Our Stories

What I Wear to Work: RUSSH's Editor-in-Chief, Jess Blanch

For the past decade, Jess Blanch has been at the helm of one of Australia’s most respected fashion titles.

In her own words, the editor-in-chief and publisher of RUSSH doesn't ‘look like she works in fashion’, however it’s her natural style and eye for emerging talent that has helped her craft the publication into the cultural icon it is today.

We recently spent a day with Jess to discuss life at RUSSH, her personal style and the importance of a versatile wardrobe.

Above: Jess wears Longline Slim Blazer, High Waist Flare Pant. Shop Jackets & Coats. Shop Pants.
Above: Jess wears Australian Cotton Relaxed Poplin Shirt, Two Tone Knit Cami, Australian Cotton High Rise Wide Leg Jean, Liana Platform. Shop Heels.
Above: Jess wears Australian Cotton Relaxed Poplin Shirt, Two Tone Knit Cami, Australian Cotton High Rise Wide Leg Jean, Liana Platform. Shop Shirts.

Can you begin by telling us a little bit about you and your role?

There is no typical day at RUSSH because my role is so broad. Some days I may be flying to another city, while others I spend in the office hiding behind my computer deep in an Excel spreadsheet. Without a doubt one of my favourite parts of the role is still the editing process: working through the features and images before they go into layout. I loved this process of putting together a magazine even as an editorial assistant and it still feels like a great privilege today.

Neutral tones deliver a fresh but almost off-duty look for a quiet day at the office of editing and getting things done. I love how soft and comfortable each of these pieces are to wear. The wide leg jean is delivering all I want at the moment.

Describe your personal style—what are you drawn to?

I’ve always been hugely drawn to men’s styles, or what is currently being called ‘Dad style’. My work wardrobe is full of oversized suiting, jeans, tees and cashmere sweaters, boyfriend shirts, brogues and sneakers.

Blue denim is my dream. I really love colour but don’t have a lot in my wardrobe mainly because I find it harder to wear and store, but when I do it tends to be in intense pops—usually pink. For evening, I’ve collected a lot of metallics and sequins over the years.

Above: Jess wears Relaxed Button Trench, Australian Merino Wool Silk Tank, Australian Cotton High Rise Wide Leg Jean, Christine Flat. Shop Jackets & Coats.
Above: Jess wears Relaxed Button Trench, Australian Merino Wool Silk Tank, Australian Cotton High Rise Wide Leg Jean, Christine Flat. Shop Flats.
Every time I wear a trench I feel like Meryl Streep in Kramer versus Kramer, and have learnt to never travel without one. I love the deep olive tones to this trench, excellent to pair with denim of any shade and the right weight for a vest underneath, regardless of the season.

How does your job influence your style?

I definitely don’t look like I work in fashion. In fact, once in Paris, a manicurist asked why I was there and upon being told I was there for fashion week she told me I looked more like a librarian. I still think this is one of the biggest compliments I’ve received. I’d love to work in a library!

I love the comfort and protection a suit delivers and rely on this daily uniform as I also have small children and have very little time to think about what to wear.

Above: Jess wears Man-style Blazer, Man-style Pant, Liana Platform. Shop Jackets & Coats. Shop Pants.