Ross Poulakis

Harrolds Managing Director

What does this year look like for you on the work front?

This year is all about going back to basics and consolidating what makes us Harrolds. For other hospitality and retail stalwarts, it’s this honing of the business at its very core that matters the most after the year that was. For us, it’s about heroing our clients, engaging with them in clever, interactive new ways and celebrating that face-to-face, tangible connection in-store. We’re always evolving, but never forgetting where we started.

It’s Monday morning, what are you wearing to usher in the work week? 

It has to be a classic suit from Tom Ford or Brioni. Mondays mean meetings back-to-back, so looking and feeling my best is vital. These suits are a fusion of both timelessness and modernity, perfect for professional dressing.

How has 2020’s work-from-home hiatus changed your dressing sensibilities for this year?

The lack of dressing up definitely felt stifling. I really missed that aspect of work life, coupled with the social element of meeting up (and catching up) with some of our closest clients. And yes, I got sick of loungewear! This year, I’m embracing suiting up and styling formal attire again. It’s good to be back.

Favourite attire to take you from a busy business day to after work drinks? 

Transitions from late knockoffs to a dinner reservation or evening event should be seamless. I like to wear something in morning through to the night with the only edit being the addition of a pocket square or the loosening of a tie. Little details can really elevate or dress down a daytime outfit, depending on where you’re heading.

What’s on your work wardrobe wish list? 

The new James Bond Tom Ford collection is right up there, along with some new Brioni casualwear and anything Amiri.

Christian Kimber

Director of Christian Kimber

What does this year look like for you on the work front?

This year we’ll be focused on building the success of our second retail store, launching the beautiful new range of garments we designed during lockdown, and developing a range of exciting initiatives to inspire our clients and the industry.

It’s Monday morning, what are you wearing to usher in the work week? 

I usually spend the beginning of the week in a range of meetings with staff, manufacturers and media. As a result, I tend to dress a little more elegantly than later on in the week, and favour our signature carrot trouser, with a collared shirt, Fitzroy jacket and a pair of our suede loafers.

How has 2020’s work-from-home hiatus changed your dressing sensibilities for this year?

2020 changed my dress-sense significantly. After being in lockdown in Melbourne for the better part of a year, comfort became key. I have become more firmly planted in the space between formal and casual working from home, like everyone else. I also became a lot more aware of how much I really need in my wardrobe as opposed to how much I have in there. I became even more conscious about the importance of quality, durability and enduring style, and I like to think that’s flowed into my designs for the coming season.

Favourite attire to take you from a busy business day to after work drinks? 

For me, it would have to be the knitted polos we have become known for. They have a really fresh and light handle that makes them breathable to wear from day to night, and the collared designs in striped, chevron and melange patterns make them stylish enough for the workplace, and special enough for a night out.

What’s on your work wardrobe wishlist? 

A pair of Tom Ford aviators to keep my eyes protected from the summer sun are high on the list at the moment, but as I tend to wear my own designs, my wishlist usually consists of accessories for the office space such as fragrances and candles that make it relaxed and inviting.

Patrick Lang

Harrolds retail professional

What does this year look like for you on the work front?

Back at Harrolds on Collins St. full time striving to deliver a next level client experience in the realm of luxury fashion and lifestyle – personal shopping, styling and communications. On the side, I’m writing copy and building on some personal fashion journalism projects.

It’s Monday morning, what are you wearing to usher in the work week? 

Weather and mood aside, it’s generally a lightweight chore or workers jacket, likely the vertically quilted Craig Green staple, paired with a simple cotton or wool trouser. Lots of hustle and bustle up Collins St. and across the shop floor so always a crisp white sneaker and trusty Acne Studios wide tote.

How has 2020’s work-from-home hiatus changed your dressing sensibilities for this year?

It definitely created a wider disparity between both ends of my wardrobe. I definitely pushed that lockdown notion of comfort-focused utility in to my new everyday rotation. More staples, less statements. Yet, I have certainly regained appreciation for the opportunity to wear elevated tailoring and formal wear outside again. I just became acquainted with a Lardini blazer and it’s love!

Favourite attire to take you from a busy business day to after work drinks? 

Light and bright but still enough pizzazz to work across long days of labour and leisure. Personal favourite at the moment is a red crushed velvet silk-blend shirt by Dries Van Noten paired with viscose blended trousers by Dries Van Noten. Must have accessory is a whisky on the rocks!

What’s on your work wardrobe wish list?

The sun is out so I’m currently feeling the new drop of Marni shirts, the lightweight Jil Sander trousers and the knitted shirt by the local Chris Ran Lin. Looking forward with investments pieces, it’s hard to go past Bottega Veneta at the moment. Lot of new arrivals in the pipeline so very keen to see what lands on the shop floor!