Jayson Brunsdon is one of the most established names in Fashion, both here in Australia and internationally. The coveted eponymous label, which was launched in 2004, was immediately snatched up by some of the world’s most prestigious stores such as Saks Fifth Ave, Neiman Marcus and Selfridges, and has accumulated an onslaught of high profile clients over the years including Princess Mary of Denmark, Naomi Watts and Linda Evangelista. And the fashion prowess of Jayson Brunsdon is as menacing as ever.
Last year the brand celebrated its 10th anniversary and continues to constantly evolve, push boundaries and elevate its legacy in the fashion world. As a brand, Jayson Brunsdon has a universal flavor – it is undisputedly glamourous, but so very Australian in its effortless charm. Put simply, the designs are a cross between modern day romanticism and undone elegance.
We were lucky enough to catch up with the prolific Jayson Brunsdon himself ahead of his MBFWA 2015 show to get a sneak preview of what we can expect from his latest collection. Previous shows have included odes to great women and inputs of Jaysons own personal story so it will be exciting to see what the show entails this year and the impact the new collection will have on the brands burgeoning success.
We are excited to see your latest collection at MBFWA this year. What can we expect to see at your show?
You can expect to see a very raw and romantic collection that mixes femininity with masculinity in an expression of individuality.
What was the main inspiration behind the latest collection? Tell us more about it.
The main inspiration behind the collection comes from a quote taken from the celebrated lesbian author Gertrude Stein, “a rose is a rose,” meaning, ” I am what I am.” Put simply, it is a romantic and rebellious affirmation of the individual.
Who are some of your favourite muses?
My muses have always been cinematic: Audrey Hepburn, Ava Gardner and Lauren Bacall. There is a touch of all three in this collection but it’s done with subtlety. I have reached a point where I can’t determine who the muse is as she has become a modern mix of all.
What are some of the hottest trends we can expect to see on the runway during MBFWA 2015?
I think the combination of masculine and feminine elements will be a big trend this year, for example, masculine style blazers with ankle length tulle dresses and bows mixed with slouchy masculine styled pants. I think we can expect to see lots of raw and romantic lace, mens shirts, sexy draped dresses, lace up brogues and stained dark lips, as well as some beautifully fitted knee length coats in floral brocades and lace worn over long silk organza skirts.
How did your previous experience in fashion editing and styling roles help you in your current role as a designer for your own label?
I often think of myself more as a stylist than a designer but modern fashion definitely revolves around a mix of references. I find the knowledge I’ve acquired through years of styling and referencing imagery has accumulated into a free flowing stream.
You have worked in the fashion industry for over 25 years, what is the best lesson you have learned along the way?
Be organised! Plan in advance but always make some room for last minute changes, as these are the details that define a collection.
What are some of your biggest dreams that you are yet to fulfil?
Well we’ve just had a baby so I think my biggest dreams lie ahead of me! Starting a family is a wonderful new journey so I would have to say that my future aspirations revolve around securing a successful life for my little boy.
Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside work.
I love to travel, read biographies and watch great movies. Travel is so influential; it opens you up to new attitudes and inspirations. Reading about other people’s lives is always exciting and cinema is probably the singular most inspiring thing for me – I love beautiful visuals.
Is there a question you always wanted to be asked in interviews, but never did before?
Why is it that fashion attracts so many Drama Queens?
Tell us about the future plans for Jayson Brunsdon, what’s next for one of our favourite Australian brands?
We are beginning to sell internationally again after a hiatus of a few years, so I’m hoping that it is a successful new venture for the brand. We did so well internationally but scaled back recently due to the economy, however with a renewed interest in more unknown brands internationally I believe we have a desirable product to offer.
Megan Pustetto 