Why Song for the Mute Favor an Understated Style
One of our favorite Australian menswear designers, Song for the Mute have just unveiled their new Fall collection named “POÈME”. Key pieces include textured outerwear and oversized knitwear infused with unexpected colour. Designers, Melvin Tanaya & Lyna Ty are masters of cut, creating exaggerated silhouettes in unique fabrications with edgy sophistication and are now stocked in over 25 luxury international menswear boutiques including; Harrolds, Australia, Layers, London, H.Lorenzo in Los Angeles and online at sseense.com. The duo from the achingly, cool label took some time in Sydney to share their insights into developing an individual style.
WHAT ARE SOME PERSONAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE NEW COLLECTION? HOW HAS YOUR SENSE OF STYLE EVOLVED SINCE STARTING THE LABEL?
Melvin: It’s definitely my favourite collection thus far, I didn’t realise how much I’ve ordered for myself, almost an entirely new wardrobe! We evolve the brand’s aesthetic season after season depending on the fabric – it just happens that this new FW17 POÈME is on point with how I like to dress right now. I dress a lot cleaner than I used to; nicely cropped pleated tailored pants paired with a classic oversized coat and a beautiful soft knit inside. No frills. Just the essentials. This collection is full of timeless pieces which is great.
YOU HAVE MENTIONED YOU DON’T BELIEVE THEIR ARE SET RULES WHEN IT COMES TO DRESSING FOR YOURSELF BUT YOU DO OFTEN SEE MEN PULLING OFF CERTAIN LOOKS/TRENDS BETTER THAN OTHERS. WHY DO YOU BELIVE THIS IS?
Lyna: It has a lot to do with how one plays with garment proportions and fabric textures. You also need to understand what shape works best for you. Don’t be scared to try new things – you’ll never know until you try it! Some men even pull off a certain look purely because of their confidence.
Song for the Mute's “POÈME"Fall/Winter 2017 Campaign
Song for the Mute's “POÈME"Fall/Winter 2017 Campaign
Song for the Mute's “POÈME"Fall/Winter 2017 Campaign
Song for the Mute's “POÈME"Fall/Winter 2017 Campaign
WHAT ARE THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF INDIVIDUAL STYLE? WHAT IS AN IMPORTANT DETAIL THAT MEN TEND TO OVERLOOK?
Melvin: Like Lyna mentioned earlier, confidence plays a significant part when it comes to styling. You need to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing both physically and mentally. If something feels uncomfortable or uneasy, people can usually tell. Regarding the detail that men tend to overlook, I would say quality fabrics: invest in garments with nice fabrics and construction – it’s not all just about the look of a garment. Simple shapes can be done beautifully if it’s made out of the right fabric, it also makes it so much easier for you to take care of that piece, too. Good fabrics don’t shrink or pill when you wash them and age gracefully with the wearer.
SFTM IS SYNONYMOUS WITH EFFORTLESS STYLE AND A UNIQUE AESTHETIC. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO MEN WANTING TO APPEAR STYLISH WITHOUT LOOKING LIKE A FASHION VICTIM?
Lyna: All black everything.
WHO DO YOU FEEL IS WINNING, STYLE WISE AT THE MOMENT?
Melvin: Nick Wooster is always on point. He wears a lot of different brands mixed together, but everything comes across as unique – he makes it his own.
