ABOUT JANE:
Jane has been a model in Boston for runway, print, television and advertising for 35 years and continue to work in the industry today. She is on the Board of Trustees at the School of Fashion Design and works as a Speaker, College Recruiter and Representative for the school.
As an accomplished Fashion Show Producer she organizes several successful fashion shows throughout the year. Jane also serves as a professional Fashion Consultant for established and emerging designers.
Jane is also the Owner/President of ACK Originals, a woman’s accessory company. She is also a Partner and Executive Director of Wildflower Concierge of Nantucket
As a graduate of Boston College Jane now serves on their Alumni Arts Council, in that capacity she helps to advise and connect students with careers in the fashion industry.
WHAT PROMPTED YOUR CAREER IN FASHION?
I never actually intended to pursue a career in fashion. I was planning on going into the medical field. In my sophomore year at Boston College I met an agent who convinced me to become a model. When I started working in the industry I really enjoyed it and loved the people I was working with. I began working for the Beverly Powers Agency in 1982 and soon after became their Assistant Director. When the owner of the agency retired and closed the business in 1990 I joined the Copley Seven Agency. I took business courses at the Harvard Extension School instead of going to medical school and in 1998 I started two businesses, ACK Originals and the Nantucket Doll Collection Inc. After modeling and being a supporter of the School of Fashion Design for many years I was asked to became a member of their Board of Trustees in 2007. I work as a representative and recruiter for the school. I have organized several fashion shows over many years and currently produce a series of shows called the Marilyn Riseman Symphony Luncheon Series. My career has taken many paths but I absolutely love every part of my work and look forward to continuing my journey in fashion
WHAT GIVES YOU THE MOTIVATION?
The incredibly talented individuals I meet in our local fashion community motivate me. I am proud to work with so many amazing people who make every single one of my jobs and projects exciting.
WHICH PHOTOGRAPHER, DESIGNER OR MODEL WOULD YOU LIKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COLLABORATE WITH?
There are so many photographers, designers and models I admire and enjoy working with. I would love to elaborate on a photo shoot Jay Calderin organized a few years ago as part of Boston Fashion Week. It brought together a group of seasoned models who wore outfits from established designers, including Denise Hajjar, Firas Yousif, David Joseph, Alfred Fiandaca and James Hogan. They were photographed by talented photographer Tracy Aiguier. I would like to coordinate a series of shoots collaborating with veteran models and new faces wearing garments from well known designers as well as emerging designers, like Jeffrey Dickerson and Kinda Touma. I envision working with photographers such as Iggy Barskov, Clark Linehan, David Brazier, Jan Archee Bloch, Todd Lee and many more. I think it would be a wonderful portrayal of the level of talent that existed in Boston in years past and still exists today.
WHO INSPIRES YOU THE MOST IN FASHION?
There are two people who inspire me most in Fashion. The first is my longtime friend Marilyn Riseman who passed away. She was a fashion icon in every sense of the word. She was passionate about fine clothing, especially designs that made a statement and had an edge to them. She had an incredible sense of style and created a signature look for herself that became known to everyone. She was a huge supporter of the local fashion community and always made time for designers to give them advice. My second inspiration is Yolanda Cellucci. She is a legend in the fashion industry. Her style is all about glitz and glamour. She walks into a room in her all white ensembles and everyone notices and admires her. Yolanda inspires me with her fashion sense, energy and incredible giving heart. I hope when I'm in my 80's I will be respected like Marilyn and Yolanda and still have an incredible sense of style.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE CREATIVITY WITH COMMERCE?
. The balance between creativity and commerce can be difficult. I am kind of a perfectionist and spend a lot of time making sure the work I do is high quality. I sometimes spend more time at work than I am compensated for but it doesn't bother me in the least. I enjoy everything I do so much that it never feels like I am working. Fashion is such a big part of my life.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOU / YOUR BRAND IN 5 YEARS TIME?
In 5 years I hope to continue on the same path. I look forward to working at all of my current positions as well as becoming involved in a few new endeavors. I expect to be working with more new designers while seeing those I am fond of gain further success in the industry. I'm not sure if I will still be modeling but who knows, I could break a record.
