On the Street......The Designed Cover-up, Sydney

As Americans we're often overly practical. To that end the big t-shirt has become the "cover-up" for most beach excursions. I was very happy to see the young ladies around Sydney sporting more thoughtfully designed cover-ups. My guess is it's a cultural thing - that they don't "go to the beach" like we do. I think in Sydney it is more like how we "go to the gym" on a Saturday or after work - just another thing to do during a busy day in paradise.

PS. A few of you commented that the light in Australia seems very different. You're right. Actually, it is not that different - but since they are going into Winter the sun is much lower in the sky as opposed to in the Summer when it is very high and has a harsh shadowing effect. That's why I could take a midday beach shot without all of the hard light reflecting off of the sand. Anyway, I don't know if you needed to know that, but if I am in Sydney or Melbourne every April for the next few years you will know why.

Jim Thompson, Designer of Three Over One, Sydney

Describe the Three Over One brand…
Three Over One is influenced by a British working man’s wardrobe from the 1930’s and 40’s and vintage American sportswear. The collection has a rugged and relaxed elegance with an appreciation of the attitudes, style, quality and workmanship of the past. 

Why pleated denim?
I like to wear high waisted pleated pants as I guess I am somewhat nostalgic in my style, looking back to a time when I feel that men dressed more elegantly.

From a design standpoint, I incorporated these pants into my line because I wanted to revisit classic work wear styles (the pleat front detailing and the relaxed high waisted silhouette came from a 1930’s vintage naval pant) but execute them in a more modern way (hence using a lightweight denim fabric).

Describe "Sydney Style"
Relaxed, laid back and never taking itself too seriously.

The OZ style currently has what I would best describe as an “80’s electro in the sun, mixed with gothic rock” vibe. This look includes the skinny jeans in very distressed rip and repair finishes, oversized tees with bold simple graphics, short vintage board shorts and of course the obligatory Havaianas thongs with injections of strong bright color throughout.

Is there an Australian Style Icon?
For me it has to be Errol Flynn.

What inspires design in Sydney?
Sydney style is heavily influenced by the warm climate and living by the ocean. This results in a more relaxed, colorful and laidback style, that has an emphasis on casual wear.

What country has the biggest design influence on Australian designers?
I feel a strong influence from the US, in both culture and design.

Are there any American brands you are into?
I really like what Adam Kimmel, Band of Outsiders and Engineered Garments are doing. The mixture of heritage styling and modern design really appeals to me.

The Sartorialist in Australia

Back to Australia!!

Sass & Bide will be hosting my book signing in Sydney and Melbourne next week. I have also made sure to have at least one day in each city to shoot.

I know I will be shooting in Sydney on the 6th and 7th and in Melbourne on the 11th. I hope to meet some of you in your Down Under Summertime finest.

This is the info for the signings - and they are free and open to the public

Sydney
Tuesday December 8
6-9pm
Sass & Bide, 132 Oxford St, Paddington

Melbourne
Thursday 10 December
6-9pm
Sass & Bide, GPO, Bourke St

On the Street......Oxford St., Sydney

On the way back from Tokyo, I made a quick stop over in Sydney. I still have more shots from Japan, but I wanted to get these Sydney shots up right away.

On the Street......Young Sydney, Sydney

I don't know if this shot is from the fashion editor, the photographer or the dad in me. This young lady just looked so charming with her cute but quiet style that I had to take the shot. Maybe it is as simple as I just wanted to share a portrait of a very cool kid from Sydney.

On the Street......Sydney Winter, Sydney

On the Street......Sweater Shorts, Sydney

Sydney weather at this time of year is just like New York. Cool mornings, warm afternoons, and cool evenings - layering like this is a great option. Even without the sweater the look still feels refined with the shirt buttoned-up like that.

City of Shadows: Sydney Police Photographs 1912-1948

City of Shadows: Sydney Police Photographs 1912-1948 by Peter Doyle

Breathtaking!

Like Paolo Roversi crossed with Weegee

This is definitely one of my new favorite books.

If I do a book at somepoint I only hope that someday, somebody is as moved by my work as i am the the images in this book.

I am in Paris so I am not able to get the American version of Amazon but I'm sure you could get it through them or B&N.com.

On the Street....Melbourne Man, Melbourne

I have heard a few concerns lately that this blog has become too heavily dominated by women's images. They worry about the "direction" of the blog.
Well, I can say that the direction has absolutely remained the same. I've always only shot what I really love and that sincerity remains intact.

Last week ,in Sydney, I didn't see any guys to shoot,, so....no guys shots. It would have been easy to take a few shots just to keep the mens audience happy but I just can't do that. I'm not saying that there are no stylish men in Sydney but that I just didn't run across any while I was there.

The honest nature of this blog is that the images are a by-product of the cities I visit. Some cities are very strong in womens (Paris) and some in men's (Milano). I always keep my eyes wide open in every city but that element of chance is what keeps this job fun.

Anyway, early next month I will be at Pitti Uomo (in Florence) which is the best mens shooting I do all year. So if you're needing your Classico fix just hang in there guys.

Australian Patio Furniture??, Sydney

I could shoot this same picture all over Sydney.

So, what's the deal with the house couch on the front porch?

On the Street......Bondi Beach, Sydney

On the Street.... Sheila Scotter, Melbourne

This lovely lady is Sheila Scotter, one of the first editors of Australian Vogue. I shot her when I was in Melbourne last time for a Saba ad campaign. I've become accustomed to posting photos pretty quickly after I shoot them, so sitting on this shot until its campaign release date has been murder. I didn't get to spend much time with Ms. Scotter, but she is definitely a person I would love to see again when I go back to Melbourne for the book tour. I will say that in the brief time it took to shoot her she oozed intimidating old school charm and a sense of formal elegance. Her mentor was Diana Vreeland - so imagine her with an Australian/English accent.

Apparently the world is rediscovering Sheila, and I am happy to have had a small part in making that happen.

Australian Vogue


Sydney Morning Herald

On the Street......Blue & Orange, Sydney

On the Street......Denim Pants, Sydney

I love the idea of denim pants - especially if they are as well done as these.

On the Street......Missoni Dress, Sydney

On the Street......Steps, Sydney

On the Street......George St., Sydney

On the Street......Little Star, Sydney

Lia Belle, Sydney

Inspiration print from Lia Belle's apartment

Inspiration print from Lia Belle's apartment

Do you see the seam in the middle of Lia Belle's Prada shoes?

Lia Belle HAD to have these Prada shoes, but they didn't have her size. She has very tiny feet, so this is a common issue for her.

Being the crafty Aussie that she is, she bought them in the nearest size she could find and took them to a shoe repair shop. There they removed the heel and cut-out a few centimeters from the middle length of the shoe. Then, they reattached the two severed pieces, re-sanded the heel, re-sewed the lining and refit the heel.

Sounds expensive, but she bought the shoes on sale for $250 and had $100 worth of alterations. Now, the shoes fit Lia Belle perfectly! No one can see the difference, AND she still spent less than the full retail price- smart lady.

On the Street......Mixed Plaids, Sydney