Jade Buckley, born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia, started her fashion career whilst studying at Marleston Fashion College of TAFE SA, accomplishing an Advanced Diploma of Fashion Design.
She was judged a finalist of the Michel’s ‘Wool Works’ competition and a state finalist in the national Jeans for Genes ‘Do it with Denim’ competition. Whilst studying, she worked in fashion retail. Being employed by a large department store and a smaller fashion label/retailer allowed Jade to understand customer needs and wants, and to perfect her ideas on quality presentation and service.
At this time, Jade also established herself within the Adelaide fashion scene as a member of the ‘Who Stole The High Street?’ collaborative which included five other TAFE fashion students. With this group, she developed her ability to conceive, manage and participate in fundraising, event organisation and the coordination of fashion parades. Jade formally presented her first range at a large parade at the Queens Theatre, Adelaide in January of 2008.
Jade’s first range consisted of five outfits utilising form hugging silhouettes and exaggerated angular features. A trans-seasonal range for all occasions, it is made for a sensual girl wanting to make a statement. From this collection came the feature that has become a signature for Jade, the bright and exotic red linings of beautifully finished garments. These garments crunched with silk dupions, hugged with cotton jerseys and sparkled with cotton/metal poplins to create an opulent air and refined charm. The end result, a sophisticated yet edgy allure for the modern Jade customer.
Lunar Affair is the latest range from Jade’s newly named label, Midnight Jean. Aimed at a sensual sophisticate aged 25 to 35, this story can be easily enveloped by an existing stylish wardrobe, incorporating semi-basic pieces with highly fashionable and directional garments. Utilising luxurious fabrics and quality finishes, Lunar Affair creates a sharp, futuristic mood with metallic and monochromatic tones, a juxtaposition of stretch and woven fabrics and strong angular design lines against draping hoods and sleeves. These garments are versatile as they are appropriate for the office, dinner with the girls or a party night out on the town.
Jade, although admitting she designs mostly for herself, injects alter-egos into each collection providing a separate feel, look and attitude for each. Whether it be ‘Rock chick’, ‘Pin-up girl’ or ‘Futuristic dance partier’, any girl can find a little bit of herself in Midnight Jean.
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