‘The fashion mistake that I think is cool’: Meet the model breaking the rules

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, model Nathan McGuire.

“My retro references are James Dean, Paul Newman and Alain Delon.”

How would you describe your style? It’s pretty relaxed – an easy shirt with tailored trousers, cargo pants or great denim.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A Versace shirt from the ’90s, black with gold motifs. It’s a fun one to wear in the summer.

And the most recent addition? A Jacquemus “Largo” T-shirt from the La Casa collection I bought in Paris.

A Jacquemus “Largo” T-shirt is the latest item in Nathan McGuire’s wardrobe.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? Black Calvin Klein jeans, my suede Birkenstocks, and a collab between my label, Solid Ochre, and Vaanyard sunglasses. I’ve been wearing those everywhere.

What would you wear … on a first date? I’d go for a sleek look – a navy or black collared shirt with tailored, fitted pants, a cool belt, great jewellery and Armani sneakers … on a plane? Comfortable Calvin Klein jeans with a tee and Nagnata jumper. I always take a hoodie and good headphones … on the red carpet? A classic tuxedo.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I love how graphic and colourful ’70s fashion was. The cut of the menswear was super cool, the pants, the vintage-style T-shirts and super-short shorts.

Who’s your favourite designer? I’m loving JW Anderson. It’s simple yet elevated and luxurious, the colour palettes are really good and there’s always a playful aspect or an interesting detail.

What’s your fragrance of choice? I wear Comme des Garçons “Wonderwood”. It’s got that woody base but also a sweetness and freshness that’s clean and sharp and lasts all day.

Any go-to jewellery? My Omega “Seamaster” watch, and I’ve been rocking a few Millie Savage x Toyota C-HR pieces which are really fun and colourful. “The Fast Lane” ring, for instance, features a lab-grown diamond created from parts of the car and Australian opals.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? When I was six we went on a family trip to Disneyland where I got a green jumper with [Winnie-the-Pooh character] Tigger on it. I wore it to death.

What was your first fashion moment? I played professional field hockey, so everything I wore was pretty sporty until I was about 25, when I moved to Melbourne and started modelling. I remember being on a trip to Italy, wearing a cool pair of Acne shorts with a simple linen mandarin-collar shirt and feeling really good. Those shorts kick-started me investing in my wardrobe a bit more.

And your worst fashion mistake? I’ve been told that wearing socks with sandals is a mistake, but I think it’s cool.

What’s on your wish list? I always carry a canvas tote and I’d love to upgrade to Loewe’s “Puzzle Fold” tote.

Is there a current trend you like? I like to see people in colour at this time of year, especially the earthy tones I wear – dusty browns, burnt orange. That’s how the name of my fashion label Solid Ochre came about; ochre comes in many different shades, but they all come from the earth and Country and speak to different mobs around Australia. It’s unifying.

What shoes do you wear most often? A pair of walking shoes by Finnish brand Karhu. They’re really comfortable, come in the best colours, and they’re cool because not many people know about them.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? My retro references are James Dean, Paul Newman and Alain Delon. I also like everything supermodel Jon Kortajerena wears; he has a huge range of style.

What do you wear on a typical working day? Relaxed, tailored Reiss pants with a black Jac + Jack tee and an overshirt.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll be putting on music and cleaning the house in a big comfy shirt and shorts.

Nathan McGuire is a friend of Toyota.

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