Hamilton star Lyndon Watts on the item in his closet he’s never without

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, stage star Lyndon Watts.

Lyndon Watts draws style inspiration from street culture.Credit: Jennifer Soo

How would you describe your personal style? Eclectic and playful. I see fashion as a tool of self-expression. It’s about whatever energy I’m channelling that day.

What is the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A pair of leather pants from the ’80s that belonged to my dad.

And the most recent addition? A Diesel belt with a big phoenix buckle. It’s a such a vibe.

What would you wear … on a first date? My stovepipe flared jeans, an open shirt with my titties out, and boots. … on a plane? I want to say I’d be like RuPaul and wear a suit, but instead I’d wear a hoodie so I could pull the drawstring for full sensory deprivation, loose basketball shorts and New Balance chrome reflective sneakers. …on the red carpet? To the Melbourne opening of Oscar, the ballet production, I wore a lace corset under a glam Giorgio Armani diamante pin-stripe suit.

What’s your favourite fashion era? Menswear from the ’70s is my sweet spot for the long-line silhouettes, while 1990s hip-hop culture is everything; it’s what I reference most day-to-day.

Who are your favourite designers? Dion Lee, Dsquared2, Peter Do, Mowalola and, of course, my own label, Socaboy Studio.

What’s your fragrance of choice? Dita Von Teese “Scandalwood” by Heretic Parfum.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? My Toga Virilis motorcycle boots, silver Telfar shopping bag and Socaboy black cap.

Any go-to jewellery? A silver Celtic infinity ring I bought in Porto that I don’t take off. Also, a beautiful topaz necklace from Sydoria. I went to see a kinesiologist, who told me the necklace was creating a zone of protection and that I should buy topaz earrings, too.

Can you remember a favourite item you wore as a child? My sister and I were obsessed with our mother’s pair of burgundy high heels. When I was about six, I wore them to the river, got stuck in the mud and lost one.

What was your first fashion moment? Gracing the cover of GQ in 2021 and then Vogue Australia in 2023 was monumental. It was a huge honour and beyond measure of any dream I ever had for myself. The GQ shoot was one of the most fun days I’ve had creatively. It really started the trajectory I’m on now of expressing myself with clothing.

And your worst fashion mistake? In the spirit of self-expression, there’s been many fashion faux pas! When I was trying out different feminine silhouettes, there was a pink skirt and jacket look that needed more time to cook.

Lyndon Watts’ Sydoria necklace.

What’s on your wishlist? A pair of comfortable, everyday sneakers.

Is there something you would never wear? Never say never. I said I would never get a mullet [haircut], and I’ve had one for a year-and-a-half. I said I’d never do “dad” sandals, then I went to Europe and tried to walk over cobblestones in my cute little boots.

Is there a current trend you like? In Melbourne, I love seeing the children of immigrants blend references from their homelands with street culture. Seeing that cross-cultural exchange, especially through a queer lens, is sick. My label references my Trinidadian Caribbean heritage and Melbourne street culture.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? It’s not an individual person but Melbourne street culture in general. I’m inspired by my friends and the nightlife. There’s something immediate, vital and exciting about queer club fashion. Fashion should be about self-expression and playfulness; the way you dress can really affect the way you carry yourself.

What do you wear on a typical working day? To rehearsals, it’s basketball shorts and a loose singlet.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I like to get in touch with my roots and wear a sarong around the house.

Lyndon Watts stars in Candide at the Sydney Opera House from February 20 to March 14.

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