For the artistically inclined, the changing of seasons signifies not only a shift in temperature, but creative innovation and winter rituals. And in the city best known for its notoriously unpredictable weather patterns, the Melbourne winter season proves to usher in a newfound wave of brimming creativity – steering artistic direction, productivity and inspiring new endeavours for Melbourne’s creatives.
This intrinsic relationship marks a change in both nature’s weather patterns and the minds of creative professionals, pushing new ways to source inspiration and introduce tailored work routines for the winter season.
As the temperature begins to drop and creative ideas surge, we recently spoke to five of Melbourne’s creatives on their newly adopted winter rituals to support their creativity, and how the change in seasons fuels their work – here’s what they had to say.
Liana Hardy- Fashion Photographer
How does the winter season influence your creativity?
As the landscape and fashion scenes shift with the seasons, I find a lot of creative inspiration by getting outside—going for walks around the city and through my favourite suburbs. I love people-watching and capturing street style moments that spark new ideas. Winter, with its rich colours, layering, and textured fabrics, really encourages me to experiment more—both in my personal style, documenting street style and in my sewing projects. There’s something about the coziness and depth of winter fashion that makes me want to create.
What is one thing you have recently implemented into your daily routine as the seasons begin to change, to support your creative inspiration?
Lately, I’ve started subtly transforming my living space to reflect the shift in seasons. This includes everything from refreshing my wardrobe to rearranging elements in my living areas. These small changes bring a fresh energy into my environment, helping me step into a more positive, organised headspace—perfect for fuelling creativity and getting into the right mindset for upcoming projects.
Simon Agosta – Founder & Creative Director of Milkbar
How does the winter season influence your creativity?
I think the natural seasonal melancholy can get me deeper into key feelings of campaigns or designs, maybe it will bring me to a place of feeling more sentimental. I feel as though this can help me feel more immersed in my ideas in a different way, not that I think it’s the only way for me to be creative.
What is one thing you have recently implemented into your daily routine as the seasons begin to change, to support your creative inspiration?
Definitely watching more films. A lot of my work at the moment stems from key emotions and I’ll build out collections and campaigns from that core. I find film is the best at taking me to different emotions through narrative. I then write or moodboard around that feeling until it is clear enough to build out into my work. Besides that I’ve recently implemented a lot of fuckin caffeine.
Jade Leung – Freelance Fashion Stylist
How does the winter season influence your creativity?
I always find the winter season is where my layering can really get creative.
What is one thing you have recently implemented into your daily routine as the seasons begin to change, to support your creative inspiration?
I’ve recently been loving experimenting with different outfits for my Labubu’s to match either my outfit, mood or what I’m doing that day. For example; There is sourcing Labubu – Supreme tee, baggy jeans and her trusty LV handbag!
Billie Dever – Founder & Creative Director of Marlow’s Studios
How does the winter season influence your creativity?
I am someone who is always inspired by nature, especially the patterns and textures that appear in the changing of seasons. I’m a summer baby so I often dread the colder seasons, however, one thing I look forward to is Hibiscus season in Melbourne which often comes around in March. I treat this as the official time to get back into the swing of things after the silly season. This then turns into the Grevillea season (can you tell I’m obsessed with flowers?), which means full winter. Winter is such an odd time, especially living in Melbourne where it’s super hot in summer and super cold in winter so there’s a huge contrast. I feel as though people in Melbourne, especially, embrace winter fashion, with layers and big coats etc. Therefore, they are buying more online and looking for more pieces to style and include in outfits. My friends and I definitely do this, and it pushes me to consider how each jewellery piece can be styled in multiple ways, and how I might design or present them to encourage that kind of versatility.
What is one thing you have recently implemented into your daily routine as the seasons begin to change, to support your creative inspiration?
One thing I have definitely incorporated more as the weather gets cooler is engaging in intentional rituals that support creativity and mindfulness. After silly season it can be super hard to get back into a rhythm, especially when it gets cold (which it hasn’t just yet thank goodness). I like to romanticise this time by creating a cozy space with incense, tea, new music, etc. This is also a great opportunity to do a ‘winter clean’ which my studio is always in need of (typical type B person).
Justin Kestelman – Founder of Hommey
How does the winter season influence your creativity?
Winter naturally invites a slower, more reflective energy, and I noticed that this season influences my approach to creativity. During the colder months, I prioritise deepening my reactive processes, dedicating more time to exploring ideas, textures, and moods with a great intention – what do I want to achieve and share with customers?
In homewear design, winter inspires a desire for warmth, comfort and tactile experiences. I am naturally drawn to plush textures and cosy layers that create a sense of grounding and calm. This season reminds me just how much our surroundings can affect our mood. Something as simple as choosing the right bedding, throws, colours, and textures can completely change how a space feels and supports you both mentally and creatively. I aim to create a comforting sanctuary that enables creative flow, perfect for those cooler winter moments.
What is one thing you have recently implemented into your daily routine as the seasons begin to change, to support your creative inspiration?
One small but powerful change I’ve made recently is recognising the importance of my sleep space and intentionally curating it to promote better rest – and, in turn, enhance my creativity.
I’ve switched to our Versa bedding collection, which not only brings warmth to my space but also creates an energising atmosphere that helps spark inspiration.
I truly believe that quality sleep and an inspiring environment directly impacts my creativity. One of the most underrated aspects of improving sleep is waking up at roughly the same time every day and exposing myself to bright natural light in the mornings. Pairing this with a calming evening routine and allowing myself the space to truly unwind has made a significant difference in my mental clarity. Creating a beautiful and intentional environment to start and end my day has helped my creativity flow more easily, even during the slower, colder months.
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