‘An embroidered cashmere shawl that’s 120 years old’: Inside this designer’s wardrobe

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, Jac Hunt from Jac + Jack.

Jac Hunt says she loves “simple, beautiful, well-cut things.”Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

How would you describe your style? Minimal and pared back. I have a love of luxe fabrics and yarn. My signature look is a Sea Island cotton crew neck sweater and a long semi-fit skirt, then I add a turtleneck and cashmere for winter.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? An antique embroidered cashmere shawl from Kashmir, India that was about 100 years old when I got it 20 years ago. I wear it often; I don’t treat it in a precious way but if I lost it I would be devastated. It’s a work of art.

And the most recent addition? A black Lacoste polo with the cute little crocodile logo. It’s a classic.

What would you wear … on a first date? A version of what I always wear because it’s elegant and I feel good in it, with heels. … on a plane? I’m very specific; a Pima cotton long-sleeve tee, soft silk pull-on pants and a fine cashmere shawl – all Jac + Jack, all black – with Nike “Cortez” trainers. …on the red carpet? Something perfectly cut and structured by Prada in a brilliant colour – red or bright purple or chartreuse – with a micro clutch, kitten heel and a hot pink lip.

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s simple and elegant style inspires Jac Hunt.Credit: Monique Stienstra/ via Getty

What’s your favourite fashion era? I’m nostalgic for the ’80s. I was a teenager, it was my first taste of fashion on steroids, so I’m really affectionate towards it. I loved all the dance stuff, leotards, oversized T-shirts, Madonna, the layered jewellery.

Who are your favourite designers? The Row because I love simple, beautiful, well-cut things. And Rick Owens really understands how to dress women in an elevated way. His clothes accent the body beautifully.

What’s your fragrance of choice? Lyn Harris’ Perfumer H “Bergamot” is my signature. I also love “Suede” and “Ink” which smells like a pen.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A cashmere or cotton crew neck sweater in navy or black, a long wool skirt in the same colour and Nike “Cortez” trainers.

Any go-to jewellery? Lately I have been buying 24-carat gold chains from India and collecting meaningful trinkets like a little elephant, a ruby and an om sign to hang on them.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? A “Choose Life” T-shirt and a long tube skirt that I made, very badly, to go with it. I wore that to every party and every school social when I was about 14.

What was your first fashion moment? When I was eight or nine, I’d set up a pretend shop in the shed at home. I used my mother’s old clothes as the merchandise, I’d do the window and have toy cash. My mother, bless her, would come in and make purchases. I loved the joy of working with clothes, outfitting somebody, making a sale and thinking this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Hunt has her eye on a black Hermès “Kelly” bag.

And your worst fashion mistake? There’s too many to mention! The big skirt, big shirt, big belt era in the early ’90s is right up there.

What’s on your wishlist? A black Hermès “Kelly” bag.

Is there something you would never wear? A sun visor with no cap.

Is there a current trend you like? I love a matching set. At Jac + Jack at the moment we’ve got a silk set – the “Adara” pant and “Talo” shirt – which is gorgeous.

What shoes do you wear the most often? Nike “Cortez” trainers and Emme Parsons sandals.

What do you sleep in? Years ago, a girlfriend bought me a pair of oversized white Frette pyjamas and it spoiled me for life. They’re completely decadent.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Her style was so simple, elegant and refined.

What’s your favourite, off-duty casual Sunday look? I’m always in an oversized kaftan and I don’t leave the house.

Jac + Jack celebrates 20 years this year.

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