Posted by Audrey Lee on July 28, 2010
While most girls are still trying to find themselves at age 18, Jacqui Alexander had already made her mark in the world of fashion, becoming the youngest ever designer for Harvey Nichols. In the years since, this fashionista has never wavered far from the spotlight. Invigorated by Buenos Aires' street vibe, Jacqui Alexander birthed Skinny Nelson - her second label - at 21. Lucky for us, we managed to score a couple of minutes with Australia's fashion sweetheart to fill us in with more.
Covered: personal style, starting young, offbeat aesthetics and chicas in Palermo.
Audrey Lee: What first inspired you to pursue fashion design?
Jacqui Alexander: I grew up in a very creative household with an artist mother and a father in fashion. I think I decided when I was about seven (playing dress ups in my dad’s studio) that fashion was for me.
AL: You got your foot into the fashion industry at such a young age. What do you think are the reasons behind your success?
JA: Starting young and being afforded the opportunity to watch and learn how the industry operates helped me create a solid brand and fashion business behind each collection. I think it’s that underlying understanding and stability that brought early success to the brand.
AL: Can you give us a little insight on your personal style?
JA: My personal style is very much reflected in the minimal, offbeat aesthetic of Skinny Nelson. I love great silhouettes and muted colours day to day, but I’m also a collector of all sorts of vintage jackets, which I like to pair back with my basics. My style is creative- street.
AL: How is Skinny Nelson different from the Jacqui Alexander brand?
JA: Skinny Nelson is a street to event, day to night brand where as the Jacqui Alexander collections were focused on high fashion for young femmes.
AL: Where do you look for inspiration for the Skinny Nelson collection?
JA: Inspiration comes mostly from travels, particularly street watching. I was in Buenos Aires at the start of the year and drew a lot of inspiration from the street style of the chicas and chicos hanging around Palermo. It’s not always just what people are wearing, a lot of my designing is inspired by mood and attitude.
AL: What can we expect from Skinny Nelson’s Spring Summer 2010/11 collection? Is there a signature style?
JA: SS10/11 for Skinny Nelson is all about light summer layers. Signature look for ladies will be throwing a cropped tee over a full length dress and for guys, long tees over rolled pants.
AL: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a fashion designer?
JA: I think learning to balance the emotional relationship with your craft is the biggest challenge you face as a designer. I’m getting there.
AL: So what’s next for you?
JA: Holidays! After the next range goes out I’m kicking back in India to recuperate and get inspired for next season.
AL: And finally, any words of advice for aspiring fashion designers out there?
JA: My advice is always to take your time to learn and gain as much experience as you can in order to cultivate your creative ambition and hit the mark when you’re ready.
jacqui alexander, skinny nelson, buenos aires, fashion designer, palermo