For the ultimate ’90s-style pant, look to this musician turned artist’s obsession

2 weeks ago 3

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, artist Daimon Downey.

Artist Daimon Downey says he has an obsession with dressing in pastels.

How would you describe your style? I’m a bit of a chameleon. People often say to me, “you’re the only person who can get away with wearing that”, but I think it’s a normal outfit. I used to paint only in pastels, and I would only ever wear pastel colours. So, I have walked into my exhibitions looking
like one of the paintings.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A vintage woollen vest with a horse knitted into it that I’ve had since 1998.

And the most recent addition? Adidas “Adibreak” tracksuit pants with buttons down the side. I have them in lots of colours.

What would you wear … on a first date? On my first date with my partner, Georgia, I wore lavender-coloured pants with an open lavender-coloured collared shirt. … on a plane? A new Venroy tracksuit, a Little Palma T-shirt – to get the holiday vibe going – and Adidas sneakers. … on the red carpet? My Dior suit that looks like liquid metal, with Ferragamo shoes.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? I’m mad for a singlet with an open shirt over it. Also, my black R.M. Williams suede boots.

What’s your favourite fashion era? The ’80s was a good vibe. Everything was tight, you could cut off sleeves, wear short shorts, and there were plenty of pastel pinks and baby blues.

Do you have a favourite designer? I’m a bit of a local shopper. Big ups to Venroy – I love their theory on changing collections not with the seasons but with cities and places. They do minimal runs and it’s good quality.

What’s your fragrance of choice? I’ve worn Christian Dior “Bois d’Argent” religiously for 20 years.

Any go-to jewellery? A beautiful square ring, bracelet and gold chain by Breath & Stone, and a Breitling watch.

Downey has these Adidas pants in array of colours.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? When I was 10, on my first trip to Sydney from Bellingen [NSW], where I grew up, I packed a little suitcase with a matching ensemble – a baby-pink and blue Piping Hot cotton tracksuit – and I wore it every day.

What was your first fashion moment? Seeing the rats come down the runway at the Tsubi [now Ksubi] show at Australian Fashion Week in 2001 was an eye-opener; it made me realise that fashion is not just the things you wear. Sydney was hot in the early 2000s, with designers like Sass & Bide
and Camilla and Marc rising. The vibe was house music and everyone dancing. It was iconic.

And your worst fashion mistake? There are a fair few. I remember one year when Sneaky Sound System [Downey was a founding member] played at Splendour in the Grass, we came on stage in bright pink Herringbone corduroy suits. With our combined egos, we probably thought we
were on fire, but we looked like absolute wankers.

What’s on your wish list? Just high-end gear so I can be dapper like Harry Styles all day.

Is there something you’d never wear? Dick togs [Speedos].

Is there a current trend you like? I don’t know what’s happening out there, but I’m glad we’re getting out of the Balenciaga gaffer-tape phase.

What shoes do you wear the most? Baby-blue Adidas “SL72” sneakers and my R.M. boots.

Do you have a favourite fashion icon? Gianni Versace in the 1980s.

What do you wear on a typical working day? Everything gets ruined in the studio so it’s an old messed-up T-shirt and jeans with Crocs.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll be in Levi’s jeans, a James Perse tee and sneakers. It’s family day – we go to Bondi markets and then get the kids cooking in the kitchen.

The Daimon Downey x Blunt umbrella is available from bluntumbrella.com.au.

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