My MUSE | Gina Riley
Hi everyone, Olivia here to introduce this week’s My MUSE: the vibrant, dynamic and brilliantly creative Gina Riley.
Gina is the founder of Ornament, a beautifully curated homewares store shaped by her love of European design, bold ideas and making spaces feel both elevated and lived-in. She has a spark about her — the kind of person who gets an idea and brings it to life the very next day, whether that means sourcing a new piece, painting a canvas or rearranging her entire house to make space for something new.
A devoted mum to two boys (and two very loved dogs), Gina’s world is busy, joyful and always in motion. Her personal style strikes the perfect balance between polish and practicality. She’s known for her crisp shirting, strong tailoring and luxurious layers that feel considered but never overdone.
I caught up with Gina to chat creative rhythms, daily rituals and what’s currently topping her MUSE wishlist…
You launched Ornament in 2019, and it’s grown into such a distinct and inspiring space. What drew you to create something of your own, and what continues to drive you creatively?
Ultimately it was a love of spaces and the satisfaction of cosmetic transformations from renovating multiple homes. This warped into a love of of styling, sourcing, buying, creating and painting (art) I love the freedom of self employment (although not always the case) it definitely gives me flexibility to be a mum to who shows up.
Your eye for detail is such a clear throughline in everything you do. How would you describe your personal style right now?
On the days I actually have myself put together I would explain it as structured comfort, crisp shirt is a firm favourite, and I love a double breasted oversized jacket. Nails, jewellery and a good handbag are must haves to make something simple look more considered.
At MUSE, we’re drawn to those elevated, effortless pieces that become your everyday go-to. What are the wardrobe staples you find yourself reaching for again and again?
Double breasted coats, cream shacket, tailored pants and shirts, cream jeans, leather skirt, cashmere socks and fine cashmere jumpers for layering under a coat or blazer.
Ornament feels like an extension of your aesthetic, natural, considered, and quietly bold. Where do you find inspiration when you're curating for the store or your own space?
European architecture has always been at the heart of my inspiration.
You’ve created a beautiful home. A space that feels thoughtful and effortlessly personal. What makes you feel most like yourself, whether it’s a morning ritual, an outfit, or a quiet moment in your day?
I always get up early put my robe and slippers on, let the dogs out and make a large plunger of coffee for my husband and I, before launching into lunches, breakfast, smoothies and dinner prep or if it’s my morning to exercise its either a walk, off to the gym or an express reformer session at home. In the evening I love cleansing my face with Raaie Honey Enzyme Cleanser (love) and getting into my silk pyjamas early, lately I’ve enjoyed a little whisky and a game of last card with my youngest son. I love lighting the fire on Sundays, cooking something new, sewing and painting when I can find a moment to myself.
What's currently on your MUSE wishlist?
Victoria Beckham - Double Faced Overcoat in Dark Chocolate, Gaia Slim Shirt in Claret, Shon Leather Pant, Shadow Mule in Desert, Mosaico Wool and Alpaca Sweater in Patchwork, Saskia Ski Suit, and the Ulla Johnson Charlotte crossbody in Bordeaux.
And finally, finish this sentence: A woman is most powerful when she…
Moves with subtle confidence and poise, can dance in heels, has an approachable warm persona, trusts her instincts and holds her own in a game of poker!
