There’s never been a better time to invest in the new season. There is so much to inspire your new wardrobe, the warmer air, green sprouts showing signs of new leaves to the trees, cherry blossoms and magnolias in full bloom, and not to mention the Spring Summer seasonal shows from New York to Paris.
And up next on our social calendars is the launch of the Spring Summer Racing Season and the much-loved Melbourne Cup day. Race day outfits require the most detailed planning of all, and it’s the one event where the accessories always define the look. A simple and chic dress is usually best to let the headpiece, footwear and jewellery shine.
Which brings me to Brisbane-based accessories brand, Jessica T who’s company philosophy is based upon the belief that `accessories really can make or break an outfit’, and we concur.
The brand is a culmination of a decade-long love of all things fashion for the Creative Design Director, Jessica Russ, specialising in jewellery, handbags, wallets, clutches, overnight bags, hats, hair accessories, scarves and footwear.
Jessica T launched their debut Spring/Summer 2011 collection, Antiquarie in Giza at the recent Fashion Exposed, Melbourne showcasing a fusion of inspirations from ancient Egypt and Industrial Revolution Europe.
We asked Jess about her personal inspirations behind the debut range, what she loves most about her role, and where Australia sits on the global scale of accessories design.
When did you first start Jessica-t designs? Why? How did you get into jewellery design?
I studied at QUT BFA Fashion Design in the inaugural year, then was lucky enough to be hired before I graduated by a large multi national retailer. I was with them for 4 years and it was great training. I then worked for a small niche wholesaler in west end. Those two experiences combined, I thought it was time to take a big leap and create my own brand! Jessica T officially began in 2011, but its been in my mind for many years.
What can inspire a collection? Take us through the process from that first connection with an idea or emotion through to sketches and the finished product?
Travelling (especially Asia), Vintage markets, my friends and family anything and everything really! I often dream up creations in my sleep! It usually starts with a general theme or look, then nutting out individual pieces, colour pallets etc, then its sampling, refining and then the final collection is born.
What is the theme behind the current collection?
Jessica T’s debut Spring/Summer 2011 collection, “Antiquarie in Giza,” is a fusion of inspirations from ancient Egypt and Industrial Revolution Europe. The juxtaposition of the two influences in the collection is striking, with references to the exquisite craftsmanship and decadence of the ancient Egyptians and the vintage feel of small machinery like early industrial telephones and typewriters.
What is the favourite part about your job? What do you love most?
The travel is inspiring and exciting, but creating something you believe in and are proud of is the most amazing feeling, and when others share the love of your brand/collection it is truly rewarding.
Are there any other jewellery designers that inspire you? Who?
Not specifically in jewellery, but Holly Fulton graphics are amazing, Mui Mui is my ultimate luxury brand, I love quirky little pieces that make you smile!
Do you think Australia has some emerging jewellery design talent? What is your hope for the future?
Absolutely, Australia’s isolation geographically from the rest of the world creates a unique climate and market that calls for our very own brand of design. The future definitely looks bright for design in general in Australia.
What are you working on now? what can we look forward to in the upcoming range?
Currently I am working on winter 2012, I don’t want to give away too much, but geometry and the 70′s have been a big influence.
You recently attended fashion exposed, what was the overall feedback to your brand?
We launched Jessica T in the southern states at Fashion Exposed, and the reaction to the brand and the collection was overwhelmingly positive. We were highly featured in the live look book runway shows which was also fabulous for us at our first Fashion Exposed!
Any other company news you’d like to share?
We are currently going through the application process of being accepted into the Creative Industries Fashion Incubator program here in Brisbane, alongside the likes of Francis Leon, Rebecca Manning and Thousand Dancers.
Visit; www.jessica-t.com.au