June 28, 2012
fashion designer jac hunt
There are some fashion brands that launch with a buzz and never seem to lose their momentum. Take Jac+Jack. The label came onto the scene in 2004 after founders Jac Hunt and Lisa "Jack" Dempsey decided to produce luxurious knitwear. They wanted clothes that were modern yet wouldn't date from season to season. Since launching, they have expanded into women's woven apparel, accessories, eyewear, menswear and homewares. Jac+Jack is available at more than 60 stockists in Australia and New Zealand. In March 2010 Jac and Lisa opened a Sydney boutique in William Street, Paddington.
Which five words best describe you? Determined, generous, clear-thinking and, I think, sometimes funny.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? I knew very early on that I wanted to be in fashion, so all the way through school I never had to worry about a "career choice" from there it was fashion at R.M.I.T, then straight into the work force. I worked hard and was fortunate to work with a varied assortment of business people, creatives and inspiring leaders. I was like a sponge and wasn't afraid of hard work. I think I learnt a lot along the way and my career over time naturally evolved toward starting Jac+Jack with Lisa Dempsey in 2004. I never felt I was in a hurry and 15 years in the industry has kept me very level headed but always inspired.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Be patient and work hard, there aren't really any short cuts. Be realistic, be creative and stick with a focussed vision.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Starting Jac+Jack in 2004 with my very dear friend and business partner Lisa Dempsey.
What’s been your best decision? I think Lisa and I together are a good combination of push and pull, but we agree on most things, so when we make an important decision it is carefully thought through. Opening our first retail store was frustrating as it seemed to take a long time, but we held tight and tried to be patient, passing on some other sites until we found the perfect one. It was a very good decision, but one that was not easy.
Who inspires you? People who create and also give a lot. Frank Gehry is brilliantly creative, focussed and smart but also incredibly natural, real and very at ease with his achievements (like it's no big deal) - humble in fact. He is incredibly inspiring to me.
What are you passionate about? Business, fashion, art, conversation, the human condition and a couple of vanity projects that will remain nameless.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Frank Gehry
What dream do you still want to fulfil? To reach my potential, both personally and in a professional sense. To be happy and a good person. I hope that Lisa and I can take Jac+Jack to another level creating something unique and inspiring.
What are you reading? Vanity Fair from cover to cover as I am on a quick holiday in Mexico.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? I knew very early on that I wanted to be in fashion, so all the way through school I never had to worry about a "career choice" from there it was fashion at R.M.I.T, then straight into the work force. I worked hard and was fortunate to work with a varied assortment of business people, creatives and inspiring leaders. I was like a sponge and wasn't afraid of hard work. I think I learnt a lot along the way and my career over time naturally evolved toward starting Jac+Jack with Lisa Dempsey in 2004. I never felt I was in a hurry and 15 years in the industry has kept me very level headed but always inspired.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Be patient and work hard, there aren't really any short cuts. Be realistic, be creative and stick with a focussed vision.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Starting Jac+Jack in 2004 with my very dear friend and business partner Lisa Dempsey.
What’s been your best decision? I think Lisa and I together are a good combination of push and pull, but we agree on most things, so when we make an important decision it is carefully thought through. Opening our first retail store was frustrating as it seemed to take a long time, but we held tight and tried to be patient, passing on some other sites until we found the perfect one. It was a very good decision, but one that was not easy.
Who inspires you? People who create and also give a lot. Frank Gehry is brilliantly creative, focussed and smart but also incredibly natural, real and very at ease with his achievements (like it's no big deal) - humble in fact. He is incredibly inspiring to me.
What are you passionate about? Business, fashion, art, conversation, the human condition and a couple of vanity projects that will remain nameless.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Frank Gehry
What dream do you still want to fulfil? To reach my potential, both personally and in a professional sense. To be happy and a good person. I hope that Lisa and I can take Jac+Jack to another level creating something unique and inspiring.
What are you reading? Vanity Fair from cover to cover as I am on a quick holiday in Mexico.
images courtesy of jac+jack; portrait bartolomeo celestino