Sarah Frere, we want your job! // The backstage stylist at V Festival

Sarah Frere, 36 // Set stylist and props buyer

If you’ve ever been lucky enough to bag VIP access to a summer festival, you’ll know it’s not just the toilets that (thankfully) look swanky – the surrounding area always looks pur-etty cool, too.

But how do these trippy tents, Oriental rugs, plush pouffes and outsize sunflowers appear? Chances are, Sarah Frere has had a hand in it. She’s a back stage stylist for such events and she’s working her magic at the Virgin Media Louder Lounge at V Festival 2012, creating the look and feel of the VIP backstage area this year (theme: the perfect British Village Fete). Worra job!

With over ten years experience in styling – from set design to venues – to boot ( think music vids for 50 Cent and Justin Timberlake through to creating epic window displays for Harvey Nics), we were totally wowed and so jumped on stage to tap the microphone and yell:

Testing, testing, 1 2 3… Sarah Frere – WE WANT YOUR JOOOOBBBBBBB!

Sarah Frere: V Festival Louder Lounge StylistWhen people ask you what you do for a living, what do you say?
I say I’m a set stylist and props buyer.

Quite often people don’t know what that is so I go into a bit of a description and then people ask what they would have seen or what famous people I’ve met!

What did you want to be when you were little?
I thought I wanted to be a vet or a dancer but I was always obsessed with making my bedroom look cool. I used to rearrange my room or paint a wall in a different colour quite often. I think I naturally fell into the job I was meant to do.

Where and what did you study? Is a degree essential, do you think?
I studied Theatre Design at Central St.Martins. I don’t think that a degree is essential at all, but it does give you the opportunity to meet some very creative people and helps you get a great portfolio together which is very important.

What/where was your first proper job?
Working as a runner in Soho for various production companies. This is a brilliant way to introduce yourself to the industry and see what job you think might suit you.

What are you working on at the moment?
I’m designing and styling the Virgin Media ‘Louder Lounge’ at V Festival 2012 – the Virgin Media Louder Lounge is an exclusive VIP area accessible only by invitation – you really are in for a treat in there, as there is no better way to experience V Festival!

Virgin Media Louder Lounge at V FestivalDo you get to mingle with celebs as part of your job? Do you have any celeb numbers on your phone – who? Go on, spill!
There are always heaps of celebrities in the Virgin Media Louder Lounge and this year is no exception – I hear some big names like Grimmy, One Direction and Michael Fassbender may be coming this year!

It’s always super busy on site but I always try and make time for number swapping!

What do you know now that you wish you knew in the formative years of your career?
To take every opportunity that comes your way because it may not come around again.

Sarah Frere, backstage stylist at V FestivalCareer highlight so far?
I’m really enjoying working on the Virgin Media Louder Lounge for V Festival and working on the last series of Spooks for the BBC last year.

How do you spend your time when you’re not working?
Swimming. Walks. Yoga. Having a giggle with mates.

Any quick-fix interior styling tips for someone on a tight budget who wants to cheer up their home?
Can’t go wrong with a lick of paint and some fresh flowers.

Five festival fashion essentials?
Lip-gloss, face wipes, sunglasses, glitter and – I’m sorry to say – wellies.

We’re compiling a festival survival guide. Any insider tips you’d care to share?
Wear something that can be comfortable and cool, as well as glam

Cheese or chocolate?
Chocolate.

Flats or heels?
Both are essential.

Bikini or one-piece?
Depends.

In or out?
Both…

Song that best describes your life?
She Works Hard for the Money by Donna Summer.

What would you like to do before you die?
Trek across Argentina with my husband-to-be.

V Festival 2012 takes place at Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire from Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 August 2012.

For more information and tickets visit vfestival.com. Follow all the Virgin Media Louder Lounge action on Twitter @VMLouderLounge

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