Q&A Jeff Lack | Stylist, Media Commentator & Keynote Speaker
Jeff Lack is a personal stylist, media commentator and keynote speaker with over 20 years of experience in the Australian Fashion Industry. Kick-starting his career at just 17, firstly in retailing and setting up boutiques, designing surf wear as well as modelling; Jeff established his own personal styling consultancy in 2005.
Name: Jeff Lack Nick name: JL
Profession: Stylist, Media Commentator, Keynote speaker
Location: Sydney, Australia
Passion: Fashion, food, fine wine
I get my inspirations from:
The streets and runway, and in my experience mens fashion follows elements of womens. I look out for what may be carried over like colours, styling and cuts.
How I got my break:
What break? I just put my head down and worked my arse off! Create your unique selling point [usp] I believe this is the most effective way to build your personal brand.
My top tricks of the trade:
Tailoring, tailoring and tailoring – I believe in fit first you wont always get the perfect fit off the rack re-invent old gold by tailoring into new styles… Mantra: If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t right!
My style in a sentence:
Neo urban grunge cowboy… today. Let’s see how I feel tomorrow.
Bet you didn’t know I can:
Swim like a fish, run like a gazelle and ride like the wind.
My latest project is about:
Mens facial hair styles – what they say about you, how to create a balanced look for your face whilst staying true to who you are…Lots of fun.
My last purchase:
Womens Red belt from Trenery ‘cause I can’t get what I want in mens!
My current favourite mecho item:
Eduardo Rivera Autumn Winter 2010-11 collection is a stand out – I would wear ALL this beautiful rich greens and purple.

Travel destination and tips:
NYC walk from the East village to Lolita and Soho, so many gems, new and pre loved and get inspired by the way locals put it together… every day.

Pssst… One time I… had 160 women in one room hanging off every word of my ‘styling for success’ talk
The mecho team invites you to continue the conversation below with JL during September… Make it fun! Post comments with your own free personal Gravatar
NOTE: ARCHIVE ONLY from Sept-10. You may leave a comment but please note Jeff is no longer actively responding to any questions post 30 Sept-10.
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14 comments









14 Comments Add your own
1.
Nic | September 1st, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Hi Jeff, what do you do when you meet someone who doesn’t seem to have a sense of style at all and doesn’t seem to realise?
2.
Charlie | September 2nd, 2010 at 1:04 pm
Hi Jeff,
On which events have you recently been speaking at and do you have any coming up? Do you style both men and women?
Charlie
3.
jefflackstylist | September 5th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Hey Nic,
To be honest, unless I am asked for advice I don’t broach the subject. Of course in the first five seconds I have styled them into super chic… but that’s all in my mind!
I use a system that I have created for assessment called ‘FCS’ – Fit, Colour, Style – which works with your body shape, colouring, and personality. I believe everyone should literally wear their personality on their sleeve. I won’t necessarily agree with the styling of an individual however if they ‘own’ that look then I respect that and my role is to enhance that individuality. No job is too hard, I relish the opportunity.
Peace,
JL
4.
jefflackstylist | September 5th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Hey Charlie,
Because I like to answer the last question first, yes I style both men and women, see http://www.jefflack.com.
Regarding the speaking engagements, I love imparting my industry knowledge and empowering people to assess their individual style. My corporate clients engage me on subjects such as ‘First impressions, my FCS system, Wardrobe essentials, maintenance and corporate image. This is a massive buzz similar to runway, lots of energy and adrenalin!
Peace,
JL
5.
Malin | September 9th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Who do you think is the most stylish person right now? M
6.
Becky | September 14th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Hi Jeff, what would you suggest to wear on a casual first date?
7.
jefflackstylist | September 15th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
Hey Malin,
I can’t go past my all time favourite icon..Mr George Clooney, however right now I cant see enough of Chloe Sevigeny. Unfortunately so many starts are styled for the images you and I see that it can be hard to get a real feel for someones actual personal style. Kayne West always looks comfortable in his kit regardless of how outlandish it may appear, I think that is they key!
Peace,
JL
8.
jefflackstylist | September 15th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
Hey Becky,
Given that you make a first impression in just a few seconds, I see the first date outfit [as casual as it may seem ] to be very important, if you are keen on having more than just the first one! I believe that you must ‘own’ the look, feel fantastically comfortable [not PJ's comfortable!] and project a true sense of who you are. Please don’t over accessorise and don’t go monochrome at the same time. No more than 3 colours in your outfit keeps the look tight and clean. I wish you good luck on your date.
Peace,
JL
9.
Becky | September 20th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
Thanks Jeff for your tips! It went well… we are seeing each other again so I take that as a good sign! Might has well ask you if any tips for job interviews – heard you should always dress on conservative side but I really want to show a little bit of my creative side as well but also I don’t want my current workmates to suspect I am running on job interviews… any thoughts?
10.
Dan | September 20th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Hi Jeff, I wonder the same as Becky but I only own one decent suit – what to do if asked to come in for a second stage – they might recognise it again? Clearly I can’t afford upgrading my wardrobe right now as I’m inbetween jobs! Cheers, Dan
11.
jefflackstylist | September 24th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Hey Becky,
That’s great news, keep up the good work!
Regarding job interview tips- you must be comfortable in how you are projecting your look so as to show the real you in the interview. Conservative? not necessarily…I would always dress smart, on trend but inside the dress code for the prospective employee.Keep the cleavage modest and jewelery to a minimum. Be sure to smell fragrant in breath and body, however don’t bath in perfume it is off putting!
Your workmates can only read what you give them, my advice dress smart everyday and they will just think you are trying to get ahead.
Good luck!
Peace,
JL
12.
jefflackstylist | September 24th, 2010 at 6:32 pm
Hey Dan,
Ok, totally get the one suit situation and it is pretty straight forward.
Make sure your suit is neatly pressed and clean.
be certain your shoes are in good condition and clean.
Change the shirt and tie combination completely so as to project a new look.
Your prospective employer has your first impression summed up in the first seven seconds.
Don’t forget that any purchases made [ new tie or drycleaning ] to look sharp for an interview are an investment in your future, these purchases won’t be a waste of money.
Good luck!
Peace,
JL
13.
jenny | November 19th, 2010 at 9:03 am
Hi Jeff.
I’m one of your old clients from 3 yrs back. Been keeping up with what you are doing. You website is fabulous. Well, the update is that after you “dressed me up” for my date….Adam and I are now getting married.yes, been tgether for 3 yrs.
Got the wedding dress from Nelson Leong in QVB. (not a long fancy thing with trail….rather simple they call it Grace Kelly style). I still use all the tips you gave me for my shape. Anyway, Ashley (at detail for men) is doing my hair and make-up…but I’m not sure where to get advice and buy the cosmetics for my complexion. Ashley suggested mineral cosmetics….but I know you have great connections (after all, it was you who got me to see Ashley 3 yrs ago). Would you have any suggestions about make-up. You know I have a big no-trust issue with retail outlets and therefore am rather clueless. Would value your advice Jenny xo
14.
Mecho: Q&A with Jeff &hellip | October 23rd, 2011 at 7:12 pm
[...] article can be found at: http://www.mecho.com.au/blog/guest-blogger/qa-jeff-lack-stylist Tagged with: Mecho: Q&A with Jeff Lack – Stylist • Media Commentator & Keynote [...]
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