Author: JT

September 26, 2017

MOUNTAIN NOIR WITH H&M STUDIO’S AW17

Scale the heights of the traditional and hyper-new with H&M Studio’s AW17 Menswear collection. Mountaineering serves as the season’s muse, focusing on the thrilling adventure and toughness of the sport, as well as the necessary skill.

H&M describes the collection as being defined by balancing modern silhouettes with timeless classics. Reworked heavy-duty outerwear, tactile knits and menswear essentials draw inspiration from the rugged style of 1950s mountaineers.

See the H&M Studio AW collection from last year here!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZ5m81UtC0I
June 8, 2017

#MBFWA OUTFIT DIARY

Another year of MBFWA has come and gone. The flashes from the runway media pit, the shuffles of designer shoes along Carriageworks’ floor, and the week-long event of Resort 2018 have come to its annual close.

If there’s one thing I learnt from the previous MBFWA, it was to plan ahead – the story of which you can read about in this interview with VAMP. This year, I had the absolute privilege of working with my favourite brand, wearing a week of Jac+ Jack!

As much as I love going all out with colour and print, there’s also a lot to be said about stripping back to, luxurious, basics. Jac+ Jack’s Winter 2017 range reflected everything that I loved about the brand. There was nothing I would prefer to wear running between shows than something I felt, not only stylish, so comfortable in.

Although this was much like asking (most) parents to pick their favourite child, I wanted to share my favourite – and standout – piece from the week; the Chappel Coat. Inspired by a Miner’s workers jacket and crafted from Italian stretch cotton twill, it was the perfect piece to reflect my love for colour on colour.

You may have seen these looks from MBFWA street style, snapped and featured on Scoopla, The Trend Spotter, Executive Style, Boss Hunting, Men In This Town, and GQ. However, please find my own curated gallery of the outfits from the week right here.

Sincerely,
April 2, 2017

COUNTRY ROAD: MENSWEAR AW17

Winter is coming, brothers. Whilst that does mean there’s another season of Game of Thrones on its way, it also means we get to shop for some new pieces to either be stolen and worn by our better halves, or for ourselves to stay warm in the colder months ahead.

One of my favourite aspects of Autumn and Winter is playing around with layers. Whilst colours are usually darker come this time of year, Country Road’s AW/17 range provides different textures available in abundance making the game of layering easy.

I’m carrying my love of colour-on-colour into the new season – Country Road’s rich Burgundy sweater with their same coloured bomber is a perfect example of this. The difference in texture provides extra sophistication. Match this with dark pants or black-grey jeans, and a suede boot so you can rest assured that you’ll be looking fresh and sleek no matter where you venture off to.

This premium leather weekender bag is a standout accessory. You know the drill; the more she ages, the better she looks. This is one you’ll be able to have for years so you can forget about using your gym bag for your next getaway.

My must-have from Country Road this season is their black-ribbed jacket. This stretch slim fit doubles as a zipped-turtleneck, adding a luxuriously relaxed vibe no matter how casual you are. I definitely see Tom Ford buying this – need I say more?

Ever wondered what to wear to a formal dinner, work function or special event? A monochrome dinner jacket is an answer to the problem. Not only can you pair this with the white shirt in your wardrobe, you can opt for a checked shirt if that’s more the style. There’s versatility in simplicity, and this jacket caters for either occasion.

Another prominent piece this season is the casual-fit Chambray Denim shirt. I’ve pieced it together with a Navy Blue chino and bomber (#ColourOnColour) to highlight on the luxury within casual-wear whether I’m running errands, writing blogs at my local cafe, or lounging at home.

The perfect bomber has arrived. It’s sleek, contains hidden pockets and pulls the most simple of outfits together. Sometimes a white tee and pants are exactly what the day calls for, and the bomber jacket brings the look into this season. Adding a coat or heavy jacket to this, or any of the above looks, will keep your layering game strong.

It was an absolute pleasure to be able to work with Country Road in styling some of their Menswear AW/17 collection at the #CRWelcomeHome House. My family and I have shopped with them for years so it is my absolute honour and privilege to be able to share this with you all.

Check out my video showcasing the #CRWelcomeHome House below, as Country Road blends homewares, lifestyle and fashion into one.

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VIDEO: Christopher Quyen of SEAKYU CREATIVE
MENSWEAR STYLING: Jordan Turner of MR. TURNER
PHOTOGRAPHY: Gabriella Bjersland of MISS. BJERSLAND
FURNITURE: Furniture featured by GREAT DANE, CULT DESIGN, TAIT and ANIBOU.

Blog post in collaboration with COUNTRY ROAD.
November 25, 2016

TWO-TONE TUXEDO

I’m definitely one of those people who will jump at any chance to throw on a suit. I don’t even need to describe the grandeur feeling you have when you put on formal attire. Today, I’m sharing one of my favourite suits in my wardrobe – the two-tone tuxedo from Farage Australia.

I bought this two-tone tuxedo with one of my very first paycheques at a new job when I was 20, which was one of the best things I ever did, albeit quite an extravagant thing to buy that young.

What I fell in love with in this Farage tuxedo was the deep Navy Blue topped with the satin lapels. I chose to mix this with a vintage Yves Saint Laurent shirt, I felt the black bordered buttons tied the black labels together. Doubling up on the two-tone with a velvet and satin bow tie from Tom Ford, finishing it up with a patent leather tip black shoe by Antoine & Stanley.

For anyone who’s looking to purchase a new suit, tuxedo or blazer, consider and think through Mr. Turner’s top three T’s before you open your wallet.

Tailoring
Is your suit made-to-measure? If not, make sure you have a tailor you trust or one that is recommended by the brand you’re buying your suit from lined up to make it perfectly fitted. Remember that a fitted suit is powerful.

Textile
Do you have other suits in the same material? Is it a durable material to withstand time? Will it work for the current season, or do you want something that will be more versatile?

Timeless
Whatever the fit, whatever the texture, making sure you have a classic and timeless suit will ensure you beat the best and withstand the test of time under Fashion’s watch.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to walk out of a store with a timeless and classic keeper. Of course, if you’ve fallen as in love with this suit as I have, you can click here and buy one yourself! I highly recommend venturing in store to buy the Richmond F Tuxedo if you can, their staff are insanely helpful and will give you the complete Farage Australia experience.

Shoutout to Gina from Farage in Bondi Junction for your incredibly helpful assistance in getting this suit tailored and ready for me and my event!

Keep it dapper, dudes.

For your TWO-TONE TUXEDO, make sure you head over to Farage Australia!
November 15, 2016

MBFWA 2016

MBFWA is still fresh in my mind. We’re drawing close to the end of the year and I am finding that I still revel in the euphoria of the clothes I wore, and shows I saw at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, 2016.

As I write this article, I can’t help but be drawn to think what it is, exactly, that holds me captive to the hustle and bustle of Fashion Week (MBFWA). I find myself continuously glamoured by what the Fashion world holds, and its swift anchoring once a year for nothing but a week keeps me crawling back for more.

I used to sit at school, at home, or at work scrolling through ‘#MBFWA’ on Instagram on the hour – at a minimum – to discover everything I possibly could. I’d sit down in a state I’d rightly describe as a type of melancholic lust (commonly referred to as FOMO) for the event I’d never thought I’d attend. Now, I can’t quite seem to put the idea or feeling of how incredible it is to see everything happen (IRL) into words.

There are times throughout this week that leave me lost for words; feeling incredibly small and invisible. You may believe this is to be sad, but to me it’s beautiful. I compare this feeling to being 5 years old and being taken to a new candy store. There are so many sweets and treats that you’ve never seen before and – naturally – you need to inspect every lolly in store. It’s exciting, invigorating, and although the lollies don’t see you, you see them.

I found myself perched inside Carraigeworks, against the wall of glass, watching the who’s who, fashion’s elite, and the incredible, beautiful people being snapped and pap’d as they stroll in. The perfectly poised pink dressed that stole the air from my lungs (Tanja Gacic), the monochrome beauty that caused many to double-take (Gabriella Bjersland), the stylist that stole the show in fur, and the dapper gentleman that continues to school my ability to piece together mix-matched suiting attire (Sam Wines) – these are only to name a few of the memorable glimpses from this spot. Click on the descriptions to see what I’m talking about here.

Although watching the Fashion Forward make their entrance is fun, making your own entrance with whatever you choose to wear for the day is even more so. I’m going to highlight one outfit that added to my euphoria of MBFWA. From my absolute favourite brand, wearing a double blue Jac+Jack outfit and being snapped by the gorgeous Sara Heaven – it was a definite change to what I wore last year! And a beyond-positive one at that.

In 2016, my highlights go out to Bondi Bather, my local legends who incorporated the famous Running Man into their show, and Ten Pieces, the knits and seasonal wear all year round that turn surf to city in 10 garments flat.

Australian brand Model Citizen was a standout and deserves some heavy recognition. The visionary behind the brand, Eeshaal Niranjan, was named GQ’s Australian Emerging Menswear Designer – with this collection, you can see exactly why as he perfectly captures the median of street and sophistication.

I got an exclusive MBFWA backstage look with Eesh to talk everything Model Citizen. The wait for these street-luxe pieces is almost over, as Model Citizen gear up to have their forthcoming launch by early December, 2016. You check out some of the exclusive images for a sneak peak with MR. TURNER and Model Citizen at the end of the post.

There’s a very special mention due to two beyond talented designers, Anna Quan and Ahmad Taufik. Both of whom created cuts, shapes, and tailoring in their collections that were all innovative, fresh and new. They both have set a bar in Australian fashion that will defy how I see design going forward. These two are ones to watch, and I look forward to seeing what comes next.

MBFWA here’s to continuing the events that make my heart skip a beat. The long days, the street style, meeting icons, networking, and hitting back-to-back shows that all add fuel to my eternal flame of love for the art form.

So, I will say again: there are times throughout MBFWA that leave me lost for words; feeling incredibly small and invisible. You may believe this is to be sad, but to me it’s beautiful.

It’s in this moment of feeling small and invisible that I get to see the art that is MBFWA. It’s at this moment that I get to watch Fashion constantly reinvent itself. And it’s at this moment that I, enveloped in beauty, dream it to last forever.

Sincerely,
August 30, 2016

H&M: AW 2016 STUDIO COLLECTION

H&M are once again ready to serve, people! This time, with their AW 2016 Studio Collection. I had the grand opportunity to have a sneak peek at what will be hitting the H&M shelves this September.

Think about the feeling you get when you put on your favourite collared shirt. It’s crisp, luxurious, and the fit makes you feel like you can conquer the world. It probably costed quite a bit too, right? What would you say if I told you that this collection gave me that exact same feeling, and that you could get your hands on it at H&M?

Gentlemen, I know you’ve been searching for the perfect Winter coat for 2016. It’s here – and honestly, there are 3 others in the collection that you need too. I hate writing blog posts that sound forceful, or ones that come across as if I have something to prove, however it is completely and utterly called for in this case! The quality is amazing!

Ladies, I haven’t forgotten about you. Although, I don’t sport any of the looks from your Studio Collection, I’ve included a little video at the end of the post featuring an all-star line-up of babes showing some of what you’ll be seeing. Catch Natasha Poly, Jourdan Dunn, Freja Beha Erichson and Ashley Graham amongst many others looking like absolute class.

Each piece in H&M‘s Studio AW 2016 collection bodes so well with each other – so much so that if you’re as desperate to get the entire thing like me, you will take solace in knowing that the amount of different outfits we could create are countless. The possibilities? Endless.

I’m going to leave this with letting you that the phenomenal collection for both men and women hit shelves in H&M, globally on Thursday, September 8th.

See you at H&M!

Shot by Johnny Diaz Nicolaidis.
August 18, 2016

GLUE STORE STREET STYLE

I was lucky enough to team up with GLUE STORE on a shoot styled by Arianne Witt of Lola Jagger and shot by Darren of EVERY LAST SECOND. We collaborated on a street style shoot with looks collated from their Winter drop that you need to see!

Featuring garments from brands at Glue Store including Vanishing Elephant, Barney Cools, The Academy Brand, BRXTON, Assembly Label, and many others – you can check out the complete shoot below.

I just wanted to make a special shout out to Ari: your style, your aesthetic is second to none. You have such an incredible eye for detail and beauty. You are my perfect median between vintage and contemporary. I hope to collaborate with you on another project in the future because there are many things I can learn from you.

You can buy all of the clothes featured in the shoot either in-store or online at Glue Store. Then, do yourself a favour and be taken on an image journey with Ari over at LOLA JAGGER.

Keep those coats handy, readers. Winter isn’t over just yet…

Sincerely,
July 21, 2016

JOHN MACARTHUR AND HIS PURL HARBOUR

There’s definitely something special about Bondi icon John Macarthur, a self-confessed leftover hippie, and the legendary Purl Harbour. However, as we know in life, all good things must come to an end. After decades perfecting his craft in his studio, conveniently nestled in our shared hometown of Bondi Beach, John Macarthur is moving on.

I had a peak into Macarthur’s studio last weekend to ensure I wasn’t missing out on any of his iconic hand made pieces! Picture walls covered in his editorial features and shelves stacked with knitted garments in every shape, colour, size and design. I walked out with not only a one-of-a-kind knit but also a story that needed to be shared.

Purl Harbour started out as a label at Sydney’s Paddington markets selling a signature knit in one style, but it wasn’t long before John Macarthur had himself a 5 page spread in Vogue – “Purl Harbour came into existence pretty much by accident as you can see,” he says.

The concept behind Purl Harbour was to knit pieces that looked at least 20 years old, worn out, often too big and out of trend. Despite all of John’s efforts, fashion editors and stylish customers rush to his Bondi studio to hand pick one off cardigans, sweaters and scarves that have been hand crafted on location.

Readers – it’s not too late! You still have time to check out Purl Harbour, however I do recommend calling ahead before you venture to my side of town to make sure John’s there. Purl Harbour’s studio is located a few minutes walk from the beach, and he likes to swim… a lot.

John Macarthur’s knits have graced the pages of Vogue, Elle and Marie Claire. They have been worn by Kim Basinger, Liam Neeson (on the cover of Vanity Fair) and Cindy Crawford. Julia Roberts visited his shop but didn’t buy anything (Macarthur didn’t realise who she was until after she left).

Having been described by RUSSH Magazine as “The Great Bondi Prophet,” and praised by Nadia Jones, Marcs‘ creative director, as a “true artist,” I think it’s pretty safe to say that John Macarthur has created a legacy for his timeless knits that will forever remain irreplaceable.

Check out how I styled my knit below. And don’t miss out on this one, ladies and gentlemen!

Sincerely,
June 6, 2016

THE PLACE DIVERSITY CALLS HOME

Riddle me this: how can you feel such a grand sense of connection to a place where you’ve never lived, nor visited? The place that diversity calls home: New York City.

“I love New York, even though it isn’t mine, the way something has to be, a tree or a street or a house, something, anyway, that belongs to me because I belong to it.” ― Truman Capote

When I have my moments of day dreaming, I often think about what it’s like waking up to noise of the city streets or to the view of Central Park. I picture myself walking the overhauled streets and people watching – is it true that it is the only place where you won’t find a typical human being?

“There is something in the the New York air that makes sleep useless.” ― Simone de Beauvior

What makes this city run the world? What is it about this place that has everybody talking? And why haven’t I yet been? And with all these questions in mind, until I get myself over to NYC, I can at least dress as if I were there.

Sincerely, with bagels and Americano coffee’s,

PRELUDE:

“Chapter 1.
He adored New York City. He idolized it all out of proportion…no, make that: he – he romanticized it all out of proportion. Yeah. To him, no matter what the season was, this was still a town that existed in black and white and pulsated to the great tunes of George Gershwin.’

Uh, no let me start this over.

‘Chapter 1.
He was too romantic about Manhattan, as he was about everything else. He thrived on the hustle bustle of the crowds and the traffic. To him, New York meant beautiful women and street-smart guys who seemed to know all the angles…’.

Ah, corny, too corny for my taste. Can we … can we try and make it more profound?

‘Chapter 1.
He was as tough and romantic as the city he loved.’

I love this.

‘New York was his town, and it always would be.”

― Woody Allen, Manhattan

Wearing: COS camel coat, COS black turtle neck, COS tailored pant, Common Project sneaker.

Shot by Johnny Diaz Nicolaidis from JDN Creatives.
May 27, 2016

BOOK CLUB: A LITTLE LIFE

A moment of my life that I have to share…

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