In my wardrobe: Paul Davies
The Sun Herald 26 January 2014
Georgina Safe
Artist Paul Davies has a fascination with houses and architecture which he explores using stencils and painting. He's dressed down and paint-splattered when working in his Surry Hills studio, but come an exhibition opening, Davies is always one of the best dressed artists. Currently based in Sydney, where he is represented by Olsen Irwin gallery, Davies is moving to Los Angeles next month, where his signature casual and understated style will fit right in.
The dress code at art openings is …
Over-the-top or very understated. Either people dress flamboyantly to be noticed, or they wear black in order to blend in.
My most embarrassing fashion purchase was …
On a trip to Hong Kong for the art fair a couple of years ago, I went to the Converse store with [Archibald Prize-winning artist] Guy Maestri. I got so excited that I bought eight pairs of the same shoe.
I can't live without …
My wife Sarah. She always looks great in what she wears.
My style is …
Minimal and casual.
I love to wear …
Clothes that my friends design. I like hearing what inspires them and how they come up with ideas.
I would never wear …
Clothes with big logos, probably because my parents were kind of hippies. We didn't have television until I was 14 and I don't like flashy consumerism.
The global fashion city I love best is …
Paris. I know it's a cliche, but Sarah and I spent three months there last year when I was on an artist residency and I loved it. It's easy to get lost in Paris and that's one of the best parts because the architecture is so interesting.
I am inspired by …
Travelling to different places. It's partly about finding inspiration for new paintings, but I also love meeting new and interesting people.
My favourite accessories are …
A small leather-bound sketch book. I take it with me travelling and love making sketches of the places I visit. During the Paris residency I made sketches of the streets and architecture like the Villa Savoye and Notre Dame.
Biggest statement you have ever made with an outfit?
Continually wearing the same design or colour clothes as Sarah by accident and getting laughed at by people walking past.
If money was no object?
I would wear Jac + Jack and Chronicles of Never, every day. Both labels have a cool, subtle aesthetic.
My working wardrobe is …
Converse sneakers, because they're comfortable to work in. I wear black or grey cotton shorts and black or grey Muji T-shirts. In winter I wear black Levi jeans and an old black DKNY jumper. It was given to me by a friend about five years ago and I still work in it all the time. It's very monochrome, but it makes getting dressed in the morning very easy!
My male style icons are …
Kurt Cobain because he looked cool by trying not to, with his torn flanno shirts and worn-out Converse sneakers, and Ian Curtis for the opposite - he is so refined and sharp.
Most recent purchase?
A pair of black sunglasses handmade from bamboo by the French brand Waiting for the Sun.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/in-my-wardrobe-paul-davies-20140124-31cah.html#ixzz2sKTyRd2d