A few years back I was living in Byron Bay working on a fashion contract and met Ben Musu, a man I instantly wanted to talk with more!  Benny at the time was the owner of Bay Leaf, a great little cafe I frequented for my early morning coffee, and a design enthusiast like myself. Our topic of design talk was often in architecture and helped along with enthusiasm by my partner Jacques, himself a design architect.  Alongside the architecture we spoke of his love of cars.  Being a car lover myself, I would always listen in fascination at his stories, so many and such  interesting stories too!  Benny has a great eye for design, not just what looks good but the functionality of those designs and the story behind each.

Since then we’ve both moved on from Byron Bay.  Nowadays I keep up to date with Benny on Instagram mostly. The perfect place to see his love of design.   We did however recently catch up so I could share a little about the man who never ceases to amaze me with his knowledge and appreciation of great design.

THMS: I met you in Byron Bay when you had Bay Leaf in Marvell Street.  Since then I have seen some fantastic projects you have been responsible for, including restaurants St Elmo and Targa.  Tell me a little of your background that led you to these establishments in Byron Bay and what brought you back to Melbourne?

BM: My wife and business partner Sarah, and I, had worked extensively in hospitality for many years before we had Bay Leaf. It satisfied an urge that we had to become self-employed, but became much more when it became successful and lead to the idea to open a bar in Byron Bay. We are design enthusiasts I suppose, and after a couple of false-starts with a couple of tenancies in the area St Elmo was born. Returning to Melbourne was a decision made on many levels, particularly for our children and for our own satisfaction. Living in Bangalow was fun and a real privilege, but Melbourne holds the aesthetic and social stimulation that I crave, as well as a proper diversity – not a synthetic byword that often seems manifested by temporary stayers in a transient place.

TMHS: You have a brilliant eye for quality design, in particular in architecture and cars which I know we have spoken about before.  I’m a big fan of your Instagram for this very reason! What do you look for in architecture or the design of a car that makes you want to share it with others?

BM: Instagram is a nice medium to communicate socially and electronically without having to encounter third-party “interference” and advertising. Because it is 99% visual, you are drawn to follow and be followed by very like-minded people. This is what makes me share the imagery that I encounter around the city with people. It is very textured, and as I’ve said to many people – I regard architecture and car design as a sculptural discipline. In terms of the car and its interaction with the rest of the built environment – they often serve as the most natural time-marking object in a photograph, where as the architecture will more often than not, be there indefinitely. Sadly, I think much of what people of my tastes have come to see is that much of what we love has vanished – making standing around pondering old cars and buildings even more interesting!

Raymond Priestley building in Melbourne

TMHS: So as we have mentioned you are a car enthusiast.  Fill me in a little on your background with cars.

BM: Been a car nut, in short – all my life. After a life in food and beverage I work for a car company now, and get to engage with people and cars on a daily basis. I’ve always been fascinated with anything mechanical, and have an interest in all types of art. Cars seem to be a means of combining art, science and sport effectively and there’s always a story that goes with so many of them. It’s a legitimate piece of history and many cultures have become defined by their industrial successes. Car-making in many cases plays a huge part in these stories.

TMHS: Do you have a favourite car? If so, what appeals to you about this particular car?

BM: An impossible question to answer. I love all cars, for all different reasons. After a lifetime of answering this question by stating that Italian cars were my thing, I must have matured because my interests lie everywhere. Porsche has captured my attention in the last few years though, and I regard the 911 as probably the single most interesting model that I pursue.

TMHS: You have a link on your Instagram.  Tell me some more about Open Journal and how you are involved with this?

BM: Open Journal is a collaboration that was set-up by Neo Metro – the single most forward thinking property development company in Victoria. Due to the strong design and architectural angle that the company has, the site is intended as one-stop-shop for those interested in design and architecture, and contributors like me were invited to offer either words on their own work, or in my case words and images on their passions. I probably carry more useless anecdotal car-related data than the average Joe. So there I am writing about it! I try and make sure that my contributions are inspired by things that I see around Melbourne – in the streets, and my Instagram account was the basis for the idea.

(Here is a piece Benny wrote for Open Journal on the Porsche 911 - http://www.openjournal.com.au/design-porsche-911/)

TMHS: What are some of your other passions?

BM: Since leaving hospitality professionally, I seem to be more interested in cooking! Sarah and I are both very design oriented and want to start renovating and converting spaces as residences when our circumstances allow it. I try to make time to read when I can, and I’ve always loved biographical stuff of almost any nature.

TMHS: Any future projects you want to share?

BM: Any future project in food & beverage has been shelved for the time being. I’ve been told never to say never though, and I can’t rule out the chance that there might be another bar or cafe in the future however, I just don’t think this is the right time. Even in a city like Melbourne, there’s a limit to how many of any type of business should exist – and I think we’re there. I like the idea of moving in to a semi-rural environment that’s close to Melbourne, and if that happens and there’s reason to establish something – perhaps it will take place.

Follow Benny Musu on Instagram @bennymusu – www.instagram.com/bennymusu

Open Journal – www.openjournal.com.au

Open Journal piece by Benny on the Porsche 911 – http://www.openjournal.com.au/design-porsche-911/

George Raftopoulos | le courage | 18cm x 25cm | mixed media on canvas

What a pleasure it has been to not only have had my eyes opened to the artwork of George Raftopoulos but also to be able to be part of his audience via Instagram and get to know him over time. It was a few years ago I was introduced to George’s artwork via a gallery I was managing. I felt an instant connection to his works. His paintings resonate with me in so many ways. His use of line creates a sense of strength and freedom while there is a looseness in his work; along-side a sense of placement and belonging. I love his use of colour and automatically sense so many feelings from this. I find myself completely hypnotised by so many of the paintings that it takes me to another place, inspiring me in my own pursuits and making me reflect on the past as well as the exciting future.

Over the past year or so I have started to know George more. What I love is George’s passion for not only his art, but his family and their life together. When we caught up for a Skype call recently, he was out for the morning with his wife and two daughters. I find it wonderful to see such a strong family bond and everyone part of the creativity, inspiring each other every day. It was great to chat more to George about his artworks and inspiration.

George Raftopoulos

TMHS: Tell me a little of your background and how it influenced you to pursue a career as an artist.

GR: My background is one of many, many layers… and in hindsight I feel blessed to have such a background! I grew up in a rural town, 4.5 hrs south west of Sydney. It was quite an eye opener, one which instilled in me an appreciation for the land. I also believe it forced me to look at my Greek-ness with earnest as we were the only Greeks in the town, so apart from my immediate family, I had never met a Greek person or its cultural aspersions ever in my life. Thus, being so removed from it, I found it fuelled my fire to learn the language; to read and write. Consequently, I am appreciative of this time in the rural areas as it taught me to respect and encompass all that rural life represents.

TMHS: You are quite close to your wife and two daughters.  What part do they play in the overall process for creating artworks?  Are they actively involved? Tell me some more of their influence on your life as an artist.

GR: My wife is my biggest critic and advocate!! Indelibly I know or recognise when certain works are not working. However, she is my constant and my confidant, not only to pull me out of the creative fire, but in life. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to her for this. She is an amazingly strong woman; and kudos to that! Further, we live in a creatively rich household and our two daughters celebrate this divine madness with us daily. They believe in the notion of ‘freedom in expression’, which is what we instil in our existence, so for this it is important to our psyche.

George Raftopoulos | Freedom is Paramount So Take Flight | 183cm x 183cm | Oil on Vellum

TMHS: Are you quite planned with your artworks or more spontaneous?

GR: Absolutely, categorically NOT!!  The best things happen by pure accident. Plans are only meant to be broken! I attack a canvas without pre-planning, only with pure gusto and intent relying on intuition to guide me through it’s path. I am the vehicle for expression, so therefore I rely heavily on my ‘gut’ instinct.

TMHS: Are you drawn to certain colours when painting?  If so, tell me more about this.

GR: Usually I reference something I have noted from memory. For example, of late I have been utilising flouro pink in reference to its association with referencing safety buoys in the water to warn people of danger etc, as they bobble up and down against a Paynes grey sky. I love that this flouro, lurid colour signifies something different to so many people, yet it still alerts them to something. It has a universal meaning, therefore I am translating this meaning into my work.

TMHS: You currently live in Sydney however have spent time working and living in New York.  How do the two locations compare for you as an Artist?

GR: New York can be cold and impersonal. It also can be sterile. We were there on and off for five years traveling like Gypsy’s between here and Sydney. It is this notion of movement that excites me… where it be Sydney and NY or LA and Sydney as long as I am moving I am happy. To compare the two would be difficult, however there is one universal truth; people are people no matter where you are!!! The only highlight is that NY has a established art world that far surpasses that of the Australian system at present. However, with time Australia will have it’s time in the sun akin to the Chinese and the Russians, and when it happens I will be waiting!!!

George Raftopoulos | ClouδΣ

TMHS: What has been, or still is the biggest influence on your career?

GR: Travel and the notion that anything is possible!!!! BE FEARLESS and attack everything with GUSTO. When people say NO, allow that to fuel your fire to a YES!!!!

TMHS: Do you listen to music when you are painting? If so, what might one hear if they were in your studio when you are painting?

GR: My tastes are eclectic as I think It would be unfair to pin point one movement of music. However, a huge influence has been the onset of Internet radio whereby I can now listen the BBC Proms, or a Jazz station in France with French Arabic Rai, or Rap music!!!! Intrinsically music serves as a tool to send us somewhere via memory or thought, therefore this is an automatic thought process for me whilst immersing in music!!

TMHS: Three things you can’t do without in your day?!

GR: Water, a kiss from girls, and fresh air!!!

TMHS: I consider you quite a stylish man on so many levels.  How do you define style?

GR: Style is the ability to be open to be eclectic in ones choices. Style is made up of so many classic moments… and it is how one embraces those moments that style is formed.

TMHS: Favourite item of clothing?

GR: My bottle Green MIU MIU suit that I purchased when I was 20. It still fits, it is a classic and I still wear it today!

George Raftopoulos | Piffy Birdie & Bing | 120cm x 180cm | Oil on Linen

TMHS: Any up and coming exhibitions you are involved in?

GR: I have a few that I am working presently. One in particular that I am excited about is that with my wife as she is completing her MFA in Arts Administration here in Sydney at COFA. We have been discussing doing an exciting project between here and China. It is in its early stages but will be developed by next year!

TMHS: Where can people see your artwork?

GR: Well currently I am private and my works are being held under wraps until I am ready to unleash them onto the world…..I have forcibly removed myself from the commercial sphere. I am taking a sabbatical which I think is a healthy proposition. As my work is under Flux!!!

TMHS: Where can people find you online?

GR: I am an Instagram junkie… so my craziness which represents the every day thought process is there for all to see however the finished product is quite private!!
(TMHS: Find George on instagram @graftopoulos)

George Raftopoulos | One by One | 132cm x 157cm | Oil on Japanese Linen

TMHS: Any final words for readers of The Man Has Style?

GR: I believe that style is a cultured notion and is successful when it is eclectic. Style embodies a person’s everyday; it either finds you; caresses you in every way either via your output i.e. ART or dress; or it eludes you and one is left celebrating other people’s style. I certainly know which side of the style fence I sit on…

Find more on George Raftopoulos at www.georgeraftopoulos.com

TMHS

Villawood Properties’ founder and executive director Rory Costelloe

About 10 years ago I was fortunate to meet Rory Costelloe, a brilliant man who I found inspiring on so many levels.  It was through my love of outrigger canoeing and many years of paddling that I met Rory, a successful businessman, and someone who would always find time for being outdoors.  Sometimes it meant we would be paddling along and I would think Rory was talking to the crew but he was on a work call, all the while, paddling away! Over the years, I was fortunate to spend time with Rory and his family in their home, which is filled with beautiful artworks. The sculptures in the house, as well as outside in the gardens, are just spectacular. It was great to learn he had transferred his love of sculpture into his business also, which led me to wanting to share his story with you on TMHS.

TMHS: Tell me a bit about what you do in business.

RC: Firstly Sarah, I am flattered you have asked an old bugger to do an interview! I started Villawood Properties nearly 25 years ago in Bendigo. We are greenfield land developers predominantly in Victoria, but in recent years expanded into NSW and QLD creating new communities that are innovative and sustainable.

TMHS: I’ve notice you have a love of sculpture. What draws you to sculpture over other mediums of artwork?

RC: As a civil engineer, perhaps it’s the size and 3D nature of sculptures that interests me the most. I much rather spend time in the garden with sculptures around me, than go to an Art Gallery.

TMHS: Tell me of some of the art pieces you have in your home?

RC: At home we have works by two sculptural artists. I first met Folko Kooper at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show in 2003 and he has been creating sculptural masterpieces for me ever since. Folko’s creations are featured across most of our Villawood communities and also around our garden, a three leaf sculpture and bird baths. The following year at the Flower Show I met Yvonne George, a sculptor from Bendigo. Yvonne had created some wonderful pieces using copper and other metals, and a number of her works also feature at our home; a giant pod in the hallway that hangs five metres tall from ceiling to floor, and a poolside wire woven basket. The biggest problem I had was getting a 5m tall sculpture into the house!

Yvonne George’s giant 5m tall pod stretches from ceiling to floor in Rory’s home

TMHS: How did you start to incorporate your love of sculpture into your business? How is this continuing from when you first started to now?

RC: In land development, people think that to make a statement, you need to install a large entry statement – frankly, I consider this to be gaudy and a waste of money. Sculptures on the other hand, are much longer lasting and have an impact on a community’s pride of place. When I first met Folko, he had a sundial displayed that was about 400mm in diameter and I asked him if he could make me a much larger one (I showed him with my hands, as wide as my arms could stretch out!). He came up with an amazing 2 metre sundial made of the metal rim of dray wheels (horse and cart wheels). For the last 10 years, he has created bigger and more innovative sculptures, incorporating nature and wildlife themes, with the tallest one so far, being a 13 metre tall dragonfly perched on reeds. Yvonne George does many of our sculptures for regional projects.

Sculptor Yvonne George

TMHS: Tell me of some of the art pieces you have used in business projects?

RC: We recently installed a giant eagle in Sydney with an 8 metre wingspan that hovers over train commuters at Schofield Station. Once again Folko had 30cm tall rusty stiletto and a hand bag at the flower show, both filled with small cactus.  I asked him to make them huge so now there is a six metre tall handbag and three metre tall pair of stiletto heels on the Ring Road in Geelong. They certainly attract a lot of attention and comment from the community! Pelicans, cockatoos, penguins, butterflies and many more, have become our signature across our projects. Many people love to stop to get a photo with them.

Rory with the Folko Kooper’s three metre tall pair of stiletto heels on the Ring Road in Geelong

TMHS: You are a big traveller and since I have known you, you have travelled all over the world to some amazing places. Has your love of travel helped fuel your love of design? Tell me of some of the places you have travelled to – and the ones that have played a bigger part in inspiring you.

RC: Travel has certainly been my main incubator of new ideas. The trick is not just to see something wonderful, but to apply it to your own use. I take thousands of photos when I travel and file them in various folders, so I now have a wonderful library of ideas. When someone talks about a new idea, it prompts me to think about something I’ve seen before and pull out a photo. My latest craze is going to be really cool street art and green walls on our Community Centres.  

I have been lucky enough to travel to every continent of the world including Antarctica, where I was once paddling in a Kayak by myself amongst brash ice about 1km away from our yacht, when a humpback whale popped up 20 metres in front of me! I was at sea for 24 days and every 2-3 days there was at least one amazing and surreal experience.

TMHS: Who are some of the artists you have purchased works from? Do you approach the artists after you have seen their works or do you call for submissions?

RC: With our two favourite artists Folko and Yvonne, the process is now a collaborative one, where we brain storm ideas together and then commission the works.

TMHS: What type of criteria do you look at when selecting works – both for home and business?

RC: I just look for whatever takes my eye. I see something that I like or an element of something I like and that evolves the concept. I prefer to have sculptures of natural elements such as birds, animals and plants. The modern trend is laser cut contemporary sculptures but I believe our residents appreciate the natural look.

Rory with a Folko Kooper bird bath sculpture

TMHS: Do you have a favourite sculptor?

RC: Probably Folko – at his own home in Hobart, a restored Georgian mansion on acreage, he has hundreds of sculptures littered around his historic renovated garden! It’s inspiring to see. And he is an amazing cook!

TMHS: You are a fan of bright and colourful shirts. Do you have any favourite designers?

RC: I have about 25 different shirts from Australian designer David Smith and 6 shirts/T-shirts from overseas brand Desigual. The best thing about colourful shirts is that you don’t need to wear a tie with them!

TMHS: You wear suits for working, any favourite designers? RC: I don’t go overboard on expensive designer suits. I like a nice and comfortable slim fit suit from a great shop in Geelong called Eddy Elias. Andrew Durante who owns the store is wonderful. I just wander in and he tells me what the latest trend is and gives me colour coordination advice. You can look good in a $350 suit as long as it fits well, then your shirt creates the impact!

TMHS: What type of shoes would I expect to see you wearing to work?

RC: I used to wear daggy old shoes and one day one of my JV partners said to me, “Mate, we’ve gotta get you out of those mining boots!”. So he took me shopping to Bridge Road in Richmond and I bought my first pair of designer shoes. I have never looked back since!

Rory with a sculpture from Yvonne George and a great suit!

TMHS: Three things you can’t do without in your day?

RC: My phone, my laptop and some kind of outdoor activity.

TMHS: What do you do when you are not working?

RC: Anything outside that does not need an engine: triathlons, ocean swims ,adventure racing, ocean kayaking, running, mountain bike riding, surfing and of course outrigger canoeing where I first met you. I am a jack-of-all-trades and master of none! They are great stress relaxation in the stressful world of property. In my travels the last six months I have been fortunate enough to jog through Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park and Central Park, kite surfed on Lake Como, and completed triathlons in Miami, Lake Iseo and Noosa. I believe those who excelled at sport and were competitive when they were young often lose interest when they are no longer competitive, whereas those who were not as skilful and competitive in their youth, like myself, take up sport later on, and continue to play until late in life. Just look at how many triathletes there are in the 35-55 year age groups!

Stunning sculpture at night by Folko Kooper

TMHS: Favourite quote?

RC: One of my old mentors Paul Tomkinson always told me, “leave a dollar in it for the next bloke”.

A sad one is : “Blood is thicker than water but money is thicker than blood.”It is a very poor reflection on our society that I’ve experienced time and time again in the property industry, seeing families fighting over money and property.

TMHS: Any last words?

RC. I take risks in many things I do based on the 80/20 rule. 80% of the time things work out better, then 20% of the time it could be a complete stuff up. That leads to doing many random things, for example turning up at the Athens and London Olympics with no tickets, but seeing most sports!

Villawood Properties - www.villawoodproperties.com.au

Yvonne George - www.yvonnegeorgesculptor.com

Folko Kooper - www.koopertasmania.com

David Smith - www.davidsmithaustralia.com.au

Photographs 1-5
Michael Chambers
Photography . Graphic Design . Video
mick@mickpik.com
www.mickpik.com

Final photograph (sunset sculpture):
Kathryn Potempski
Dreamscope Photography
www.dreamscopephotography.smugmug.com

David Stevens-Castro

One of the beautiful things I get to do with The Man Has Style is share stories of people who are living a life filled with what is passionate to them. My interviews aim to share what drives them to be inspired every day and what it is that is their passion. In Australia, it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t love wine, but there are those who stand out for their absolute love of wines and make it their career and part of their life. One such person is David Stevens-Castro. Not only is David a lover of wine who is working toward the Master of Wine, he exudes positivity and shares his knowledge to assist others in feeling this desire for quality wines.

Born in Chile, David now calls Australia home with his wife Fran and newborn son, Dante. David and Fran have a strong business in Latino Cellar, supplying quality wine and beverages from Australia, Chile and Argentina. Alongside this, David also works with the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort on the Gold Coast as their Maitre D/Sommelier. I caught up with David to chat about his background and what makes the world of wine a way of life for him.

David Stevens-Castro, a moment captured on Instagram

TMHS: David, you are definitely passionate about wine! I remember a few years ago when we were working together you had a wealth of knowledge.  Needless to say, now you have an abundance more! When did you find you had a love of wine?

DSC: At 17 years of age, I grew up seeing the fast development of Chile’s most prominent wine laboratory, VINOLAB. I then completed a degree in Agricultural Science in the prestigious Department of Enology & Fruit production in the Pontifical Catholic University in Santiago. That solid background allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the world of wine from a very young age.

TMHS: You are the Sommelier at the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort on the Gold Coast.  Tell me more about this role.

DSC: I am the Maitre D’ at the fine dining restaurant, ‘The Fireplace’ in which I am the host and team leader of our staff during service. The role of a sommelier includes looking after the cellar, liaise with wine distributors, winemakers & sommeliers to stay in touch with what’s trending in the market.

David checking out the wines in the cellar at the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort on the Gold Coast

TMHS: You are originally from Chile.  How did growing up there influence who you are today?

DSC: It’s 100% who I am. I’ve been very lucky to have received the best possible education at all ages thanks to my family. I am a proud Chilean living in Australia who enjoys sharing the Latin culture with others.

TMHS: Do you have a favourite region in the world for wine production?  If so, why this area?

DSC: Champagne! It is the best celebration drink ever created, without a doubt.

TMHS: Name three ‘must try’ wines from around the world and what you love about them.

DSC: Te Mata ‘Bullnose’ Syrah, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.

I enjoyed his temperamental personality; the way that it shows layer after layer in slow motion. It has quite a playful palate as well.  A wine for deep thinking.

Te Mata ‘Bullnose’ Syrah, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Grosset Polish Hill Riesling, Eden Valley, Australia.

The power of this wine is huge; intense, packed & vibrant, the kind of wine that needs a bit of cellaring time to settle down, it’s like the monument of the Riesling variety, if that makes sense.

ALMAVIVA, Maipo Valley, Chile.

Premium Chilean wine made by the joint venture between Barons Phillipe De Rotschild & Concha y Toro; part of what I called ‘the Big 3′ which includes also Clos Apalta & Don Melchor; the 3 most aristocratic Chilean wines on the market. Generous, Balanced & Polished wine of the earth.

TMHS: Who is your inspiration in your career?  Tell me more of this.

DSC: I find inspiration in many ways; but I say my brand new baby, Dante, is by far the most inspirational of all.

TMHS: Three things you can’t do without in your day?

DSC: 1) Coffee, 2) Kiss Fran, 3) Kiss Dante

TMHS: You are a big fan of social media! I always remember you as being the King of Twitter!  How has social media help shape your career?

DSC: Social media is forward thinking. These days I pretty much consider it like a little video game, I have fun jumping around different apps at the same time. I am totally into it and keen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & Linkedin.

TMHS:  Where can readers of The Man Has Style find you on social media and the Internet?

DSC:

Web: www.latinocellar.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/latinocellar
Facebook: www.facebook.com/latinocellar 
Linkedin: David Stevens-Castro
Instagram: @davidstevenscastro

(* Note from TMHS: David’s Instagram feed is not just wine, he has the most amazing selection of beers to be seen and shares when he tries them.  Well worth a follow!)

David also loves beer, this Mountain Goat beer from his Instagram feed

TMHS:  Any final words for readers of The Man Has Style?

DSC: Let’s celebrate the art of good living in style ! 

Dashing Hounds

What a delight it always is to catch up with Caz Little, founder of Dashing Hounds.  Caz and I first met in 2000 as design students at fashion school, both hard workers, down to earth and ready to take on the world of fashion.  After our few years of study we worked together in our first full-time jobs in the industry in Melbourne, gaining a grounding and putting in long hours immersing ourselves in learning the ropes of what was to be our careers for many years.  A few years on we again worked together, this time in menswear, often reminiscing on all we had learnt – and how much more we wanted to do.  Fast track to 2013, some 13 years after we first met and we are both addicted to and in love with men’s styling.

Caz founded Dashing Hounds in 2012.  An inevitable step for her after years designing menswear for brands such as Lee and Elwood.  She had experience working with Channel Nine and Ten in their wardrobe department however was still working other jobs to support her love of styling.  It was in 2012 after her return to Melbourne after a brief time in Sydney that found Caz wanting more than just design. She wanted to do what she was most passionate about, and do it as much as she could.  Waking at 3am one morning she decided she was going to do just that and live and work her passion, what she wanted to do from the beginning – be a stylist, and be a stylist for men.

This started her mind ticking, knowing this could be a reality.  She saw a font she loved, took a screen shot and woke a week later, again at 3am (fast becoming her hour of inspiration!) and thought “Dashing Hounds”.  Excited at the prospect she could feel it all coming together she went for a 4am walk, mind racing, the name had stuck.  That night at a dinner she was telling her friend Shane Loorham of her 3am inspiration, the font and Dashing Hounds.  Have it be one of those ‘talking to the right person at the right time’ moments, he went on to tell her about the font (he is a graphic designer – www.silent-partner.net) and how it was designed to look like cobblestones that were walked on – something which resonated even further with the ideas she had for quality men’s styling.  They collaborated together and he worked on the Dashing Hounds branding, with Caz really wanting a dog as the logo, a dapper looking dog at that!  That’s when the ball really starting rolling.  Shane put together a website and Caz anchored herself with some social media and the perfect phrase for Dashing Hounds, “Every lady loves a gentleman”.

Dashing Hounds : Every lady loves a gentleman

Dashing Hounds :: Business Cards

Dashing Hounds Business Cards

Dashing Hounds : Business Cards

Caz was (and still is) designing menswear for RES Denim a few days a week. All the while building relationships with local businesses in Melbourne promoting the Dashing Hounds service.  You can see her Pack as she affectionately called them on the Dashing Hounds website including Silent Partner, Sarah Anderson, Movember, Hardy Amies, Hugo Boss, Sole Devotion, Aquila, Woodstock and David Jones amongst others.  She is a strong believer of supporting local business and has built strong connections with wholesalers of shirts and suits amongst other areas, which came in handy especially in the early days of Dashing Hounds when she found herself styling many weddings.  A former colleague and now friend who works for Hugo Boss as Head of Marketing highlighted that a majority of her clients follow football and that if she were to start dressing footballers, it would start to create more business for Dashing Hounds.  This in turn led Caz back to Channel Nine, this time focusing on menswear and dressing men such as those on The Footy Show, further demonstrating her strong styling talents.

That being said, it’s not all footy and weddings!  Earlier this year, actor Bobby Morley contacted Caz to say he was flying in from LA for the premiere of his new film ‘Blinder’ and needed her help. He had remembered she did styling for lifestyle shoots a while back and liked her work.  Caz chose Hugo Boss resulting in three full outfits, a fantastic look for each.

Caz and her business mentor Sarah Anderson, who also looks after her photography (www.sarahanderson.com.au) meet on a weekly basis to stay focused, discuss how their past week was, what is coming up, challenges they have faced and successes they have had.  Caz finds this a great way to keep things flowing and making yourself accountable in a business where you are the sole person – and motivated. And the other thing that is vital in her business says Caz, “get out there and hustle!”.

One of the major milestones in her menswear future was a trip to Europe in 2007.  Attending the mens fashion trading fair ”Pitti Uomo” in Florence, Italy it confirmed her love of mens fashion.  To see the way men dress in Europe was a turning point and she found herself wishing that the men in Australia would dress the same!

So what can you expect when you contact Caz for the Dashing Hounds service?  She is going to ask you some questions before you even meet up to get to know who you are, what inspires you and this helps her determine how she is going to plan out your day (or 1/2 day) together.  A day with Dashing Hounds is fun, and what is fun is really guided by what you share with Caz.  First up you are going to have a chat over coffee, maybe then have a haircut at Dr Follicles before heading to get you styled up so you not only look good but it all will suit your lifestyle.  I highly recommend Dashing Hounds for every man. Caz knows her menswear, is one of the most fun girls to spend time with, loves shopping and what else can I say other than go and check out more of what she does!

Dashing Hounds - www.dashinghounds.com.au

Be sure to check out ‘The Pack’, those who have aligned with Dashing Hounds to bring you the best in men’s styling - http://dashinghounds.com.au/The-Pack

Dashing Hounds Photo Shoot

Darcy Clarke’s NED seat

A few years ago I found myself managing an art gallery. A step aside from the fashion industry for a period of time, and something I had always wanted to do. Part of the role in the beginning was to work on the design and fit out of the space. This process introduced me to the designs of Darcy Clarke. Over my time at the gallery, I grew to love his work more, with the space having utilised many of his NED seats; of which I found a perfect fit for a gallery as they created interest, somewhat a sculpture themselves, and somewhere to sit while viewing the artworks. From here my interest grew and while I have been back in the world of fashion once again, I do miss those NED seats every day! I recently caught up with Darcy to share with you more about this talented designer.

TMHS: How did you find yourself designing furniture and lighting?  Did one come before the other?

DC: Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time! In 2000, I decided to start a business after I had not long moved to Byron Bay. That was a fair leap at that time, when I had no business experience and not much idea about the furniture design world. So, needless to say, I’ve learned a lot over the years. I’ve always had an interest in furniture but my early passion was sculpture, installation art and then later architecture, having studied both Art and Architecture at the UNSW. The lighting designs have been definitely more successful at keeping my business going. I’m much more known for lighting design than the furniture design which is still evolving. But right now, my design challenge is to build the Darcy Clarke brand into a great company that will last longer them me. I’ve not done this before, so it is an exciting ‘learn on the job’ role.

TMHS: Where do you look for inspiration for your designs?

DC: Everywhere. I look for inspiration all the time. This is what it is all about – the creative spirit and my hunger for creative expression.

Darcy Clarke’s Island Five Seat

TMHS: Tell me about the design process you go through from inspiration through to finalising a design.

DC: My design process can vary. I don’t have a hard and fast rule and it often takes years to get a finalised design that is selling. Generally, I’m sketching concepts, which then need to be drafted for other people to understand the exact details. Then there is the process of finding a manufacturer and prototyping. That is a whole story in itself. At other times the idea is there in my head and just needs to be made. Also, I do often get focused on a material and like to play and experiment to see what I can come up with. Often, designs are not finished for years and even when they are made and finished I will improve a detail if it will make the design better. I reckon the number of designs in the sketch books are 4 times those that are made. Making them all is a massive task. I’m admitting to you here that I have an issue with details and things that aren’t well made. I figure if I’m happy with the details then others will be too and they appreciate that. On the one hand a well made object gives a sense of joy, but if things are not done well it drives me mental. These are the things that most people don’t notice. I have to remind myself that. I often have to take a picture of the design to appreciate them as a finished item, because I’m always looking to perfect details.

Darcy Clarke

TMHS: I notice you have new ventures “Creative Hatch” and “Creating a Difference”. Can you tell me more about these?

DC: Yes, I’m very excited about these still works in progress. They are evolving like most ideas do when put into the world. I’m at the stage where I need capital and crowd funding seems the go. Essentially these two ventures are about helping other creative people in their business practice. There is a whole story, but the motivation for me to start these was when I was in Suva, Fiji. I was invited to attend and speak at a business and entrepreneurial conference for creative people in the Pacific. I jotted down the first ideas there and when I got back from Fiji I started to write Creating a Difference – business tips for artists to be business people. This is a great little business guide and the first thing I’ve written to be published. I’m super excited.

Creative Hatch is the vehicle to take this business advice to the world. It will hopefully help as many people as possible world-wide. It is also a work in progress and I expect it will change a lot as time goes on.

TMHS: What has been one of your favourite projects you have worked on?  Tell me about why you loved working on it.

DC: Wow, a great question! It is difficult to have a favourite! Essentially, the objective of my products is to add value to the interiors they are selected for, so if they can enhance people’s everyday lives in some way, then that is what it is about.

Darcy Clarke’s NED seat

TMHS: Your favourite furniture piece you have designed and why?

DC: The NED seat. Mainly because of the story and connection I have to it. I think it is a very Australian design (I mean this in the Irish Australian bush way). It is about bush innovation. Of course, the shape clearly resembles the Kelly helmet which is bush innovation at its best – and a great Australian design icon. However, this wasn’t the motivation for the shape originally. The shape is about dealing with timber moisture loss and the drying process in a solid lump of timber. The original Ned seat was made in 2004, but I re-branded the product two or three years ago. A process I’ve not done before, but it made sense and made the product better.

TMHS: Your favourite lighting piece you have designed and why?

DC: I love most of the designs. The woven lamps are the signature designs, however, the Bonita is my current favourite. Again, I love the story of the product, the shape and the way it is made. Also, because it was the start of a really new challenge for me. It was designed and made in 2009 and has been doing really well over the last 2 years.

Darcy Clarke’s Bonita Pendant Lamp

TMHS: Where around the world has your design work taken you?  How has this helped you grow as a designer?

DC: That is the immense part of the job and it helps that I love to travel. It has taken me to Milan, Barcelona, Paris, New Zealand, Singapore, Los Angeles, New York, Fiji, Philippines and Vietnam.

TMHS: Three things you can’t do without in your day?

DC: Coffee, Love and Oxygen.

Darcy Clarke’s Diamond Pendant Lamps

TMHS: What does a typical day off for Darcy Clarke consist of?

DC: As a creative person there is not really a set day off. If I want to work I work. To switch off I enjoy being with friends, I love to play football (e.g. soccer) and I am a mad keen surfer. A bit of beach or nature time, exercise and movie watching.

TMHS: Tell me a little more about your involvement with the Fred Hollows Foundation and Medecins San Frontieres.

DC: These are the two charities that the business donates to every month and have done for perhaps five to six years. I like what they stand for and what they do for people.

TMHS: How can people find out more about what you do?

DC: On the Darcy Clarke website (www.darcyclarke.com) we have a news page. Also, if you like the Darcy Clarke Studio page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DarcyClarkeStudio), you will find a more personal touch here with links to our press and newsletters. The other way to keep in touch is our newsletter, currently we are doing six per year. These are the best ways to connect with what we are doing.

All photos: Christina Waterson

Shannon Doyle | The Outlaw

Two years ago, I felt rather fortunate to be introduced to the artwork of Australian artist, Shannon Doyle. At the time I was managing an art gallery, so was lucky to be surrounded by amazing artworks every day and be in constant contact with some spectacular artists. Sometimes when you are surrounded by amazing every day, it is harder for new things to ‘wow’ you. That definitely wasn’t the case when I first saw Shannon’s artwork. Not only were his pieces strong to look at, his painting style appealed to my romantic side, using renaissance techniques and showing a strong knowledge of how to use light and shadow. The artworks had somewhat a perfect balance between the past and the modern-day. The subjects were in the world of street art, graffiti and the battle to be accepted as artists. He had taken the modern concept of street art and put it into a fine art form. It really resonated with me so much as it reminds me of quality from times of the past.  It also takes the concept of street art which is often so short-lived before it is painted over, to a traditional work on canvas that can be kept forever.

A few months later, I ventured back to the world of fashion. I knew I would be one day working with Shannon again, his artwork had to be seen by others, it had something that stuck in my mind and I wanted to be part of that.

Shannon Doyle | Born to Decorate

Fast forward to earlier this year, Shannon has since been a finalist and most recently winner, in numerous highly respected art prizes across Australia.  I contacted Shannon after being approached for artwork by a fantastic beach side restaurant, Avvia, here on the Gold Coast of Australia. The owners wanted a big, colourful mural and I knew just the person to do it. The process went well and while managing this, I noticed a bond was formed between Shannon and the restaurant owners Eddie and Cherie Uzan, particularly after they visited his beach front studio and saw the works from his current series (quite different to the colourful mural he was commissioned to do). Eddie and Cherie wanted to do an art show at the restaurant combining Eddie’s culinary talent with Shannon’s painting talent.

It was called ‘Appetite for Art’ and was a one night pop up interactive exhibition. The restaurant was transformed into a gallery and the outside deck into a studio. The food was spectacular and Shannon painted live and was able to interact with the audience, making for a great night. The guests loved his paintings and when he talked of the stories behind each painting, alongside his techniques, they wanted to hear more. The night was a success and I was overwhelmed with positive feedback in the week following the show, I received so many phone calls, messages and emails from people showing appreciation for his work and the how great the event was. There are plans for another in 2014!

Shannon Doyle painting live at Avvia at the ‘Appetite for Art’ pop up interactive exhibition, with his work in progress, ‘The Outlaw II’

I had a chat to Shannon so I could share with you all more about his background and current series.

TMHS: When did you start this series?

SD:  Late in 2011, after a small hiatus to travel and work abroad, I entered the studio with the intention of starting the new series.  

TMHS: What was your inspiration for the series?

SD: I had just returned from travelling and was feeling extremely energised and inspired to paint. I had spent time in Italy, finally seeing the art I had studied for so long in books. I was determined to embrace the techniques I had been taught as a young painter. I was also determined to use these techniques to create work within a contemporary context. I have always been inspired by Mexican Mural art, street art, and graffiti has always been a fascination. One great thing about being an artist is the ability to indulge in and explore these fascinations.

TMHS: Tell me more about the Ned Kelly pieces.

SD:  I have a friend that worked on the film Ned Kelly, featuring Heath Ledger. He managed to acquire one of the replica helmets, which in turn he was kind enough to allow me to borrow for a photo shoot. The concept behind the work is quite simple. At the height of Ned Kelly’s rebellion, he had quite massive public support, almost becoming an icon in his own life time. I can make a connection with contemporary street artists, who even though considered to work out side the law, still have massive public support.

Shannon Doyle | The Outlaw II

TMHS: I’ve been lucky enough to see you paint live a few times now and you never cease to amaze me with your talent.  What do you love about painting live?

SD: I feel greater connections are made between my art and an audience if that audience can see the work being created in front of them. I have been doing demonstration work for as long as I have been painting and it is not uncommon for people to tell me that they feel inspired to create after seeing the art being made.

(* Note from TMHS: I have seen this happen. Highly accomplished artists watching Shannon paint live and explaining his techniques, the artist going home to try using them and creating pieces that are new to them and have opened a whole new area of creation to their own art practice. Truly inspiring!)

TMHS: I’ve had so much feedback from the pop-up show at Avvia, with an overwhelming response on how wonderful your artworks are alongside the stories behind them.  How does sharing these stories with people help you grow as an artist?

SD: I believe the journey from concept to finished painting is an interesting one and I am simply sharing that journey hoping to create a greater understanding of my work.

Shannon Doyle | Art is Life

TMHS: Do you listen to music when you paint?  If so, what do you listen to?

SD: I’m a massive music lover and often have music playing while I work. When I was younger, and painting quite expressive work, I would often listen to loud, fast music. These days, I’m a little more subdued. Regulars on the playlist include Dallas Green (City and Colour), Birds Of Tokyo, Bloc Party, Bon Iver, Foo Fighters, Michael Franti, and I love the Marley’s. Like most people, I think it depends on the mood.

TMHS: Three things you can’t do without in your day?

SD: I need four! I love my coffee, hate to say… my phone, my dogs and my girlfriend.

TMHS: Biggest inspiration on your career as an artist?

SD: Wesley Penberthy, my first art teacher. He instilled in me as a young painter an understanding of painting as a discipline, with technique as its foundation.

Shannon Doyle | The Wait of the World

TMHS: Who is your style inspiration, past or present?

SD: I haven’t really thought about it, somewhere between street and metro-sexual, I guess. I don’t know Sarah, I do spend most of my time covered in paint.

TMHS: What artists do you find inspiring with what they create?

SD: I am inspired by a lot of art made by artist from all over the world, but I am most inspired by the artist around me, in particular the boys I went to University with Nic Plowman and Sam Eyles, Brisbane painters. Two very different art making processes, yet equal in their commitment to their art.

TMHS: Favourite item of clothing?

SD: I have a 1970s Fletcher Jones leather jacket that I found in an op-shop and paid $5.00 for. It has been in circulation the longest… and I can’t forget my Converse All Stars, of course.

(*Note from TMHS: You will see those shoes in most of Shannon’s paintings from this series)

TMHS: Where can people see your artworks?

SD: Online at www.shannondoyleart.com – Also, I am currently showing work through Lorraine Pilgrim Gallery on the Gold Coast. Lorraine has always been a big supporter as well as a great mentor.

l.a.Eyeworks “Cairo” styled in Risbel magazine (Spain) | Photo: Alain Egues | Styling: Hercules Terres

Living on the Gold Coast of Australia, people often associate it with surf, beaches and a laid back relaxed lifestyle.  That definitely is a big part of it but the beauty is there is more.  A growing culture of art and design, alongside the addition of some fantastic restaurants, bars and cafes have started to changed the outlook of this coastal city.  While it is still growing and has some way to go in the area of menswear, it is comforting to know that there are some places to go to get your unique design fix.  One area of design that can be a tough task finding the style you want is eyewear.  I am thankful to have found an optometrist in Burleigh Heads that not only is brilliant with eye health but also has unique and fashion oriented designer frames with a great selection of men’s styles.  The retail store is Envision Optical.  I met with owner, Andrew Bowden, and talked with him about the different aspects of being involved in the eyewear and eye health industry on the Gold Coast.  If you are on the Gold Coast, be sure to visit the James Street store in Burleigh Heads to see for yourself.

ic! berlin eyewear

TMHS: Thank you for being part of The Man Has Style!  Can you tell me more about how you came to be working with eyewear and eye health.

AB: Well, it’s pretty simply the thing that ended up first on my uni application form! I had always been science orientated and chose optometry in the end because of some family background, primarily because I wanted to work in health care and own my own business one day. Over the first few years of working in optometry, I developed my passion for great eyewear. I started on the coast in the mid nineties and after a few years moved back to Brisbane where I worked three years in an independent practice in New Farm, renowned for its different pieces. I really developed my appreciation for eyewear as a piece of art/fashion that can truly help define your look on a given day.

TMHS: You have four stores across the Gold Coast with your main store in James Street in Burleigh Heads.  How does this store stand apart from the others?

AB: Well it’s not really our main store as such but it’s certainly what my wife and I call our “concept store”, for what we want the Envision brand to represent for the eyewear connoisseur. It’s the location that we decided would be the representative of the fashion side of the Envision brand. All the locations have cutting edge eye care technology so we can provide top-level optometry care. All of them have some great brands and ranges of frames and sunglasses, however Burleigh was the location we decided would carry the ranges that were different and not so mainstream. So, you’ll find ranges and brands that are not widely known, alongside having a true story behind the brand that we appreciate and we feel others will too.

ISSON Marc in Black Bone

TMHS: This store is a great place to find frames that are more unique to the fashionable buyer.  What inspired you to make the focus of this location more unique?

AB:  Well, when the previous partnership I was in, which was across 10 locations on the coast, came to an end, I decided that in the four locations I would end up with, we would concentrate on providing the absolute best in leading edge eye-care. Additionally, I also wanted to fuse this with a great retail experience. The locations are all very diverse and James St had the potential to evolve into a really cool village precinct with the diversity of shops, coffee dens and bars that we are now seeing. I wanted to have one location that was like our concept store for what I wanted the Envision brand to be. It was the one with a bit more focus on the retail side of optometry. The aim was for it to become the destination of choice for Gold Coasters and visitors to the coast for eyewear with a difference.

I always felt, and indeed had feedback from people, that “there aren’t any cool frames on the coast”, as well as, “I buy all my frames down south or overseas because there’s nothing special here”. I wanted to change that. My wife is an artist and designer and we both love art, great design, literature, music and individual expression rather than mass trends. This location we could evolve into a little place to go for the “different stuff”. We knew there were people who appreciated quality and unique styles, we just had to provide ranges that would excite and interest them. It’s evolved into exactly that. Styles you won’t find anywhere else on the coast. Michael, my Dispensing Manager at Burleigh, has a fantastic eye for finding the right style and fit for each face, plus all the technical knowledge to ensure that the seeing bit works too!

Carlos Peters in Tom Ford Eyewear

TMHS: It’s great that you are also a big believer in education and teaching people about eye health.  There are so many new developments that many people don’t know about.  How do you integrate fashion and eye health in your business?

AB: Our internal mantra in all our staff training and meetings is “educate, educate, educate!”. The name Envision came about partly through me wanting a name that represented our role in providing visual solutions that are unique to each individual, to enhance their ability to live their life and enjoy it. Vision is so important and so precious. I believe most people don’t know what they want, or indeed what’s available to achieve that. Our job is to let them know what’s possible. I feel like much of our modern consumer society is about dumbing things down and this is certainly true in the optical industry. Yet, like so many other fields the examination equipment, the lenses and frames, are all so much more technologically advanced than ever, so it’s imperative that we let people know what the digital scanning equipment we use does to help us maximize their eye health through early detection and prevention of eye problems.

Educating on the best options for achieving optimum vision and eye health, including nutritional therapies, alongside how much goes into making the latest spectacle lens designs, that can ensure crystal clear vision is important. There are literally hundreds of different lens designs and it’s like comparing a phone camera to an SLR in image quality. There’s a reason the better lenses give you clearer vision and it’s our job to explain that so people understand why we recommend them. We utilise iPad technology to visually demonstrate various eye conditions and treatment options using animated educational clips. We email these to patients to help them better understand their condition and process the information later because we all know we forget what we’re told at medical appointments. The iPads are used to explain the various lens design and treatment options like tints, coatings and thinner options again to help people better understand, what really are, quite technical solutions.

l.a.Eyeworks in Risbel magazine (Spain) | Photo: Alain Egues | Styling: Hercules Terres

TMHS: Having worked as a designer for most of my adult life, I am quite particular in what I like.  For me, it’s not just about the basic frame, but the quality in the detailing.  You showed me a pair when I was in visiting you recently and I loved the hinging detail.  Can you tell me some more about this brand/designer.

AB: They are my new frames! They are the Australian Brand ISSON, model LORD J by Sydney designer Catherine Freris Federici. We met through her role as Australian distributor for some really great brands like LA Eyeworks and Claire Goldsmith. We really like what she has done with the ISSON range and made the decision to bring it to the coast. Catherine’s brand motto is, “Imagination rules the world”. The brand has a great mix of kooky styles and classic interpretations. There are optical and sunglass ranges and though you may not have heard of them, they are sold in 29 countries and have been around for 10 years. I love the hinge on the Lord J. It’s a very unique hinge plate design Catherine uses in her sunglasses and has introduced to some frames in her new optical collection. ISSON is just one of the brands that really resonate with what I want Envision to be for people. The source of something unique and special. You’re not going to see everyone wearing the frames.

ISSON Lord J in Amber Tortoiseshell

TMHS: What is strong in men’s styling of frames at the moment in the Australian market?

AB:  There is still a lot of really cool heavy acetate retro shapes but we are starting to see raw metals like the surgical steel used in IC Berlin coming through. Angular, industrial vibes but very lightweight and comfortable.

TMHS: Prediction for style going forward for men’s frames and also sunglasses?

AB:  Industrial tones and greys. Larger shapes, more aviator and double bridge retro seventies and eighties styles. Materials like titanium, surgical steel, carbon fibre and recycled wood. Sunnies are tending to be larger size and polarised.

ISSON Luigi Midnight

TMHS: What designers/brands do you feel currently lead the way with frames and sunglasses in men’s style

AB:  IC Berlin, William Morris London, Isson, Tom Ford, Roger Henley. Plus, can’t go past the Maui Jim suns for our Gold Coast lifestyle.

TMHS: What are your personal favourite frames?  Tell me more about the design and designer.  Also for sunglasses.

AB:  There’s too many! I currently have optical frames by LA Eyeworks, ISSON, the Australian bespoke designer Roger Henley, the French range DILEM and the awesome German range IC Berlin. ISSON and Roger are beautiful unique hand crafted high quality Italian acetate frames made in Australia. Roger Henley is an Adelaide based artisan designer who has made frames for over 20 years and he produces less than 1000 frames a year. He has an amazing variety of colours and shapes that he works with. LA Eyeworks are an LA brand created 30 years ago by two optical dispensers bored with what was available in the marketplace. They are really fun and quirky at times and have a huge following by stylish celebs.

l.a.Eyeworks in Risbel magazine (Spain) | Photo: Alain Egues | Styling: Hercules Terres

Dilem are a unique French range that have interchangeable frame temples (sides). So you get two pairs with the frame and you can change colours and the look of your frame very easily. They are handmade in France and are really light and comfortable to wear. IC Berlin are predominantly a metal range: very industrial vive, flat metal finish, surgical steel, screw-less hinge design and very light and comfortable. They have some great suns. For my sunglasses, I love some of the brands we have like William Morris London, ISSON and Superdry, but I can’t go past my Maui Jims, living on the Gold Coast. They are the best polarised lens and I’ve had so many pairs I can’t keep track of them.

TMHS: Who are some of the brands in men’s frames that you stock?

AB: IC Berlin, De Stijl, John Varvatos, William Morris London, Tom Ford, Isson, LA Eyeworks, Roger Henley, Dilem

SuperDry

TMHS: It’s great to see you are involved with some fantastic charity organisations.  Tell me more about why you chose these charities and why this is an important part of your business.

AB:  I believe in compassionate capitalism and helping those in our society that really need a lift up. My mum has actually worked in International aid development for many years after she finished being a high school teacher, so contributing has always been important to me. I decided early on that there were too many good causes, so we have focused on vision related charities for our support. I believe in thinking local, yet remembering we are a global community. I decided we would have a local, national and international vision related charity that we support. We support the awesome international organisation Optometry Giving Sight, The Guide Dogs and a local Gold Coast Blindness support group. We also act as collection centres in our branches for used spectacle donations that get send overseas to help those who can’t afford specs to see.

TMHS: Three things you can’t do without in your day?

AB:  Seeing my wife and two boys, a good coffee and music.

Carlos Peters in Tom Ford Eyewear

TMHS: Where can readers of TMHS find out more about Envision Optical?

AB:  www.envisionoptical.com.au

Facebook: www.facebook.com/envisionoptical
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/envisionoptical
Instagram: follow @envisionoptical
Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC0WtN9ySFWzKQMy4XuWsWbA

TMHS: Finally, why should the men of the Gold Coast visit Envision Optical in Burleigh Heads?

AB: We are passionate about looking after your eyes and ensuring you have the best possible vision to enjoy everything you do in your busy days. We create custom solutions for each individual patient/client. Also, we have very unique eyewear ranges that will help you express your individual style.

- Story by Sarah Crawford, Founder, TMHS

If you would like your business featured on The Man Has Style,  please contact Sarah on email at sarah@themanhasstyle.com with details of your brand,  images and any links.  I’ll make contact soon after.  Thank you! 

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Triumph & Disaster

Last week, Triumph & Disaster hosted their official Australian launch in Melbourne. Held at Captains of Industry, the night was a great success.  Guests were treated to a hand wash with the ‘Shearers Soap’ from Triumph & Disaster upon arrival, followed by a glass of ‘bootleg liquor’ to set the mood. A soulful reading of Rudyard Kipling poem, ‘IF’, by Tottie Goldsmith, some bluesy tunes from Helen Corry & Bonjah, and a whole lot of delicious goodness from Moa Beer and Westwinds Gin, made the Australian launch for Triumph & Disaster a great night.  Founder, Dion Nash has many reasons to feel proud of the brand.  Sian Holder, T&D’s Australian General Manager, explained that while there are over 300 accounts worldwide, including names such as Fred Segal and Selfridges, it is still early days in Australia.  If indications of the current retailers are anything to go by, Triumph & Disaster are going to have a big presence here.  I had the opportunity to ask Dion a few questions about Triumph & Disaster and the Australian launch.

Ritual hand washing as guests arrive

The bootleg liquor – WEST WINDS Gin cocktails

TMHS: The Triumph & Disaster brand captured my attention immediately.  I had heard great things about it from Caz at Dashing Hounds, so it was my mission to find out more and I’m so pleased I did. The product itself, the packaging, images and videos are all amazing. What inspired you to start T&D?

DN: I have used moisturisers for over 20 years. This dirty little habit started after reading an interview with Rod Stewart who reckoned it was the secret too his youth! I was an international cricketer at the time and I found that it instantly relieved my dry skin and was a great tool to help me feel fresh after a long day in the sun. When I retired from sport, I joined the 42below team (NZ Vodka co). Working there, I learnt about branding and marketing and I guess caught the bug to start my own brand. Putting the two ideas together meant that I knew the product I wanted to make and how I wanted it to perform and I also knew how I wanted it to look and appeal. I then discovered a poem by Rudyard Kipling, called IF, that my father gave me when I was about 13 and read the line – ‘if you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two impostors just the same’ – the deal was done.

Tottie Goldsmith & Dion Nash

TMHS: You had your Australian launch party this week. Tell me more of this.

DN: We just wanted to celebrate those retailers and friends in Australia that have jumped on board and helped us get going here. We held a little speakeasy gig in central Melbourne and pulled a few favours from some of our favourite Aussie musicians – it was a blast, lots of bootleg liquor, a few speeches and plenty of good times. Let’s just say we needed more than moisturiser to resurrect us the next day.

The ‘Speakeasy’ Australian launch for Triumph & Disaster at Captains of Industry in Melbourne

The ‘Speakeasy’ Australian launch for Triumph & Disaster at Captains of Industry in Melbourne

Rowan (Pickings & Parry Barber)

TMHS:  You must be excited to have launched in Australia.  I was at one of your new stockists the other day, Moelleux, here on the Gold Coast, and I wanted to take the whole range home with me.  It seems a natural progression for a NZ brand to launch in Australia.  How has the range been received in Australia so far?

DN: So far its been great. We actually went to the USA to launch first, as I was a little concerned about how Australia would view a cousin coming across the ditch to sell his wares, but my fears have turned out foundless.  It’s like anywhere else, if you are open and honest, deliver great products and service, then people respond. Along with that, we got lucky with Sian and Francesca who are our team here in Australia, both are rockstars.

The T&D Team with Captains of Industry Owner Alan and Barber Sam
(left to right – Sam Fordyce, Dan Plested, Dion Nash, Sian Holder, Alan Beverley)

TMHS: What is your favourite product in the range?

DN: I love them all but the two favourites are rock and roll suicide face scrub and game face moisturiser – life changing :) – they truly are amazing, natural, gentle but super effective products. Ozzy Osbourne was recently in NZ and seen purchasing rock and roll suicide which I think is both cool and a little ironic.

TMHS: Where can Triumph & Disaster be found in Australia?

DN: We are in about 50 accounts across Australia (full list is on the T&D website) – triumphanddisaster.com/pages/australia

The Vanishing Elephant Melbourne team (Denny, Sian, Jack & Lucy)

Dion Nash & Country Road Menswear Designer Kerrin Schuppin

TMHS: And for everyone else, where can they find out more about Triumph & Disaster?

DN: Check out our blog – triumphdisaster.tumblr.com - it gives a wrap of everything we have done from day one – something for a slow day.

If you are in a hurry go to www.triumphanddisaster.com

Facebook – facebook.com/triumphanddisaster

Rob Pierucci & Amy (Pierucci Mens Outfitters)

Matt Kingston & Mel Villajo

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Looking for Triumph & Disaster on the Gold Coast?  Check out the interview with Jenna & Bryn from Moelleux in Coolangatta, proud stockists of Triumph & Disaster – http://themanhasstyle.com/2014/04/14/best-of-the-gold-coast-moelleux/

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Follow The Man Has Style on Instagram: @themanhasstyle

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Model to Watch: Tom Farrelly

Every day I see so many images and amazing models as part of my work on The Man Has Style. I’m always looking out for fresh faces and the men that look like they can do great things with campaigns, especially those that align with what I do here.  Sydney based model, Tom Farrelly is one such man who fits this well.  After being in contact with Tom since last year, it was great news to learn he had ventured into the world of modelling.  I love his look.  I’m sure you will be seeing more of Tom in campaigns going forward, I know I’ll be keeping a close watch on what he is doing.

Model to Watch: Tom Farrelly

To add to the images, I had a little catch up with Tom this week.

TMHS: How did you get into modelling?

TF: A friend of mine was doing street casting for a TV ad and I let her take my picture, never thinking it would go anywhere.

TMHS: What are some of the designers/brands you have worked with?

TF: Incu, MJ Bale, David Jones

TMHS: Any designers/brands you haven’t worked with yet and would love to work with?

TF: Hugo Boss

Model to Watch: Tom Farrelly

TMHS: Best thing about working on photo shoots?

TF: Meeting new people, getting to work with great photographers and endless coffee

TMHS: Item of clothing or accessory you love the most?

TF: A beat up denim jacket. It goes with everything and I am very lazy

Model to Watch: Tom Farrelly

TMHS: Three things you use most in your day?

TF: Buzzfeed, public transport and the word “actually” (I should cut down, everyone should)

TMHS: Favourite quote?

TF: Perfect is apt to be boring

TMHS: How can readers find out more about what you do or book you for a shoot?

TF:
Agent: Ollie Cavana @ London Management – www.londonmgtgroup.com
Instagram: @thomaspeterfr

Model to Watch: Tom Farrelly

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Have you signed up to receive The Man Has Style e-news?  Simply add your email address to the top right of this page if you are on your computer. If on a mobile device, scroll down until you reach the newsletter sign up.  Don’t forget to confirm your subscription when you receive the email.  Alternately, send an email to info[a]themanhasstyle.com with the subject: SUBSCRIBE and you’ll be added.

Follow The Man Has Style on Instagram: @themanhasstyle

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Anders Lindstrom for Vicomte A.

Last month I was fortunate to be a guest of Vicomte A. at the Polo by the Sea here on the Gold Coast, Australia.  It was such a fun day and gave me the opportunity to learn more about the brand.  It has been a great connection between The Man Has Style and Vicomte A.  A great mix of quality in design, a lust for life and not getting too serious that we miss the beauty of living! I wanted to know even more about the man who started it, Arthur de Soultrait, so asked him some questions about the brand, his inspirations and background.

Vicomte A.

TMHS: Thank you Arthur for being part of The Man Has Style.  It was such a pleasure when I was introduced to Vicomte A. as it embodies so much that inspired me to start TMHS. You started VICOMTE A. when you were 22 years old.  Did you have a big vision for the brand at this time?

AS: Firstly, I want to thank you for having me here. I’m very happy to answer your questions! You must know I fell into the world of fashion quite by chance. I was undertaking work experience during my third year at a Parisian business school. Shortly after my arrival in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company I worked for went bankrupt. Meaning I lost both my job and accommodation, as well as my means of getting home. As a solution I embarked on a mission to raise enough capital to return home by walking door to door in a wealthy part of town selling my personal collection of ties. Luckily, they sold very fast. This really motivated me.

Back in France, whilst still a student, I secured the contract in 2005 designing and supplying silk ties to the French delegation representing the Paris bid to host the 2012 Olympics Games. The stock of several thousand sold out in a flash and left me with sufficient funds to start “Vicomte A.”

For me my interest in fashion has always been part of an idea of a lifestyle rather than just an obsession with image or clothes. From a young age visiting events with my parents I was captivated by the different codes of dress and the easy timeless elegance these outfits embodied, from morning coats at the races to tweeds and brogues on relaxed country weekends. 

Anders Lindstrom for Vicomte A.

TMHS: Your collections are exceptional in both design and quality of the garments themselves. Having worked with different areas of design and production for the past 15 years, I was really impressed with the detailing and fabrics used.  It felt like extra thought had gone into the design in both function and visual appeal to make each piece have a reason to make it superior to others you see on the market.  How important are the fine details to you in the overall collection?

AS: Thanks for pointing that out. Our brand values quality more than anything, and it’s always a pleasure to see that people notice it. Details are incredibly important. Whenever we start developing a collection, we study all the facets of the world and style we are looking at that season.
This includes vintage clothing, art, films, and any other meaningful symbols.

By then twisting these, and integrating them into our modern silhouettes, whether it is in a color scheme, a fastening or a pocket shape. This is how we give value to our product, and an authentic but fresh nature that our customers appreciate.

Francis Villalva for Vicomte A.

TMHS: How important is color to you with VICOMTE A.?

AS: My heritage has a strong influence on the style of the brand and in fact the bold colors of the original collections were directly taken from the jockey kits I had observed going to the races with my parents (who are horse breeders in Burgundy) and my brothers and sister as a child.

Using bold high contrast colors has become a defining factor in the VICOMTE A style and is evident in all our product ranges, from swimwear all the way to suiting.

Vicomte A.

TMHS: The VICOMTE A. campaigns are brilliant! I love how fun they are and yet still have a strong fashion element.  How do you feel the campaigns represent VICOMTE A.?

AS: We have been very lucky to work with Fred&Farid Agency for the last three seasons, to develop the core concept of the brand, which is what I call the “prepster” style. Basically it involves a mix of the hipster look and the preppy look. We wanted to make our brand colorful, and we’ve been hugely happy with the results. We have done a lot of work to move VICOMTE A. forward to become a full lifestyle brand and the campaigns have been key in changing these perceptions.

We try to cast models who challenge our customers first idea of the brand and we’ve been working with Francis Villalva, Anders Lindstrom and Jake Hold to name a few. SS14 was a lot of fun, where we had live monkeys, lions, snakes and more all in the studio. The shoots always seem to get a little wild.

Francis Villalva for Vicomte A.

Vicomte A.

Anders Lindstrom for Vicomte A.

TMHS: I loved the recent video on YouTube you posted, ‘Soirée Punk Safari’ which looked amazing. Tell me more of this.

AS: Every year we do a party at the same time as my birthday, but also to celebrate the birth of the brand, since we were both born in April. We try to think of a fun theme that usually relates to our recent collection. This year was Punk Safari, as the collection of SS14 was safari themed, and we had a lot of fun twisting around with vibrant zebra wallpapers, Punk mohawks, African dancers and neon tags.

All the team is involved and everyone attends. It’s a great opportunity to thank everyone for the hard work they perform during the year, as well as gaining us some great exposure for the brand. In the 2012 party, we were pleased to welcome Pippa Middleton at our party “Le Roi est mort, Vive le Vicomte !”, which made it quite successful.

Watch the YouTube video of ‘Soirée Punk Safari’

TMHS: Where was the first VICOMTE A. retail store in France?  The first outside France?  What do you look for when scouting for new locations?

AS: The first in France was VICOMTE A. Saint Germain des Près, 40 rue du Dragon. Abroard it was VICOMTE A. Palm Beach, Florida (USA) in 2007.  Like these 2 addresses, we want our shops to be in the centre of each city, the best area, the best street. We are looking for the best location for our customers.

TMHS: The VICOMTE A. brand is accompanied with the locations Paris and Palm Beach. Tell me more about this.

AS: Palm Beach and Paris were our first two locations. My young brother happened to be in Palm Beach when I launched the brand, as a rider in Wellington (Palm Beach, USA), so he was on the spot to help opening the shop. For me, as well as being somewhat coincidental, it seemed a nice encapsulation of the brands outlook and the easy, colorful preppy but distinctly French approach to dressing.

Vicomte A.

TMHS. Where did the inspiration to bring VICOMTE A. to Australia come from?

AS: We had the chance to meet Axel & Fred, two very motivated French importers, who were looking for the French brand and they got in touch with us. Plus, I’ve never been to Australia, and I can’t wait to see the country! France and Australia are not too far, we should see each other more often.

TMHS: VICOMTE A. recently sponsored the Polo by the Sea here on the Gold Coast, Australia. How important is partnering with polo to you and what are some of the other polo events you are involved with around the world?

AS: VICOMTE A. is involved in sports in general (horse riding, jumping, golf, sailing) and indeed, polo events are part of the lifestyle we are. Sponsoring the Polo by the Sea on the Gold Coast was the first for a very strong visibility for the brand, as we are just starting in this country.


VICOMTE A. is the official sponsor of Polo Club St Tropez (France); Polo Club of Gstaad (Switzerland), and every season we sponsor Polo events in London (GCC Cup with the Queen Elizabeth), in Berlin and in Geneva.

Francis Villalva for Vicomte A.

Francis Villalva for Vicomte A.

TMHS: Three things you can’t do without in your day?

AS: First, there is my combo Iphone & Blackberry, which I always have on hand, quick on the draw! And then there is my Twizy (electric Renault car), of course, and my dog Frip.

TMHS: What’s next for Vicomte A.?

AS: Hopefully our first shop in Australia!

Arthur de Soultrait of Vicomte A.

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See more of Vicomte A. online

Vicomte A. – www.vicomte-a.com

Vicomte A. on Instagram – @vicomteaofficial

Vicomte A. in Australia - www.vicomte-a.com.au

Vicomte A. Australia on Instagram – @vicomteaaustralia

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Words by Sarah Crawford, Editor, The Man Has Style

Follow The Man Has Style on Instagram: @themanhasstyle

For all editorial enquiries please contact editorial@themanhasstyle.com

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Sam Tucker of Tucker’s Natural

Over summer I enjoyed so many fun times with family and friends, many of these included eating delicious food.  Some of the food that I had on many occasions was from Tucker’s Natural.  Being Winter now here in Australia and it being rather chilly, I’m often reminiscing about the warmer months and it reminded me of all those fun times, with my curiosity wanting to find out more about the man behind Tucker’s Natural, Sam Tucker.

TMHS: Tell me some more about Tucker’s Natural and how it has developed since you started?

ST:  The Tucker’s Natural brand was launched 7 years ago this September, and since then the business has grown from 1 oven in a 300m2 factory to a 2,000m2 factory with 4 ovens producing over a million packs of crackers each year. Initially, we launched with our flagship Gourmet Crackers, but we have built on that significantly to create a range of 34 products, including our health-focused Multifibre Snacks range, our Everyday Smart Snack products and even fruit pastes.

Our family has a food business background, so when we couldn’t find what we wanted to eat on the supermarket shelves, it wasn’t too much of a jump for us to decide to make our own! We don’t want to eat preservatives or artificial flavours, so we left them out, along with things like MSG, soy and yeast. We also decided to make our products GMO free, and take pride in evolving our business and products with the changing needs and tastes of our customers.

We have always been, and always will be, focused on making our products as tasty, healthy and Australian as we can make them!

Creamy Blue Cheese Stack with a hint of honey and Tucker’s Natural Vanilla Dessert Biscuits (click on image to go to the recipe!)

TMHS: What are some of your highlights in the business, both for the business as a whole and personally?

ST:  Recognition for the whole team behind Tucker’s Natural in esteemed food industry awards, the Royal Sydney Fine Food Awards, has been a definite highlight. We have won 19 medals over the past 4 years including ‘Best in Class’ in 2 categories. As we continue to build momentum for our health -focused products (including healthier snacks for kids), the feedback from consumers is wonderful – not much can beat the warm fuzzies you get when someone reaches out to say they love what you do.

As an individual, winning the Young Leader award in the SA Food Industry Awards was a great ‘feather in the cap’ moment for me, and this has been followed more recently with my nomination as ‘Entrepreneur of the Decade’ in 2013. I am also really proud of my work with the wider food industry as a board member of Food South Australia and the success of my yearly project the Gourmet Goodie Bag, which aims to promote South Australian owned and produced food brands to visitors of the Royal Adelaide Show.

TMHS: Your family has been involved in the food business for many decades. Was it a natural progression for you to be involved in the food industry?

ST: I started out as many do in the hospitality industry, and the passion grew from there! I’m actually a qualified chef, but don’t tell too many people or I’ll have to start cooking at all our dinner parties. It has definitely helped to have the support and experience of my family in the background.

Dark Chocolate Gelato with Tucker’s Natural Chocolate Dessert Biscuits (click on photo for recipe)

TMHS: Did you always have strong ambition in business or was it something that developed as your business grew?

ST: I always had an eye for any opportunity to make a dollar, and a passion for sales and business.  This certainly has developed over the 17 years that I have been in the food industry and running my own business, and was supported by my ongoing studies (12 years mostly part-time) through to an Advanced Masters of Business through Adelaide Uni.

TMHS: Do you have a mentor?  If so, how important do you think their guidance and advice has been?

ST: I have people I respect and that have been critical to my success. 

My wife Cindy who is the most organised person I know and which has helped me to become so also.  She also taught me through her own success to focus only on what we are doing and not worry about what other competitors are doing or if they are copying us.  

John Tucker (Dad). He has years of experience in corporate and business dealings and been able to provide legal advice and guidance to ensure our company’s success.

My best friend and branding genius Thomas De Masi and the team at De Masi Jones.  They help brand and position our Tucker’s Natural products and have had an ongoing and critical role in our success. 

The late and great Dody Tucker (Mum) for her unconditional love and support.

Tucker’s Natural Healthy Crackers

TMHS: Three things you can’t do without in your day?

ST: Aside from family – Morning coffee, mobile phone, and selling something.

TMHS: Favourite quote?

ST: People who love food are always the best people! – Julia Child

TMHS: Where can readers find more about Tucker’s Natural?

Website: http://tuckersnatural.com.au
Instagram: http://instagram.com/tuckersnatural
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tuckersnatural
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tuckersnatural
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/tuckersnatural
Other: In the biscuit and health food aisles at Coles, Woolworths, Foodland, IGA and other leading retailers

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Dashing Hounds

What a delight it always is to catch up with Caz Little, founder of Dashing Hounds.  Caz and I first met in 2000 as design students at fashion school, both hard workers, down to earth and ready to take on the world of fashion.  After our few years of study we worked together in our first full-time jobs in the industry in Melbourne, gaining a grounding and putting in long hours immersing ourselves in learning the ropes of what was to be our careers for many years.  A few years on we again worked together, this time in menswear, often reminiscing on all we had learnt – and how much more we wanted to do.  Fast track to 2013, some 13 years after we first met and we are both addicted to and in love with men’s styling.

Caz founded Dashing Hounds in 2012.  An inevitable step for her after years designing menswear for brands such as Lee and Elwood.  She had experience working with Channel Nine and Ten in their wardrobe department however was still working other jobs to support her love of styling.  It was in 2012 after her return to Melbourne after a brief time in Sydney that found Caz wanting more than just design. She wanted to do what she was most passionate about, and do it as much as she could.  Waking at 3am one morning she decided she was going to do just that and live and work her passion, what she wanted to do from the beginning – be a stylist, and be a stylist for men.

This started her mind ticking, knowing this could be a reality.  She saw a font she loved, took a screen shot and woke a week later, again at 3am (fast becoming her hour of inspiration!) and thought “Dashing Hounds”.  Excited at the prospect she could feel it all coming together she went for a 4am walk, mind racing, the name had stuck.  That night at a dinner she was telling her friend Shane Loorham of her 3am inspiration, the font and Dashing Hounds.  Have it be one of those ‘talking to the right person at the right time’ moments, he went on to tell her about the font (he is a graphic designer – www.silent-partner.net) and how it was designed to look like cobblestones that were walked on – something which resonated even further with the ideas she had for quality men’s styling.  They collaborated together and he worked on the Dashing Hounds branding, with Caz really wanting a dog as the logo, a dapper looking dog at that!  That’s when the ball really starting rolling.  Shane put together a website and Caz anchored herself with some social media and the perfect phrase for Dashing Hounds, “Every lady loves a gentleman”.

Dashing Hounds : Every lady loves a gentleman

Dashing Hounds :: Business Cards

Dashing Hounds Business Cards

Dashing Hounds : Business Cards

Caz was (and still is) designing menswear for RES Denim a few days a week. All the while building relationships with local businesses in Melbourne promoting the Dashing Hounds service.  You can see her Pack as she affectionately called them on the Dashing Hounds website including Silent Partner, Sarah Anderson, Movember, Hardy Amies, Hugo Boss, Sole Devotion, Aquila, Woodstock and David Jones amongst others.  She is a strong believer of supporting local business and has built strong connections with wholesalers of shirts and suits amongst other areas, which came in handy especially in the early days of Dashing Hounds when she found herself styling many weddings.  A former colleague and now friend who works for Hugo Boss as Head of Marketing highlighted that a majority of her clients follow football and that if she were to start dressing footballers, it would start to create more business for Dashing Hounds.  This in turn led Caz back to Channel Nine, this time focusing on menswear and dressing men such as those on The Footy Show, further demonstrating her strong styling talents.

That being said, it’s not all footy and weddings!  Earlier this year, actor Bobby Morley contacted Caz to say he was flying in from LA for the premiere of his new film ‘Blinder’ and needed her help. He had remembered she did styling for lifestyle shoots a while back and liked her work.  Caz chose Hugo Boss resulting in three full outfits, a fantastic look for each.

Caz and her business mentor Sarah Anderson, who also looks after her photography (www.sarahanderson.com.au) meet on a weekly basis to stay focused, discuss how their past week was, what is coming up, challenges they have faced and successes they have had.  Caz finds this a great way to keep things flowing and making yourself accountable in a business where you are the sole person – and motivated. And the other thing that is vital in her business says Caz, “get out there and hustle!”.

One of the major milestones in her menswear future was a trip to Europe in 2007.  Attending the mens fashion trading fair “Pitti Uomo” in Florence, Italy it confirmed her love of mens fashion.  To see the way men dress in Europe was a turning point and she found herself wishing that the men in Australia would dress the same!

So what can you expect when you contact Caz for the Dashing Hounds service?  She is going to ask you some questions before you even meet up to get to know who you are, what inspires you and this helps her determine how she is going to plan out your day (or 1/2 day) together.  A day with Dashing Hounds is fun, and what is fun is really guided by what you share with Caz.  First up you are going to have a chat over coffee, maybe then have a haircut at Dr Follicles before heading to get you styled up so you not only look good but it all will suit your lifestyle.  I highly recommend Dashing Hounds for every man. Caz knows her menswear, is one of the most fun girls to spend time with, loves shopping and what else can I say other than go and check out more of what she does!

Dashing Hounds – www.dashinghounds.com.au

Be sure to check out ‘The Pack’, those who have aligned with Dashing Hounds to bring you the best in men’s styling – http://dashinghounds.com.au/The-Pack

Dashing Hounds Photo Shoot

A few years back I was living in Byron Bay working on a fashion contract and met Ben Musu, a man I instantly wanted to talk with more!  Benny at the time was the owner of Bay Leaf, a great little cafe I frequented for my early morning coffee, and a design enthusiast like myself. Our topic of design talk was often in architecture and helped along with enthusiasm by my partner Jacques, himself a design architect.  Alongside the architecture we spoke of his love of cars.  Being a car lover myself, I would always listen in fascination at his stories, so many and such  interesting stories too!  Benny has a great eye for design, not just what looks good but the functionality of those designs and the story behind each.

Since then we’ve both moved on from Byron Bay.  Nowadays I keep up to date with Benny on Instagram mostly. The perfect place to see his love of design.   We did however recently catch up so I could share a little about the man who never ceases to amaze me with his knowledge and appreciation of great design.

THMS: I met you in Byron Bay when you had Bay Leaf in Marvell Street.  Since then I have seen some fantastic projects you have been responsible for, including restaurants St Elmo and Targa.  Tell me a little of your background that led you to these establishments in Byron Bay and what brought you back to Melbourne?

BM: My wife and business partner Sarah, and I, had worked extensively in hospitality for many years before we had Bay Leaf. It satisfied an urge that we had to become self-employed, but became much more when it became successful and lead to the idea to open a bar in Byron Bay. We are design enthusiasts I suppose, and after a couple of false-starts with a couple of tenancies in the area St Elmo was born. Returning to Melbourne was a decision made on many levels, particularly for our children and for our own satisfaction. Living in Bangalow was fun and a real privilege, but Melbourne holds the aesthetic and social stimulation that I crave, as well as a proper diversity – not a synthetic byword that often seems manifested by temporary stayers in a transient place.

TMHS: You have a brilliant eye for quality design, in particular in architecture and cars which I know we have spoken about before.  I’m a big fan of your Instagram for this very reason! What do you look for in architecture or the design of a car that makes you want to share it with others?

BM: Instagram is a nice medium to communicate socially and electronically without having to encounter third-party “interference” and advertising. Because it is 99% visual, you are drawn to follow and be followed by very like-minded people. This is what makes me share the imagery that I encounter around the city with people. It is very textured, and as I’ve said to many people – I regard architecture and car design as a sculptural discipline. In terms of the car and its interaction with the rest of the built environment – they often serve as the most natural time-marking object in a photograph, where as the architecture will more often than not, be there indefinitely. Sadly, I think much of what people of my tastes have come to see is that much of what we love has vanished – making standing around pondering old cars and buildings even more interesting!

Raymond Priestley building in Melbourne

TMHS: So as we have mentioned you are a car enthusiast.  Fill me in a little on your background with cars.

BM: Been a car nut, in short – all my life. After a life in food and beverage I work for a car company now, and get to engage with people and cars on a daily basis. I’ve always been fascinated with anything mechanical, and have an interest in all types of art. Cars seem to be a means of combining art, science and sport effectively and there’s always a story that goes with so many of them. It’s a legitimate piece of history and many cultures have become defined by their industrial successes. Car-making in many cases plays a huge part in these stories.

TMHS: Do you have a favourite car? If so, what appeals to you about this particular car?

BM: An impossible question to answer. I love all cars, for all different reasons. After a lifetime of answering this question by stating that Italian cars were my thing, I must have matured because my interests lie everywhere. Porsche has captured my attention in the last few years though, and I regard the 911 as probably the single most interesting model that I pursue.

TMHS: You have a link on your Instagram.  Tell me some more about Open Journal and how you are involved with this?

BM: Open Journal is a collaboration that was set-up by Neo Metro – the single most forward thinking property development company in Victoria. Due to the strong design and architectural angle that the company has, the site is intended as one-stop-shop for those interested in design and architecture, and contributors like me were invited to offer either words on their own work, or in my case words and images on their passions. I probably carry more useless anecdotal car-related data than the average Joe. So there I am writing about it! I try and make sure that my contributions are inspired by things that I see around Melbourne – in the streets, and my Instagram account was the basis for the idea.

(Here is a piece Benny wrote for Open Journal on the Porsche 911 – http://www.openjournal.com.au/design-porsche-911/)

TMHS: What are some of your other passions?

BM: Since leaving hospitality professionally, I seem to be more interested in cooking! Sarah and I are both very design oriented and want to start renovating and converting spaces as residences when our circumstances allow it. I try to make time to read when I can, and I’ve always loved biographical stuff of almost any nature.

TMHS: Any future projects you want to share?

BM: Any future project in food & beverage has been shelved for the time being. I’ve been told never to say never though, and I can’t rule out the chance that there might be another bar or cafe in the future however, I just don’t think this is the right time. Even in a city like Melbourne, there’s a limit to how many of any type of business should exist – and I think we’re there. I like the idea of moving in to a semi-rural environment that’s close to Melbourne, and if that happens and there’s reason to establish something – perhaps it will take place.

Follow Benny Musu on Instagram @bennymusu – www.instagram.com/bennymusu

Open Journal – www.openjournal.com.au

Open Journal piece by Benny on the Porsche 911 – http://www.openjournal.com.au/design-porsche-911/