We’ve seen a rise in street style blogs for some time now. In this realm, success needs a niche, and thankfully Shoemakers of Melbourne have got just that. The blog documents the men of Australia’s most stylish city with focus on their shoes. It’s chic; it’s unique; it’s street. As a part of the cultural sector of L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival this year, Shoemakers of Melbourne exhibit their year-long visual journey of dudes with fine footwear. The best part about the exhibition? It’s held at St. Ali, so in typical Melburnian fashion, you can obsess over some fine coffee while you check out the photography. We caught up with Scott and Kirsty, the two behind the blog to chat about it all.
Your blog turned one year old last month and you already have an exhibition! That’s pretty damn rad. How does it feel?
It’s really exciting! We always wanted to celebrate the Shoemakers of Melbourne’s first anniversary and we’re lucky enough that it coincides with LMFF [L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2013]. Part of the blog’s ethos is to celebrate, showcase and document men’s style and men’s interest in style as both are growing.
What can we expect from this exhibition?
Pictorial evidence of what’s been happening in men’s fashion. If we’ve achieved anything, it’s to show the blog and the body of work that documents a period of time that’s been really defining in men’s fashion. There seems to be a critical mass where fashion has made it into the lives of ‘the average man’. The men we shoot may have no interest in fashion, have no idea who Karl Lagerfeld is but they lead a stylish and conscious life and have managed to integrate it into the way they dress every day. We’ve documented this change, this energy and we hope the exhibition communicates that.
Obviously Scott, your background as a co-owner of the Beggar Man Thief store, your interest in footwear, craftsmanship and quality is there but how did the blog come about?
Shoemakers of Melbourne was my [Scott’s] conception, but Kirsty brought it to life as she’s been shooting street style in Melbourne for four years. We both grew up among the sneaker and street industry which have such a strong subculture and creative community. We wanted to create a centre-point for men who were ‘stepping up their game’ and taking an interest in style, in quality and hand-crafted footwear.
When you approach people on the street, what’s their usual reaction?
I [Kirsty] have a 95% hit rate. If you flatter anyone enough, they’ll let you photograph them.
Who makes it onto Shoemakers of Melbourne?
Men who are making an impact on style around Melbourne, from their feet up. The guys don’t have to look like they work in fashion but they have to catch your eye. It’s not about how much it all costs but it’s about quality and tailoring, how they’ve thrown it all together.
And it’s all unscripted? No shoots are planned?
Yes, it’s what we’re most proud of about the blog. So many street style blogs out there are constructed but our photos are genuine snapshots of who’s around at that time, that place. We came into the idea thinking let’s just shoot it for real and take what this city gives us.
What kind of persona does that produce?
A man who woke up that morning and decided to rock it! A sense of “I’m not going to be average today” – and we’re right in the middle, documenting it!
How would you describe ‘The Melbourne Man’s’ style then or how have you seen this change?
We’re capturing a high calibre of guys but we’ve watched our subjects develop and engage more with style even in just the past year. That’s what makes the city so great: its mood moves and the people move with it. The beauty of ‘The Melbourne Man’ is a thongs-wearing attitude but a suit-wearing taste. As we come up with our level of stylistic sophistication; we don’t lose where we came from.
You’re both extremely well-travelled, how does that compare to the people and style overseas?
Australians have always been known as easy-going and almost lazy but the blog has reminded us that when you get people talking, you learn a great deal about them and about Melbourne as a city. The city is so mellow and cool and the people are always in good moods. It’s really special. Hopefully that too shines through in the exhibition.
What shoe is an absolute “no”? The deal-breaker.
Thongs or faux-leather, cement constructed, square toed rip-offs.
What’s to come for the year ahead of the future of Shoemakers of Melbourne?
Long may it continue! We’ve had a lot of fun, met really cool people and seen a huge change in culture in just one year. We can only imagine what’s to come!
LMFF presents Shoemakers of Melbourne photographic exhibition
March 9 – March 24, 2013
St. Ali Precinct
Yarra Place, South Melbourne
Free admission
Shoemakers of Melbourne blog
Shoemakers of Melbourne at L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2013