Words Huw Bennett

Talking Australian menswear can be a loaded topic, too few have succeeded or dared to venture that little bit further. Too long have us men played second fiddle to our female counterparts and for an age, we’ve tried to set ourselves apart and define a truly Australian men’s look. There have been pioneers and those who have thought outside of the box and in more recent times we’ve seen the rise of streetwear musketeers thrusting their somewhat un-Australian sword with promises of something more continental or American. But what is it that we truly want and need and how does this lot exemplify a new thinking and form?

TY-LR
Contemporaries with a touch of timeless styling. Enter somewhat new kid on the block TY-LR. Offering a clean take on not so everyday basics, the brand seeks out soft colours and fabrics mixing them back with slightly exaggerated cuts, lengths and finishes.
ty-lr.com

SONG FOR THE MUTE
Inspired by change and an unwavering addiction to perfection, the team at Song for the Mute continues to create living art through their broken down tailored pieces that both define the norm and are a true tale of what has been and how it looked. Seasonally crafted to blend new fabrics and silhouettes, the brands dark aesthetic offers a brighter alternative to most.
www.songforthemute.com

PATRICK JOHNSON
As the accolades flood in it’s easy to see why Mr. Patrick Johnson, the name-sake of our tailored story has succeeded in helping us dress better and feel more comfortable at the same time. Patrick Johnson embodies and truly personifies his seemingly effortless style; think the talented Mr.Ripley walking the streets of Paddington, Sydney. Their ethos champions the word ‘better’ and for all our sake they better stick around to continue to rebuild and define Australian men in suits.
www.pjt.com

COMMAS
Swimwear with presence, the brand steers clear of the desire to over embellish but instead seeks quality and difference through fabrics and aesthetic. This fresh young designer, offering well-thought design doesn’t allow itself to a ramble, more a constant thought and feeling as to how to dress whilst relaxing and resting.
www.commas.cc

THE UPSIDE
New-ish to our eyes is the front facing, logo proud active line The Upside. Their men’s collection, now nearing it’s first birthday sets our active sensors a light with easy to adorn and practical cuts that flourish with added sweat. Whilst a firm favourite for the girls, The upside offers guys less fluoro and more tonal and balance colours to help us walk the dog or trim the waist.
www.upsideman.com

Photography Trevor King
Model Kade Roberts at Chic
Fashion Editor Freddie Fredericks
Grooming Vic Anderson

By Oliver Grand