What I appreciate most about capturing street style at Christian Kimber presentations, is the diverse range of refreshingly modern take on Australian men’s style. Most of the guests that show up seem to have a very laid back and minimalistic approach to styling where comfort and high quality craftsmanship is a priority. Today was no different; and here are the highlights shot outside Bang and Olufsen venue on 33 Russell Street. Can you spot any of Christian Kimber footwear and accessories?
With my creative menswear partner in crime, Jay Wilde of @Made.For.Men, are ecstatic to be part of the BALLY phenomenon. We have always appreciated the craftmanship and solid creativity behind every luxury designer brand, and BALLY is on the mark. What you see BALLY today, it may seem it has moved away from it’s traditional look, but if you look closely heritage shines through.
We had the privilege of visiting the newly revised BALLY flagship store at Chadstone, collaboratively developed by Bally’s design and creative committee to establish the brand’s authentic new direction. The striking façade has been designed with Bally’s iconic red marble columns that complement the brass framed windows, which in turn open up the store to the outside. It has two separate entrances either side of the corner store, the space is organised in to two large sections, giving priority to Bally’s accessories and shoes, which are the core of the brand.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE below to DOWNLOAD my instastory highlights, and the extra fun film I shot for Jiawa Liu of Beigerenegade.
I don’t know about you, but finding the right pair of sunglasses to suit my round face shape is a laborious exercise. Cat eyes, round shape and wide frames are big no no’s for me. As much as I’m convinced that the next trending Prada or Dior sunnies would suit my face to a tee, I’m mostly left feeling disappointed.
All this changed when I tried on my first pair of SōLEURS sunglasses. I was sincerely taken back by how sharp and clear everything appeared through the lens. Not only did the style looked good, I noticed how much exposure and glare were greatly reduced; so much that you can’t even look at a computer screen or an iPhone with them on!
Ladies, do you even know what that means for you? Less wrinkles and crow’s feet around the eyes. I think your Beauty Therapist would be pleased to see that.
After this experience, it really made sense for me to see how I can creatively capture a set of images that portrays the brand story of SōLEURS. Especially how life and style can be seen through the eyes of two real people, two greats friends. Without further ado, let me take you on a journey around Melbourne with these menswear fashion influencers, Nami Nguyen and Sid Paddahman of Bridge & Barrel.
Shop their range here at SoLEURS EYEWEAR and let me know what you think!
Photography // Karen Woo
Creative Direction // Tiffany Newman
Talent & Styling // Nami Nguyen, Sid Paddahman
Images by Karen Woo
Creative Direction by Tiffany Newman of This Within
Influencer: Steve Calder of Calder brand.
Steve, tell us a bit about yourself and where you are from.
I was born in New Zealand and migrated to Melbourne with my family when i was young. I grew up in the city outskirts, where the culture is somewhat centralised. By that I mean many people who grow up there don’t really leave the place. Luckily, when I was 17, one of my early retail jobs moved me into a store in the CBD. After I had a taste of “big city life”, I knew that travel and exploration was a passion of mine. Since moving out of home at 19 I have made a point of traveling to as many places as possible, and do my best to learn about different local cultures and languages.
Has style always been an interest of yours? What inspires your style?
Since age 15, when I first began seeking a sense of individuality, style has always been an interest of mine. I have drawn my inspiration from many different sources over the years, often from a clash of worlds. For example in high school I was in a tight-jeans-wearing rock band, and at the same time I was working one of my first jobs at a tiny store selling conservative formalwear!
These days, while designing for my new brand Calder, I try to look inward and use my own imagination and mood to put my own spin on Italian-inspired menswear. So far (touch wood) it has been well received!
How has the landscape of Melbourne influenced your own personal aesthetic over the years?
I’ve been around the world a bit, and can confidently say that Melbourne is a very unique city in almost every way. The Melbourne landscape itself seems to draw on inspiration from other cities worldwide, and has been purposefully planned and laid out in a way that creates it’s own new-wave of city life. I believe the culture in our city is a relaxed one, coupled with very high standards for food, coffee and to an extent entertainment. The Menswear movement in Melbourne still has a long way to come, however the front-runners of Men’s Style here focus on high standards of dress in the same way as coffee and cuisine. I’m talking about awareness of the true nature of quality and a willingness to learn about intricate details. Where are the fabrics sourced? How is this garment actually made? These are questions that members of the growing local Menswear Movement are asking. So, in a similar way, I believe that I have had the same kind of need for knowledge and high standards instilled in me through Melbourne culture, which I believe is a product of the planned landscape of our city.
Tell us about your previous roles in the menswear industry. How have these roles influenced your own aesthetic?
Over the years my work has covered such a wide spectrum of menswear and style, from Streetwear to ‘60s Mod Rock to High Fashion, and classic Italian Sartorialism. Many different lifestyles are associated with each concept of “style,” and one can wildly differ from the other. What I love is that all of these concepts of style happily co-exist. As a modern male, I can easily incorporate streetwear on weekends, tailoring on weekdays and a healthy dose of sportswear throughout my life. I believe that although this type of viewpoint is the way of the future, only someone who truly appreciates the clothing they wear can rise above the “trends” that big brands are pushing.
Looking ahead, one of my goals is to help others appreciate the reality of style and show them how to truly look their best, without necessarily having to focus on the “hottest item of the moment.”
Take us through typical day for a guy like you in the menswear world?
For me, every day is different, so this is quite hard to answer. The “menswear world” can take on many different meanings. The only real consistencies in my day involve taking my time getting up in the morning (not a morning person), including carefully ironing a shirt, selecting an outfit (usually prepared in my head the night before) and giving the day’s shoes a quick polish. During the day you’ll find me possibly catching up with mates for a bite and some sartorial discourse. Coffee is always present too!
Tell us more about your new venture ‘Calder’ – how much of Melbourne’s landscape & culture has impacted you with regards to this project?
After over a decade immersing myself in the menswear industry, I am super excited to announce the launch of my new Made-To-Measure Brand. Calder provides unique tailoring for local Australians, with a Neapolitan soul. Every garment is carefully hand-made in Southern Italy, a fact I am very proud of. My inspiration is drawn from a focus on the relaxed nature of our city, coupled with high standards and attention to detail that we have become accustomed to in other parts of our life.
I believe a strong Italian influence is evident in Melbourne’s general culture, and that is partly why I have chosen to take on the Italian aesthetic and adapt it to my garments (the other part is, well, I just love the way the Italians do it!). The Calder brand will launch in March, a moment I am looking forward to.
Thank you Steve for incredible editorial collaboration, and we wish you all the success that you deserve for the Calder brand! xx
It’s been one year in the making! Tiffany Newman (Editor of This Within) and I are super thrilled to present our new project with you which is entitled “Common Thread”. It is a five part series which explores the link between landscape and style through the aesthetic of five Melbourne men.
In our first instalment we document the style of local menswear icon, Nami Nguyen.
CLICK THE LINK TO READ FULL STORY >> http://thiswithin.com/portfo…/common-thread-001-nami-nguyen/
