‘She begs me to throw them out’: The cruddy item Matty J won’t give up

He’s had this item of clothing for eight years, and Laura Byrne is begging him to throw him out - but Matty J won’t part with it.

Inside My Wardrobe

Matty, 34, media personlaity and Laura, 36, podcaster and jewellery designer

From Aere basics and an 80s military jackets to ToniMay jewels and “spicy Stussy” dad shirts, Bachelor veterans Byrne and Johnson, who are now “friends” of the Australian online retailer The Iconic, give us a glimpse into their fabulous wardrobe where one partner’s “shoe-drobe” is overflowing (ahem, Matt).

With a flair for 70s styling and fusing fashion and function, their wardrobe is the perfect bland of sentiment and style.

Matty J and Laura Byrne in the Birdcage on Melbourne Cup Day. Picture: Julian Smith

How would you describe your style?

L: Relaxed and no fuss with the occasional pop of colour. My wardrobe is full of basics, denim and activewear, ready for wrangling wild toddlers.

M: Well look, I’m not like a regular dad … I’m a “cool dad”.

Who are your style icons?

L: This is a bit of an obscure one, but Leandra Cohen has the best wardrobe in the world. I’m also a big fan of Lara Worthington and her very laid-back effortlessly cool vibe.

M: Steve McQueen made everything he wore cool. I’m also a big fan of Jonah Hill: his wardrobe is this adventurous mix of streetwear and designer clothing.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe?

L: I am a big believer that if you hold on to things long enough, they’ll always come back around. One item which has seen some sights is my dad’s old military jacket from the 80s, I still wear it every winter.

M: I think maybe my underwear – I have a pair of Calvin Kleins from about eight years ago that Laura begs me to throw out.

Matt Johnson and Laura Byrne with their dog Buster. Picture: Justin Lloyd

What are your favourite brands?

L: Aere, Lover, Acler, Bec + Bridge and, of course, (Laura’s label) ToniMay jewellery.

M: Aere for my basics, Nike for sportswear, Tommy if I’m getting dressed up, Reiss if I’m wanting to splurge and Stussy when I’m feeling spicy.

Have you made a style faux pas?

L: My eyebrows in the 90s. I plucked the poor things into oblivion, and they never really recovered.

M: When I was 20 and clubbing I used to wear T-shirts with the deepest V-neck known to man.

What is the most surprising thing in your wardrobe?

L: I have so many bohemian-style clothes, long dresses and skirts, cute blouses and patterns. Since becoming a mum I’m really loving bright block colours.

M: I’m not sure if it’s surprising but I don’t own a pair of thongs.

Matty J and Laura Byrne. Picture: Richard Dobson

Top three wardrobe must haves?

L: A little black dress, a leather jacket and everything denim.

M: If I could live in anything it’d be white trainers, navy chinos and chambray shirt.

What is the most sentimental item in your wardrobe?

L: I’ve been so lucky to be maid of honour to my three closest girlfriends and I still have the three different dresses I wore to their weddings. A beautiful Bianca Spender gown and two different Shona Joy dresses.

M: My Reiss suit from London. When I bought it, I remember thinking – you’ve made it, Matt, you’re finally a grown up! It was also the suit I wore to my sister’s wedding as well as a few other big events.

Originally published as ‘She begs me to throw them out’: The cruddy item Matty J won’t give up