What are you Father’s Day plans for this year?

I think we’ll be doing what our family does best: sitting on my parents’ deck (either in the sunshine or with the outdoor heaters firing — we aren’t fussy) with some good food and some good wine, not moving until well into the evening. Then, we’ll put on one of dad’s favourite blues albums and have a boogie. Lunch is never just lunch with us.

How have the father figures in your life shaped your values, and who are they?

My dad, Bruce, is so, so kind. He’s a bit old school in that he’s very non-confrontational (unlike his daughter), but he has shown me that everyone’s opinions are worth listening to. He’s proof that kindness is more important than anything else. He has impeccable comedic timing, too, and has shown me that a well-timed bout of laughter can turn an entire day around.

What have you learned from a father figure about style? If anything!

Dad’s style is very classic. I grew up watching Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn (Mum’s choice) and old mysteries (Dad’s choice), so I think across the board those pop culture references have shaped my love of tailoring and a great suit. Beyond that, an oddly specific style lesson I’ve pinched from my father is to never shy away from a hat! My parents love going to the races year-round and Dad, a bit of a traditionalist, is almost always in a hat (which a lot of men shy away from today). I have him to thank for my love of millinery.

In your career, when have you turned to this role model, and why?

Many, many times. Dad spent his working life in corporate, but he was incredibly supportive when I told him I wanted to work in a creative field. That in mind, he’s quite methodical and pragmatic in the way that he problem solves, so he’s the best person to turn to when I need to talk through a problem. I have a suspicion that he secretly misses workplace politics too, so he’s always happy to lend an ear!

If you could gift an important man in your world anything from Harrolds this Father’s Day, what would it be? 

A classic Tom Ford black silk twill tie. I’ve always gifted dad beautiful ties when I’ve happened upon them. I’m getting married next year and I know he’s on the hunt for something timeless and special. This is the perfect finishing touch.

He’s proof that kindness is more important than anything else

What are your Father’s Day plans for this year?

My parents travel down to Melbourne a lot from the country, so for this Father’s Day I’m treating Dad to a nice long lunch at my restaurant, Ronnie’s. He feels the biggest in life there, he has his own seat and enjoys every minute of it.

How have the father figures in your life shaped your values, and who are they?

●      Ronnie: my father, shaped the most important values I have. The first is ‘family’; how to be there and make time for your family and to provide. That’s the biggest one. The second is to ‘be genuine’;To always stay true to who you are and be your authentic self no matter what. The third value he shaped was to always make the effort to be present in what you are doing. I attempt to uphold this by putting my phone away and having conversations with those people around me.

●      Paul Salter: Founder of Salter Brother – who taught me the value of time, how you spend it, and how you use it. Sometimes all we have is time and then sometimes, we don’t have it. The second value Paul shaped was to lead by example. This is how I strive to lead every day; I have lots of people working for me on the ground in various roles, so I try to be the best example they can look up to.

●      Angry Dad: is one of my best mates. We’re similar in a lot of aspects. He taught me the value of ‘self-care’ and what you do for yourself and the importance of doing things that will put you in the best position.

What have you learned from a father figure about style? If anything!

Well, I certainly haven’t learnt anything about style from my dad! There’s another guy who is big in my life: my therapist/business coach. He said first impressions always matter, and sometimes it’s not what you say but how you dress. Staying true to my style is wearing all black, but my ‘thing’ is a nice pair of shoes.

In your career, when have you turned to this role model, and why?

I’ve been very lucky in my career to have worked with and been mentored by incredibly accomplished restaurateurs and business powerhouses. Gordan Ramsay has been a big influence on how I approach my role today. He taught me more than just traditional cooking but so much about the business side of things and to be constantly evolving, learning, and creatively open, which is how I approach ETO Collective. Also, my dad Ronnie, and Paul have influenced my career, particularly in the way I choose to lead my team. I always want to empower my team and bring them on a journey in creating some exceptional culinary experiences. It’s just as important to me to show my team support — not just in the good times, but guidance through the tough times together as one collective family.

If you could gift an important man in your world anything from Harrolds this Father’s Day, what would it be? 

I’d love to get my Dad a pair of Alexander McQueen shoes…so he can dress more like me!

What have you learned from a father figure about style? If anything!

My Dad, like many Nigerian men, has amazing style. He’s unafraid of colour. He rocks colour-blocked looks, whether it’s red pants with a yellow jumper, or a green shirt with white pants.

In your career, when have you turned to this role model, and why?

I look to my dad, especially when it comes to work, taking risks, and backing myself. He leads by example and has expanded my thinking as to what’s possible in one person’s life. If I’m ever in a difficult spot with my business or my career, I always think about the tenacity and grit he’s had to have in his life and career, and that provides me with a strength and confidence. That’s quite powerful. It’s something that’s been passed down generationally, perhaps.

If you could gift an important man in your world anything from Harrolds this Father’s Day, what would it be?

Because we’re based in Melbourne, where it’s cold almost all year round, I’d gift my Dad this Acne Scarf in Red. He loves a scarf and loves colour, so this is the perfect fit.

My Dad, like many Nigerian men, has amazing style

What are your Father’s Day plans for this year?

This one is a bit tricky. My wife is Canadian and Father’s Day in Canada falls in June, which doesn’t really make a difference except that her birthday is on September 2. So, ever since I’ve been a father (this is my third Father’s Day), I’ve had to share it with my wife, who is still adjusting to sharing her birthday weekend with me. I always try to focus on her and her birthday, especially given that the previous two were in a lockdown.

How have the father figures in your life shaped your values, and who are they?

My father has been the most influential person in my life. I trust him with everything. He is my role model in business as well as how he guided me to be my best and pushed me to follow my dreams. He is why I came to Australia and pursued a Master’s in construction, and he’s the reason I became a developer. He is why I’m opening Stella Restaurant and Bar. He taught me the value of family above everything. Everything you do and everything you are is because of family.

What have you learned from a father figure about style? If anything!

If there is anything else that I could do in life, I would design clothes. Fashion has always been something that I truly love. For me, fashion is an extension of being a great developer. I love creating beautiful spaces, and this continues into my life through fashion. My father is someone who takes genuine pride in his appearance and culture, so dressing up for dinner is a daily occurrence. My father always taught me that fashion is not just about how you look: it’s the quality that counts, just like in his restaurant and in the food that we serve at Stella. The quality and the details are what make the difference, always. It elevates something from being good to being beautiful.

If you could gift an important man in your world anything from Harrolds this Father’s Day, what would it be?

For the man who is trying to build his wardrobe, this belt by Tom Ford is a staple, and for the man who already has everything, this organiser bag is a great addition to any wardrobe.

What are your Father’s Day plans for this year?

Dad’s on a Aussie outback road trip with Mum this Father’s Day (a trip they’ve been talking about for years), so I’m riding it solo. It will most likely consist of a FaceTime with them over in Broome, and I might go and spend some time with other family to catch up with other great father figures in my life.

How have the father figures in your life shaped your values, and who are they?

My dad has been the biggest role model in my life. If you know my dad, you know just how kind and loving he is. I don’t think he’s ever failed to make anyone laugh and he’s always known what to say in any situation. His love for his family and his work ethic have always amazed me for as long as I can remember. From all the things I did growing up (Irish dancing, musical theatre and cricket to name a few), I could always rely on my dad standing on the sidelines and cheering the loudest. I remember seeing how hard he worked at whatever he did, whether it was dairy farming, concreting or fishing. The man gives 110% every time at everything, I hoped to inherit his work ethic growing up.

What have you learned from a father figure about style? If anything!

My dad has always said “look after your cents and the dollars will count themselves”, but I’ve loosely translated this to “buy it nice or buy it twice”. Basically, don’t waste money on cheap stuff that won’t last. Instead, invest in nicer pieces that will see you through for years. Also, if ever in doubt on what to wear, wear something with a collar.

In your career, when have you turned to this role model, and why?

When my business partner and I found ourselves with the opportunity to launch Northbrook Agency, it was a big leap and a big gamble. I remember heading down to the farm in the lead up to Christmas 2020 and Dad could tell there was a lot on my mind. He told me to come with him to feed the cows and go for a walk with him. My dad has always been supportive of everything I do and everything I am, and this time was no different. I’m pretty sure the words went something like “just make sure you give it your best shot. Don’t waste the opportunity and whatever happens, your mum and I will always be here to help you in any way possible”. Dad’s support has never wavered and I’ve definitely noticed the relationship I have with my father has grown into a friendship as much as a father and role model. Also, shoutout to my business partner and best friend, Ben, who is becoming a father for the first time (in time for Father’s Day) and no doubt will be the best dad to his daughter.

If you could gift an important man in your world anything from Harrolds this Father’s Day, what would it be?

I’d love to gift dad a beautiful pair of Tom Ford sunglasses, I could see him cruising over the Nullarbor, windows down with mum with a smick pair of tortoiseshell specs on as they drive back home.