Jack Austin (OM 2010) has progressed rapidly after graduating from St Michael’s. As his website states, he offers his clients ‘full-service wardrobe styling from editorial to red carpet looks, serving determined fashionistas to the up-and-coming young Hollywood.’ He discusses his rapidly expanding career in the fashion industry, his new home in LA, and how his time at St Michael’s fuelled his ambitions.
Jack has always been drawn to the contours of fashion. ‘What attracts me to the fashion industry is the way you’re able to express yourself through fashion,’ he says. ‘Whether it’s your mood or your state of mind, your style is like an art form and your body is the canvas. Fashion is like a personality – every day you’re able to wake up and decide how it determines your body language.’
Although the transition to a new country would have daunted many, Jack fully embraced the move. ‘I was able to surround myself with great friends and family, and knew I wanted to live here,’ he says. ‘Moving wasn’t the challenge – it was driving on the other side of the road. Moving to the US was a lot more work that I thought, but getting early acceptance to one of the top fashion schools in the states was really beneficial.’
The unique environment of the city suits Jack down to the ground. ‘What I love about LA, is that it’s summer all year long,’ he observes. ‘I also like the fact that it’s the land of possibility – you know you can be whoever you want to be, and people embrace it. I don’t like having to travel 45 minutes to go to a decent beach, so I really miss the Australian waters.’
As Jack’s location has shifted, his work has developed with it. ‘My style has changed with my personality,’ he says. ‘It was quite “preppy” when I first got to LA, with lots of blazers and suspenders. That changed over the years – these days, my go-to piece is a motorbike jacket. I like wearing pieces that give me confidence.’
Although being in fashion requires a finger on the pulse, Jack hasn’t been daunted by the challenge.
Keeping up with fashion trends isn’t difficult thing for me, as fashion is what I live for, I get my ideas from watching TV shows and reading every fashion magazine. Instagram’s also really helped, because you can search anything at the drop of a hat.Jack Austin (OM 2010)
He’s not about to relent on the pace, either. ‘You could say my life is intense at the moment,’ he confirms. ‘I’m styling for magazines … then I have to make it for my 3:00 Accounting class.’
Early success hasn’t dampened Jack’s enthusiasm. ‘I’d love to style celebrities all over the world, and discuss the latest trends on talk shows,’ he says. ‘I’d even love to have my own fashion line one day.’
For someone of Jack’s level of ambition, that day is sure to arrive soon.
