Jessica Lambert of Je Ne Sais Quoi, Brisbane's fashion entrepreneur, photographer and creative.

"je ne sais quoi"- meaning an inexplicable quality; a certain something…. The ‘X- factor’.

JE NE SAIS QUOI is a unique, collaborative fashion exhibition, bringing some of Queensland’s most innovative and inspiring emerging artists together to explore the concept of 'fashion as art'. Through photographic works, film, installation and illustration the artists interpret the craft of hair styling, make-up, fashion design, and styling.

Founded by Brisbane fashion creative, Jessica Lambert, the Je Ne Sais Quoi exhibition was held on Friday night the 12th of February, 2010, at Studio Thirteen in West End. I made sure to be there on the exhibition night and went with a group of friends who are also interested in the creative industries and fashion design. The turn out was fantastic with the entrance resembling a dream-like catwalk. As you entered Studio Thirteen you felt as though you had finally discovered an underground melting pot of local designers, fashionistas, musicians and artists all in one big room. There was a buzz in the air and a sense of anticipation as the models prepared to parade through the crowds, stopping at various artworks to model their unique outfits and hair styles. If you weren't able to make the event be sure to keep an eye out for the future and check out the website.

 Team JNSQ: Ruwan De Silva, AJ Jones, Jessica Lambert, Jessica Hutt, Romesh De Silva

1. Jessica, as the founder of Brisbane's fashion exhibition, Je Ne Sais Quoi, can you share with Gloss Posse who you are and what it is you do?

I’m a fashion photographer, stylist and a dabbler in design. I’m always surprising myself and others with my continuous, ever evolving, whacky ideas.

2. How did you come up with the concept of Je Ne Sais Quoi?

I wanted to really push myself and those in the emerging fashion creative industry in Queensland, to show what we are capable of. The talent behind the scenes are often lost so I wanted to uncover these artists and bring them to the forefront. Brisbane is over-flowing with fresh talent, I wanted to do something to help showcase part of a growing industry.

3.What is your vision for Je Ne Sais Quoi?

You’ll have to wait and see....!

 

4. Who/what is inspiring you at the moment?

The world wide web and its bloggers are always inspiring to me. I take my hat off to those who have a passion and want to show it to the world. Even if it is completely self-indulgent....thanks for sharing...it was entertaining! I don’t really have a favourite designer. There are many creatives past and present who I am in awe of. I strongly believe that creatives make the world go around.
 

5. What advice would you give to women pursuing a career in the fashion industry?

If you’re not going to be 100% committed, have a backup plan. You’ll work, what seems, harder than most for less. You won’t get your break in the first 6 months, year, 18 months or even 2 years. Although the people and clothes are pretty, the work is not. It’s a lot of hard work and at times you will feel as though you can’t give it any more.

HOWEVER the hard work does pay off and the money will come in. People will pay top dollar for good creatives. CREATE everyday and don’t let your ‘day-job’ get in the way of your ‘dream-job’. The fashion industry is very competitive so prepare yourself. If you’re scared someone will steal your idea, they will! Just make yours better! Go where the work is- it’s giving yourself the best chance to grow.

 

Thank you Jessica for having the vision to create Je Ne Sais Quoi and support emerging artists. Keep us up to date with what happens next with Je Ne Sais Quoi and your photography! You can contact Jessica by email or visit the website.

Arielle