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Fashioning a different kind of Father’s Day

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Fashioning a different kind of Father’s Day

Fatherhood is fervour, it’s patience, it’s a privilege and it’s not a one-size-fits-all. Our father figures pass down the most binding lessons in life, style and work. If it wasn’t for them, we’d all feel a little less safeguarded and inspired to establish a sense of self and take on the world.

Be it quintessential ‘Dad banter’, correcting a shoddy suit-and-tie or bestowing sporting team loyalty, we’re lucky to have both stoic and sensitive men to look up to in the hopes of inciting our own greatness. And so the legacy continues, passing Dad habits, tailoring tricks and quirks down for generations to come.

Here, we chat to friends and family of Harrolds on Father’s Day from afar. Despite the unconventional circumstances for togetherness, their stories are palpable with a lasting love for Dad’s past, present and future.

Happy Father’s Day to the Dads, the Grandads and any mode of male oracle in between.

Fatherhood is fervour, it’s patience, it’s a privilege

Ross Savas, Managing Director of Kay & Burton

When did you become a father? Tell us about your family/who is it made up of…

I became a father on the 20th June 2004, to my first son who we named after my late father who passed away when I was only 12. In October 2006, my wife and I had our second son. We’re an incredibly close family and father’s day is always a very special day for us to spend together.

Ideally, what would be your out-and-about Father’s Day plans in Melbourne?

Typically, we’ll start the morning sharing a big breakfast at home and the family might surprise me with a Father’s Day present before we head out together for lunch, often at the iconic Cafe Di Stasio.

How about at home as an improvisation?

This year, as with last, we’ll be spending it at home. But that doesn’t mean it won’t be special. We’re looking forward to lunch together from one of our favourites Melbourne restaurants: France Soir. While we can’t eat out at the moment, we still look forward to enjoying a restaurant meal and supporting the community (especially small hospitality businesses) through another wave of lockdown.

Best Father’s Day as a dad you can recall so far? What did you do?

One of my favourite Father’s Days was spent recently on a trip to New York. We absolutely love travelling together as a family, creating new memories and exploring the culture of some of the world’s greatest cities. We were staying at The Peninsula and spent the morning together shopping and touring the city followed by lunch at Cipriani’s.

Tell us about your relationship with Harrolds. When did it begin and why does it continue? What do you shop for?

I started shopping at Harrolds when it first opened in 1985 and have known the family for many years. Harrolds is a truly international department store, as good as any of the great luxury fashion stores you would find around the world. Their collection of luxury brands is always evolving. Whether it’s for a new suit for work, a winter coat or a special client gift, Harrolds is always my first stop.

A standout memory with your own father?

In the early 70’s, he packed the family up for a weekend drive, without an idea of our final destination. After over 3 hours, we arrived in the picturesque Grampians at a property he used to work on back in the late 20’s. While the property wasn’t for sale, our whole family fell in love with it that day and he convinced the owners to sell it to us. It was to become the family farm with many weekends and holidays spent there for years to come.

Something he taught you that you treasure?

Early to bed, and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise

If you could summarise your own signature style in a few Harrolds designer names, who would they be?

Dior, Tom Ford, Brioni,

And your father’s? What designers/pieces/brands will always remind you of him?

He was always impeccably dressed and had a great love for tailored handmade suits

Holly Lucas, Creative Director of Lucas Restaurants.

Ideally, what would be your out-and-about Father’s Day plans in Melbourne?

We have a Father’s Day, Flower Drum Dinner tradition. We all love duck, and eating from a Lazy Susan makes for the ultimate family dinner experience.

How about at home? What will you be getting him/planning for him this year?

COVID has made family experiences more important than ever. However, in our usual style and (pending the strict restrictions) I hope to be able to follow our Father’s Day tradition and order Flower Drum take away. In the spirit of the COVID stay-at-home leisure suit trend I’m think a stone island tracksuit from Harrolds will be the perfect gift. Hopefully he doesn’t read this before he gets his surprise.

How do you think you’re the same and how do you differ?

Aside from our mutual love of food and our similar demeanour. We share a creative drive to develop new and exciting experiences. We strive to share our passion for food, fashion and art and celebrate Melbourne as our cultural hub as well as Australia as a global destination.

A standout memory (we know there’s be lots) featuring you and Chris in the realm of work?

My favourite work memories are our research trips overseas. Experiencing some of the most innovative and exciting restaurants around the globe and visiting exceptional cultural exhibitions curated by some of the world’s most forward-thinking teams and individuals provides us with incredible perspective. This time spent together is a most invaluable and inspiring way to create great and exciting restaurant brands and concepts.

And what about off-duty/growing up?

There’s no greater memory for me than dad’s amazing cooking. I was very lucky to grow up with such a diversity of flavours introduced from a young age. One of my favourite dishes is his Beef Ragu which you can find on the menu at Baby in Richmond. It takes me back to my childhood.

What does your relationship with your father mean to you?

I’m lucky enough to spend a lot of time with dad in both informal and formal settings. Our strong relationship has led to a lot of personal and professional development and I feel so fortunate to have such a close bond with my dad.

If you could summarise Chris’ signature style in a few Harrolds designer names, who would they be?

Dad’s style is best described by me as low-key/high-key. All great brands but seldom visible logos. His approach is an amalgamation of clean lines and classic cuts, leaning towards a monochromatic colour palette (black, navy, grey, camel). Brands that come to mind are Prada, Tom Ford,  Bottega Venetta and Bruello Cucinelli.

What’s a fashion item that will always remind you of him?

Prada anything.

What has he taught you about style? (Can be fashion related or otherwise).

Dad has taught me the importance of great design, quality in life and diversity of thinking. This methodology underpins our design and concept language leading to different styles and identities at all our venues with a shared cohesion. In terms of fashion, most of his feedback to me is typical dad-speak, often reminding me my skirts are too short. I agree.

Savva Savas, Founder of Plated

Tell us a bit about what you do and the origins of Plated…

I set up PLATED 25 years ago out of my studio apartment kitchen preparing food for intimate occasions. These days, the “occasions” are  “events” however they still remain intimate.

When did you become a father? Tell us about your family/who is it made up of…

My family is Ilia (Leo), Danaos (Dame) and me. Leo and Dane are my 6.5 year twin sons. Those close to me will say I have wanted to be a father for decades. My recollection is that the decision to become a father was overnight. I would suggest you listen to those close by!

Ideally, what would be your out-and-about Father’s Day plans in Sydney?

Our plans would include Nutella and croissants, a drive to the beach, to then come home to a big pasta lunch where I would step barefoot on Lego blocks. This is our every Sunday.

How about at home as an improvisation?

This father’s day is slightly different. The twins have discovered Harry Potter so it may be a few movies in front of the television with the croissants and pasta.

Best Father’s Day as a dad you can recall so far? What did you do?

In 2018 our last day on Milos Island, Greece was Father’s Day back home. After lunch,  the boys tried vanilla fondant spoons sweets for the first time. We finished the jar!

Tell us about your relationship with Harrolds. When did it begin and why does it continue? What do you shop for?

Harrolds has been one of my havens for over eight years. It’s a place to go to physically feel what is happening in international menswear.

A standout memory with your own father?

They are many and most include me being in trouble! Dad’s integrity and personal qualities are standout for me. He is a hard working, simple, steadfast man.

Something he taught you that you treasure?

He would encourage us to polish our shoes. He would say “how can you tell a well dressed man? he’s the one with the shine on his shoes.” I have my two clean their shoes everyday. They don’t like to then again neither did i!

Explore the Father's Day Edit


Square Frame Blue Lens Logo Sunglasses
Amiri

Square Frame Blue Lens Logo Sunglasses

$755
Gold Man Eau De Parfum
Amouage

Gold Man Eau De Parfum

$479
VLTN Navy Logo Print Zipped Cardholder
Valentino

VLTN Navy Logo Print Zipped Cardholder

$430
Self Tanning Serum 30ml
The Grey

Self Tanning Serum 30ml

$95
Barocco Print Silk Dressing Gown
Versace

Barocco Print Silk Dressing Gown

$2,200
Tobacco Oud Eau De Parfum 50ml
Tom Ford

Tobacco Oud Eau De Parfum 50ml

$340
White Cotton Boxer Briefs
Tom Ford

White Cotton Boxer Briefs

$99
Black Logo Embossed Pool Slides
Amiri

Black Logo Embossed Pool Slides

$425

Explore the Father's Day Edit


Square Frame Blue Lens Logo Sunglasses
Amiri

Square Frame Blue Lens Logo Sunglasses

$755
Gold Man Eau De Parfum
Amouage

Gold Man Eau De Parfum

$479
VLTN Navy Logo Print Zipped Cardholder
Valentino

VLTN Navy Logo Print Zipped Cardholder

$430
Self Tanning Serum 30ml
The Grey

Self Tanning Serum 30ml

$95
Barocco Print Silk Dressing Gown
Versace

Barocco Print Silk Dressing Gown

$2,200
Tobacco Oud Eau De Parfum 50ml
Tom Ford

Tobacco Oud Eau De Parfum 50ml

$340
White Cotton Boxer Briefs
Tom Ford

White Cotton Boxer Briefs

$99
Black Logo Embossed Pool Slides
Amiri

Black Logo Embossed Pool Slides

$425

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