Arthur Galan on working with Liam Hemsworth, Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron

A Melbourne designer reveals what it’s like to work with stars like Zac Efron, Liam Hemsworth and Nicole Kidman.

Nicole Kidman has worked with celebrity fashion designer Arthur Galan

Celebrity fashion designer Arthur Galan has shared his favourite highlights of working with some of the most famous names in the film and TV industry.

The Melbourne designer has created showstopper looks for stars including Nicole Kidman, Helena Christensen, Liam Hemsworth, Zac Efron, Orlando Bloom, Benji Madden, Boy George and Alex Dimitriades.

Galan says making a stunning ethereal dress for Nicole Kidman was a dream.

“Nicole comes across reserved, a little shy but has an ethereal energy to her. She has the traditional body type for a supermodel, slender and tall, and it allowed for a bit of creativity when fitting her compared to other celebrities.”

Nicole Kidman has worked with celebrity fashion designer Arthur Galan. Picture: Supplied

The talented tailor said he loved Boy George’s “big personality” and passion for fashion.

“All his pieces must have their own unique detail, nothing is quiet about George except when you ask him for his age or what he’s famous for. One time after a bit of banter I asked George for a selfie and he said ‘of course but let me take the photo! I know my angles and don’t trust anyone else’.”

Working with Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr when they stepped out as a couple together for the first time was also a highlight.

“She is absolutely gorgeous - a typical Aussie girl, and delightfully genuine as well. They were perfect for each other,” he said.

Galan features in a new campaign highlighting Chapel Street Precinct’s most symbolic businesses.

To commemorate the precinct’s best summer in 20 years the series called ‘The Soul of Chapel’, profiles each business and shines a spotlight on its colourful community.

Liam Hemsworth 2012

“This was one of those times where we couldn’t do a fitting, and so with Liam it was definitely a little nerve wracking. I think it was around the time he first started dating Miley Cyrus and Hunger Games had made him an international name. He was making his first big steps into the industry and I didn’t want to be the reason he ends up in a gossip mag with an ill-fitted suit!”

Nicole Kidman 2012

“I dressed Nicole in an ivory wrap knit dress for a Swisse Vitamins photo shoot. The setting was meant to be a kind of natural, weekend vibe and she suited it perfectly. Nicole comes across reserved, a little shy but has an ethereal energy to her. She has the traditional body type for a supermodel, slender and tall, and it allowed for a bit of creativity when fitting her compared to other celebrities.”

Arthur Galan says Zac Efron got “tired of the fanfare”. Picture: Supplied

Zac Efron 2008

“This was for the High School Musical 3 premier at the Jam Factory on Chapel Street and I was shocked at the response Zac was getting from being on the red carpet. It was like a Motley Crue concert, except the fans were 12. Screaming, yelling, tearing at each other to get an autograph or photo. You could tell by the third movie he was getting a little tired of the fanfare but he always remained professional and I really think that’s why he has remained relevant - it never got to his head and he was a delight to dress for the premiere.”

Orlando Bloom 2008 AJC Derby

“After the meeting I had with Orlando I could tell straight away why women adore him. He’s genuine, charming and sincere and I loved dressing him for The AJC Derby in Sydney. This was the first time he and Miranda Kerr had stepped out in public as a couple. It was big news as Miranda had also just signed on as the new David Jones Ambassador. She is absolutely gorgeous - a typical Aussie girl, and delightfully genuine as well. They were perfect for each other.”

Helena Christensen is one of the most professional models Arthur Galan has worked with Picture: Supplied

Helena Christensen 2011

“Helena is easily one of the most professional models I’ve ever worked with. This time she was opening our menswear show Melbourne Fashion Festival, which was an easy task for her. We put her in a beautiful women’s tuxedo and she made it seem so effortless, but then again she is a supermodel.”

Boy George 2018

“I didn’t know this but after chatting with George I learnt many of his friends are Greek, I thought at the time he would really love Melbourne then! He’s got a big personality and loves his fashion to match it. All his pieces must have their own unique detail, nothing is quiet about George except when you ask him for his age or what he’s famous for. One time after a bit of banter I asked George for a selfie and he said, “Of course, but let me take the photo! I know my angles and don’t trust anyone else.” He has this type of self-confidence that is infectious, it never becomes annoying at all.”

It’s probably no surprise Boy George loves ‘big’ fashion, to match his big personality. Picture: Supplied

Benji Madden 2015

“This was a fitting at the Lyall Hotel in South Yarra. Benji was headed for the races and we spent some time devising an outfit for him that adhered to the racetrack’s strict dress codes but still stood out from the crowd with a bit of rock cred. This is why it’s great to work with Benji, he’s always permitting us to innovate and be creative with his outfits. He doesn’t mind being the centre of attention when it comes to clothing.”

Alex Dimitriades 2012

“Alex has been a long-time client of ours and we are always happy to dress him for an event. We both have Greek heritage, so there is an obvious connection between us. If my memory serves me correctly - this could be at the after-party the night he won his AACTA Award for The Slap. It’s a very brave choice to wear an all-White tux jacket when everyone is celebrating around you.”