SHEEP SHEARER.

Known for it’s Australian inspired men’s apparel, Johnny Szymanski,  Creative Director & Founder of Sheep Shearer,  heard about the old Australian legend of Jackie Howe. His record breaking achievements and how he famously invented the singlet. Inspired by this to create a range of relaxed, down-to-earth and laid back clothes that guys would enjoy wearing.

Sheep Shearer is about to hit the Fashion+Aid Runway in Sept. Can you tell us a bit about the collection and what we can expect?

This collection is a little different to what people have seen in the past from Sheep Shearer but it won’t have lost any of the Sheep Shearer laid back style. We are bringing a few new ranges to our offering which is always exciting.

      What inspired you when you were designing your latest collection?

I spent some time in Los Angeles and have taken a lot of inspiration from there. I was also inspired by the same thing that inspires me every time I design something new, and that’s the Sheep Shearer ethos. Simplicity is the key word for this collection following with on a monochrome colour palette.

    What is your favourite piece this season?

I have two favourites this season but you’ll have to wait until the big night until you see them.

    Who has been your biggest role model / mentor?

I wouldn’t say that I have one main role model. There are and have been plenty of people in my life who have influenced me in one way or another. My father has been a very successful businessman, so he has given me the drive to succeed. I also have a very strong network of very close friends who I can turn to for advice and help. One in particular has always been able to help me to focus and ensure I am working on what I need to be working on. 

      Top 5 secret men’s shopping destinations in Melbourne?

Well…..if I told you then they wouldn’t be secrets any more. But I’ll say this.

1. Op shops. You should never be put off by the fact that something is second hand. I have found some amazing finds in op shops, including an amazing world war 2 air force trench coat. I would avoid the op shops in areas like Chapel St. They have realised the appeal and the prices are more like boutiques than charity shops. Look at more suburban shops if you have the time.

2. If I’m not wearing Sheep Shearer then I like to get my other basics from Bronze Snake. They have a great range, especially their boots.

3. When it comes to sunglasses I’m terrible. I break them, I lose them or more often then not I leave them in the uber. So I don’t like spending lots of money on Tom Fords or Ray Bans. I prefer to get my sunnies from a skate store on Chapel St called Evolve. They stock an american brand called Happy Hour who make wayfarer style sunnies and other styles in great frame and lens colours, but you’re paying no where near the price of Ray-Ban’s. I must buy a pair or two a month.

4. There is a great online store that I like to shop on. Fabrixquare they have such a great range of clothes and they are not as expensive as you think they might be. 

5. It’s not a shopping destination but a good tip. Don’t be afraid to look in your wardrobe at clothes that you no longer wear. Pull them out, lie them on the bed and have a think about how maybe you can up cycle, adapt or upgrade it. Not only is it good for the environment, it is also good for your wallet.

You are a very stylish man about town. The theme for this years Fashion+Aid is Met Ball. Who/what is your inspiration for your outfit at the ball.

Haha, well that’s very kind of you to say. In the past I have always been very traditional when it comes to black tie, with the most daring thing I wear being bright socks or a dark blue velvet jacket. 

The Met Gala is a great event for fashion that is a little bit ‘out there’ or attention grabbing. This year my outfit is inspired by that. It will have all the hallmarks of black tie but without my usual traditional black tie values.

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Sheep Shearer will be hitting the catwalk at this years Fashion+Aid, Don’t miss out! 

KB x