Welcome to Makers Of Melbourne – the ‘go to’ guide for our technically integrated age.
Makers Of Melbourne has been created to consume and assimilate Melbourne culture. We're male focussed, but not male specific, sorting through the dross to weed out the creative stars, standout events and stylish folk that make this city unique.
MOM aims to embrace all facets of what makes this city a creative hub. Our aim is to inform without condescending – to keep you abreast of what’s going on without regurgitating Press Releases & to seek out this city’s sub cultures to give our readers the inside scoop on what’s REALLY happening with the people who make Melbourne Melbourne.
Bill has appeared on this site before - he knows his footwear & is always impeccably dressed (there aren't many Melbourne men you would find relaxing in a bar on Sunday afternoon in a three piece Vivienne Westwood suit). Working at luxury Melbourne menswear store Harrolds has given Bill access to some amazing footwear including these tan leather AW12 lace-ups with black galosh style rubber panels.
So Frenchy So Chic has grown to become one of the highlights of Summer in Melbourne. Werribee Mansion hosted the ultimate garden party last Sunday, featuring the best of French music, food & wine - the perfect event to display why even when taking it easy, the French still retain that special je ne sais quoi.
Steve wearing bespoke derbys purchased on a trip to Italy
Anthony wearing Sebago boatshoes
French R&B musician Féfé
Will wearing his father's vintage brogues
Oliver in his well loved boots by Mosson Bricke
Josh in Lacoste leather sneakers
“Every man needs a good pair of jeans, a good pair of chinos, classic oxford shirts and white tee shirts. From that point, you can pretty much get dressed with your eyes closed.”
- Brendan Mitchell and James Barrett
It’s been three years since Brendan Mitchell and James Barrett decided that Melbourne’s men’s fashion scene was possessed of an Up There shaped hole in the retail landscape. Alumni of the sneaker scene (with a brief pit-stop spent working Paul Smith), the duo established their nirvana in an airy, second level laneway hideyhole, determined to bring quality men’s fashion to seekers of style.
Brendan: “We travelled a lot and saw stores around the world we loved but not everything in one location. We felt the only way we could get there would be to do it ourselves.”
Consequently the guys are focussed on brands scented with a whiff of exclusivity, alongside a strong serve of quality: think limited edition, US-made New Balance and first imprint Converse sitting next to UK brand Tender and Co (“one guy, all handmade and hand dyed; he pretty much just makes clothes he wants to wear”) and Copenhagen’s Norse Projects.
The product mix speaks to their desire to see Melbourne men embrace style and practicality.
Brendan: “Melbourne men have nailed black. But colour is good if you know how to wear it – just makes sure its tasteful. Wear appropriate outfits: sneakers and suits do not go.”
James: “And dress appropriate to the weather. If it’s cold outside wear a jacket – not a tee shirt and thongs. We see ourselves as educators: sell them the basics and they get comfortable with fashion, then can come back to look for shirts with more pattern and detail.”
Hook ‘em in with the Japanese made, Up There designed white shirt, elevate ‘em up the style totem pole with a Yuki Matsuda-designed three-piece camouflage suit. All in a day’s work for the boys at Up There.
Story: Sarina Lewis
Level 1 11/15 McKillop Street, Melbourne
p: 03 9670 6225
Andrei is the co-creator of the new Melbourne based Barnaby Shop sock company & we had to admire his cycle print socks when we stopped him ask for a photo. Andrei was shot in South Melbourne wearing a classic pair of 'Jensen' calfskin cap toe oxfords from Santoni.
Chris was a stylish standout during a wednesday workday lunchtime & it was no surprise when he told us he worked for Suit Your Style tailors. Chris was waiting for a coffee when we grabbed him on Little Collins street, wearing a pair of suede wrap boots by H by Hudson.
vin
Head of the Chin Chin restaurant kitchen, Ben Cooper is Melbourne's most fashion forward chef. He's a man with a particular fetish for footwear, photographed in a pair of waterproof boots by Norwegian brand Swims
