Billy Sixes Safari on road to fashion success

WHAT started as an Instagram account for photography has turned into a fashion label with plans to become an Aussie icon. Billy Sixes Safari sells apparel inspired by 1970s counterculture; tees with motorcycle motifs, muscle singlets, aviator sunglasses and distressed denim shorts pepper their collections.

Dylan Fricker, one third of Billy Sixes Safari, pictured at their headquarters in Marsfield. Picture: Julian Andrews

WHAT started as an Instagram account for photography has turned into a fashion label with plans to become an Aussie icon.

Billy Sixes Safari sells apparel inspired by 1970s counterculture; tees with motorcycle motifs, muscle singlets, aviator sunglasses and distressed denim shorts pepper their collections.

The label formed earlier this year when Marsfield brand Billy Sixes merged with the Cronulla-based Safari Disko Club.

The short road from Instagram account to fashion merger has been a fast ride for Billy Sixes founders Dylan Fricker and Karim Mouahbi.

The brand sells mens and women’s clothing and accessories. Picture: Billy Sixes Safari

A mutual love of motorcycles was the catalyst for the brand’s inception. Picture: Billy Sixes Safari

Fricker, of Marsfield, had started an Instagram account for his photography and lifestyle content, and after Mouahbi, of North Ryde, came on board the pair began building a clothing range that matched their vintage aesthetics.

“It all started from motorcycles — we’re into Harley Davidsons and vintage motorbikes,” Fricker said.

In December 2017, the friends — who met as students at Epping Boys High — officially launched their brand.

At the start of the year they merged with Jye Dance of Safari Disko Club and the three of them now run Billy Sixes Safari.

The label’s collection includes hand distressed and vintage washed tanks. Picture: Billy Sixes Safari

Fricker said social media had “been the backbone of everything” for the brand’s growth - they now have more than 30,000 followers across their channels - and approximately 75 per cent of sales come through social media.

“Even a lot of people who come to the brick and mortar store have seen it (the brand) on social media first,” he said.

The trio now hope to ride the wave of their initial success, and have big plans for the label’s future.

“We’re all very ambitious with it,” Fricker said.

They will release a new collection in November, and in the future their aim is to become an “iconic” Australian brand.

“What we’d like to do is be a household name in Australia,” Fricker said.