Built like Thor: The artist who wears Chris Hemsworth’s hand-me-downs

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, artist Otis Hope Carey.

Artist Otis Hope Carey’s biggest fashion moment was collaborating with Christian Louboutin.

How would you describe your style? It’s somewhere between indie surf and arty. My personal style is influenced by my easy-going attitude towards life. Some days I’ll dress up, and others I’m barefoot in board shorts.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A pair of black Prada dress shoes that are probably nine years old. I still wear them.

And the most recent addition? A black cashmere jacket from Acne.

What would you wear … on a first date? Cargo shorts, a cool tee, slides and a nice watch. … on a plane? I recently flew to Bali and wore a pair of light workout shorts with a tee, oversized jumper and slides. … on the red carpet? I’ll wear a suit that Chris Hemsworth gave me. We’re good friends and he gave me five of his old suits that had been custom-made in Italy.

What’s your favourite fashion era? It’s now. I’m 37, and it has taken me this long to know who I am and what I’m comfortable wearing.

Otis Hope Carey’s collab with Christian Louboutin and his must-have Louis Vuitton sunglasses.

Who are your favourite designers? I’ve always loved Acne, and I’ve got a lot of Carhartt in my wardrobe. I’ve surfed my whole life, so I’ve got broad shoulders and the cuts of those labels fit my body well. I live in Myocum, near Byron Bay, and I’m always painting and doing stuff around the property; I’ll throw a Carhartt jacket on in the morning and I’m done.

What’s your fragrance of choice? Maison Margiela’s “Replica by the Fireplace”.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A pair of Louis Vuitton “Moon Cat Eye” sunglasses, my Tag Heuer watch, and board shorts from my collab with Billabong – I do a clothing capsule with them once a year.

Any go-to jewellery? A gold Sarah & Sebastian soldered bracelet that I’ve had on for about four years. I don’t know how it hasn’t broken.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? A pair of tight, pink sass & bide jeans. Through my teens I was right into wearing girls’ clothes that you could kind of get away with, but I was the only kid in Coffs Harbour, where I grew up, wearing skinny jeans.

What was your first fashion moment? Working on my Christian Louboutin collaboration, a
collection of shoes and bags featuring new artworks inspired by my connection to the ocean.

And your worst fashion mistake? There’s been plenty of blooper outfits, but the biggest mistake would have to be growing a moustache for six months when I was 21.

What’s on your wish list? Nothing fashion related, but I’ve always wanted a 1969 Dodge Charger car.

Is there something you’d never wear? I’ve always stuck with “red and green should never be seen unless there’s something in between”.

Is there a current trend you like? No, I don’t follow them. I go by the beat of my own drum.

What shoes do you wear most often? Vans “Ultrarange” sneakers.

Who are your favourite fashion icons? I’ve always enjoyed the way Pharrell Williams dresses. Also, A$AP Rocky. I like the way they mix and match; they’ll wear something awkward but calm it down with something pared back.

What do you wear on a typical working day? When I’m painting, it’s something comfortable that I can get messy, like an old pair of shorts and a plain tee.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? An Acne button-down shirt and boardies. My kids have been getting right into surfing, so we’ll spend half the day down at the beach.

The Otis Hope Carey capsule collection is part of the Christian Louboutin Autumn-Winter 25 range.

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