On the eve of the launch of the Australians in New York Fashion Foundation, here is the second in a series of chinwags with a handful of the foundation’s board members – all prominent Australians working in the New York fashion media. Here, a (sadly very brief) chat with Julie Anne Quay, who landed in New York to a job as studio manager for no less than Steven Meisel. Quay then moved on to V Magazine as executive editor and other fashion consulting roles such as casting, for clients including Marc Jacobs.
Describe your current position and what the job involves.
Julie Anne Quay: President of Colac Pictures and Jaq Inc. Colac Pictures is a film production company. The main project in development right now is the film version of Australian author Lee Tulloch's fashionable cult classic Fabulous Nobodies. Jaq Inc is a fashion production company and right now the main focus is projects for Style.com.
How difficult was it to break into the New York media environment? Briefly describe the career trajectory which led you to your current position.
I really believe you make your own luck. My first job here was with the photographer Steven Meisel as his studio manager. I was recommended by an American friend I had worked with in Australia. If I hadn’t been right for the job Steven wouldn't have hired me.
Best part about working and living in New York.
The energy - anything is possible.
Worst part about working and living in New York.
The flight home to Australia.
Where are you from in Australia and what do you most miss about it?
Melbourne. I miss my family the most.
What prompted you to launch the foundation and how will it operate?
It is very hard when you first get here. There is a culture shock, namely that everything is not what you see on television. Australians have a unique sensibility and outlook and en masse we are a powerful entity. We wanted to encourage young Australians to be proud of the heritage here and draw on that to make their path in the US and as well create a way for Australians living in Australia to get great work experience here and bring it back home.
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1 comments:
NYC is a tough place to "make it" in. However, it's a lot easier than LA where people just talk that bullshit "let's do lunch" all the time. And, one never hears from them again - I lived there for 13 years so I know.
Personally, I wouldn't want to do NYC as they just work too damned hard for my taste. I have an ex that lives there and loves it. She's always doing 10-12 hours days and is always tired.
When we were still involved she couldn't convince me to do the move when she left LA. So that was the end of that relationship. Oh, well! :)
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