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‘I’m seeing an essence of California seep into my design ethos.’

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Feature by Michael Canning

Jacqueline 'Jac' Hunt is the Co-Founder and Design Director of iconic Australian born fashion label, Jac + Jack. Launched in 2004 with Co-Founder Lisa 'Jack' Dempsey, the brand is known for its simple and modern everyday design.

In 2016, Jac and her husband, Patrick Blue - the Creative Director and menswear designer for Jac + Jack - moved from Bondi Beach to the Hollywood Hills. We spoke to Jac and Patrick about how life in California is inspiring their work and some valuable inside tips for life in LA.

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On where you’re from

Sydney, Australia.

On why you moved to LA

We wanted to explore a new scene, find inspiration and embrace being open to new possibilities. It’s also been a good chance to develop a better understanding of America, her people and the love of most things American.

On splitting time between LA and Sydney

We spend most of our time here in the US and make three trips a year to Australia for around three weeks. It’s really the best of both worlds, and necessary in balancing time with our business in Australia and also being present here in the States.

On your relationship with LA

Intriguing. I love how it doesn’t give you much at first, and then as you discover things in the most random of ways, exploring reveals not only a diverse city but an interesting and romantic city. It’s a slow and rewarding relationship, and one I don’t take for granted. I love almost everything about the city.

Jac + Jack store. Images courtesy Jac + Jack

On where you’re living

We live in the Hollywood Hills — a general term, we know. We wanted to be based close to the 101 as we work downtown, but also have easy access to both east side and west side, as well as south and north. And, in fairness, we also loved the idea of a Hollywood address and living in the hills — the elevation is unique and beautiful.

On the best new phrase you’ve heard in LA

Are we having an ‘American Lunch’ or an ‘Australian Lunch?’ My American lunch date was really asking me, water or wine?

‘I love how it doesn’t give you much at first and then, as you discover things in the most random of ways, exploring reveals not only a diverse city but an interesting and romantic city.’

On what inspires you in LA at the moment

The music scene; heading along to cheap gigs; the comedy clubs; The House of Pies silver dollar pancakes; Jon & Vinny’s; Sunset Tower Bar; K & L Wines; free pour drinks; LA Flower Market; Billings Auction house; friendly neighbors; and the upcoming summer Hollywood Bowl and Greek Theatre schedule. And hiking.

On how you spend your time traveling

Asleep.

On how life abroad inspires you

Living abroad gives you a much deeper understanding of the world — how it thinks and why things are the way they are. It makes me more open and understanding, more able to see things from the other side of the street.

Above: View of DTLA from the Hollywood Hills. Below: Jack + Jack mens collection. Image courtesy Jac + Jack

On whether life in America has influenced your design approach

Yes, yes and yes. It gives me the confidence to really excel and deliver the best collection I can. Living in LA inspires me daily, and I’m seeing an essence of California seep into my design ethos. Finding new inspiration in simple day-to-day life, the people you meet and networks you build is extraordinary.  

On something unique to LA fashion culture

Vintage clothing — the fusion of street, relaxed, new age and cool. It’s a unique look that is quintessentially LA and feels very fresh to me.

‘I’m seeing an essence of California seep into my design ethos. Finding new inspiration in simple day-to-day life, the people you meet and networks you build, is extraordinary.’

On your design inspiration

I’ve been referencing vintage clothing, which I haven’t looked at as much in the past. There are loads of great markets like Rose Bowl and Long Beach, places along Virgil, street looks around Echo Park, Frogtown, Atwater Village, DTLA. A Current Affair, which is brilliant.

On tips for arrival

Be prepared to wait; there are a lot of lines to be in. Try different places; LA offers almost any lifestyle and there is a lot more than Venice Beach and West Hollywood. 

On your plans for Jac + Jack in the USA

We are focusing on creating all of our content in the USA, selling our line here and continuing to base our creative studio here.

Jac + Jack womens collections. Image courtesy Jac + Jack

On beach culture in LA vs Sydney

Funnily enough, we have only been to the beach twice in 18 months! It took us an hour-and-a-half to get there. Living in Bondi for so many years prior to our move, we are finding other parts of LA more interesting. That said, it’s nice to know it’s there.

On an LA secret spot

The bar at Yamashiro during the summer months has a spectacular view. I also love the Magic Castle, the private club for magicians. You have to know one to get in.

On your favorite store

Union on La Brea, and RTH on La Cienega

On a good Instagram

@takesunset or @overheardla 

On a good drive

Mulholland Drive, all the way from the freeway to Coldwater Canyon.

On your favorite thing to do in LA

Dinner Parties.

On something from Australia you need a fix of in LA

Coffee. I get my fix at Paramount Coffee Project. And, the Australian sense of humour, which (Australian artist) Polly Borland delivers; hearing the accent everywhere is also quite nice.

On LA in one word

Diverse. 

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