Get to know one of Australia’s coolest creatives and the latest autumn luxury designer looks.
Looking for some new-season designer inspiration? Take the lead of Australian tastemaker Shayne Tino. At 26, the Zimbabwe-born creative has worked with Louis Vuitton, Loewe and Samsung, and collaborated with fashion designer Virgil Abloh. For the latest instalment of the Mr Jones Style series, he’s showing you how to get down in luxury layers – and providing a little on-point style advice in the process.
Mr Jones: You’re a DJ, model and content creator. How would you sum up what you do?
Shayne Tino: I like to think of myself as a storyteller, trying to tell my life stories through all my creative elements.
“I like to think of myself as a storyteller.”
You were born, and spent the first ten years of your life, in Zimbabwe. What was it like growing up there?
Very different. Everyone is desperate to survive, get an education and feed their families. I am very fortunate to live in Australia where I can decide what I want to do with my life. I woke up one day and decided I wanted to quit my job and work for myself for the rest of my life. Back home in Zimbabwe, that’s not a choice I would have had and could do without it affecting my entire family. These are the choices and blessings we have living in Australia. I still have family in Africa – my mother and I support them as much as we can. Every chance we get we fly them here, which requires lawyers and thousands of dollars. It’s not as straightforward as it seems.
How did that upbringing influence who you are and what you do now?
My upbringing was extremely tough but I’m grateful for the life lessons and experiences. It made me realise that I need to live life to the fullest. I am unapologetic about my drive, my passion and my goals, and am vocal about my experiences because when I was growing up and struggling, I didn’t know where to turn. When I vocalise what I’m going through it allows other kids from similar upbringings to be able to relate and also to reach out to me.
“I’m grateful for the life lessons and experiences. It made me realise that I need to live life to the fullest.”
What, or who, inspires you?
Raf Simons is by far my favourite designer. In terms of a style icon, it’s Virgil Abloh. Coming into Louis Vuitton and what he’s done, he has changed their house and brought in a new consumer – collaborating with Mercedes-Benz, Ikea, Nike and Evian. They’re all very inspiring and outside the box collaborations. I’m also inspired by young creatives in Africa making great international strides. I always look back to my roots – it inspires me to see people who are less fortunate than us here in Australia break through the barriers.
Shayne’s new-season picks
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
Kanye West. He’s a true creative genius and visionary. He’s put so many amazing designers and creatives on the map like Jerry Lorenzo, Virgil Abloh, Matthew Williams. He’s a huge collaborator, not to mention the influence he undoubtedly brought to the music industry and shaping artists like Kid Cudi, Travis Scott and Big Sean.
What are your five must-have menswear items for this coming winter?
Oversized knits, coats, denim jeans, boots and beanies.
Shayne’s must-have menswear
What’s been the biggest “pinch me” moment in your career so far?
Designing a suit for singer Khalid.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
As a creative director at one of the major global fashion houses.
What are you listening to right now?
A lot of afrobeats. An artist named Rema, it’s amazing how he can go between afrobeat and hip-hop.
What’s the best advice anyone has ever given to you?
To just try – because what have you got to lose? And to do what you love and don’t take it for granted. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.
How would you describe your own style?
Fluent and colourful. I love colour. I think everyone should wear more colour. It makes people smile.
Inject some colour
Photography by Chris Ferguson; Styling by Dannielle Cartisano; Words by John Agnew.