JAYSON BRUNSDON INTERVIEW
At the recent Myer Queen Street store summer launch, the VIP guests and media had much delight in meeting Jayson Brunsdon and seeing a capsule of his collection which Myer now stock through out Australia. The name that is synonymous with sexy and beautiful dresses – I met the good looking young man who is Jayson Brunsdon and he was obliging and happy to have a "designer chat" with istylefashion.com.au.
Q: Jayson, what or whom was your biggest fashion moment?
A: Meeting Audrey Hepburn in 1989 at a UNICEF dinner in Sydney. She was my idol and it was such an amazing thrill to meet her. I was with Leona Edmiston and Miss Hepburn commented on Leona’s mini dress, “that’s the cutest mini I’ve seen!”
Q: Did you have any formal fashion design training? If so, with which college?
A: I studied with UTS in Sydney. I didn’t last the full course though, I was too keen to get out and achieve something.
Q: Was your first job with Peter Morrisey? What was your role with the PM brand?
A: My first job was as a fashion illustrator, followed by a fashion editor at Follow Me Magazine, followed by a stylist role in New York until I finally took up the position as creative director at Morrissey Edmiston. When they parted I stayed with Peter.
Q: How old were you when you knew you wanted be a womens wear fashion designer?
A: I didn’t know what exactly I wanted to do in fashion. That’s why I did many sides of the industry until I found my ultimate. I became obsessed with fashion at about the age of 13.
Q: Showing in New York at Fashion Week is a huge event to do? What is it like? Who do you sell to?
A: It’s thrilling! Nerve-racking, very professional, very business-like. We sell to Saks 5th Ave, Nieman Marcus, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Myer and many specialty stores.
Q: Do you have a favourite model or muse whom you design around?
A: My muses change seasonally however they are all strong, passionate women with iconic style and generally are actresses or cinema characters. For the next season showing in New York, this September, it’s Suzie Wong, the beautifully fierce and vulnerable Hong Kong good-time girl of the cult film and novel. She was like the Chinese Holly Golightly.
Q: What is your biggest inspiration for the beginning of each new collection? The fabrics, colours, movies, fashion archives, places?
A: The inspiration is a cumulative effect of all of these. I read biograghies, watch movies and travel. These inspire me. When I am lead towards a muse I then look at colours and fabrics that relate.
Q: Who is your all-time favourite designer?
A: Yves Saint Laurent. He defined the post mid 20th century woman and is still influencing fashion. The era we now live in began in the 60’s… drug culture, modern marriage, civil rights, tolerance, diversity, nostalgia. YSL designed for the new woman. Pantsuits, tuxedos, retro, ethnic, Parisian elegance.
Q: Who do you dress for the red carpet?
A: Naomi Watts, Princess Mary of Denmark, Linda Evangelista and many Australian celebrities.
Q: How important is travel to you, and where is your favourite destination?
A: Travel is top of my list as the most inspiring tip for design. My favourite destinations depend on either work or play. For work, it’s New York… the pace, energy, decisiveness. For play, it’s Greece or Spain.
Q: A travel tip please.
A: Edit your packing down to daily wear. Don’t buy a whole new wardrobe as you won’t feel like yourself in it.
Q: How would you describe your personal style? What is your favourite outfit?
A: Simple and understated. I wear a lot of black and white… it’s easy, travels well and always looks chic. My favourite look? Dark jeans (levis) a v-neck transeasonal sweater and a black cotton blazer with an accented accessory such as a scarf.
Q: Is Australia where you will always want to be or would you, given the opportunity, one day want to design for one of the European houses?
A: I love living here because it’s really one of the best places in the world. Although Sydney is becoming quite expensive on a world scale. If I was offered a job at one of the European design houses I would put it in my contract that I also maintain my own company as well. I’d love to get my hands on Givenchy as I don’t like what is happening there… too dark, gothic and complicated. It should be light, happy and feminine.
Q: Please describe the Jayson Brunsdon lady?
A: She is bold, confident, glamorous, modern and appreciates quality.
Thank you Jayson. Will look forward to hearing about your trip to New York when we next meet. Good luck with the show.
Kind regards, Di Cant www.istylefashion.com.au
