working in differing cultures and circumstances forces me to push boundaries and challenge myself.
I feel on some level that I shall be making some sort of transition into video or film....watch this space?!
Glen, can we please spend an afternoon eating tapas and drinking wine?
Aside from interiors and design, what else do you love or love to do?
I love beautiful things. I appreciate how amazing human beings are and how we all like to create and birth beautiful objects into this world.
From textile designers in the back streets of Melbourne through to local chocolate makers in Brooklyn there has never been a more prolific time for creatives to be visible.
Social media has enabled the many to have a voice influencing the way that larger corporations or multi-nationals 'dictated' how we should live. There's a revolution happening, so get on board!
Credit where it's due - all photographs taken by Sharyn Cairns
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