Pedestrian TV

Graz Mulcahy Interview For Bondi Style  November 17, 2009

A driving force behind AM and Ksubi eyewear and now has his own self-titled sunnies label, Graz. With a true cult following, Graz Mulcahy's sunglasses are in demand worldwide. Graz also graces the decks at many an A-List party.

Why are sunnies so important in the ‘Bondi wardrobe'? The sun is always shining in Bondi, haven't you seen the brochure?

What would be the most popular styles? The KMC for the men and the EDEN for the ladies: two key styles of mine.

Some people say you can tell a lot about a person by the shoes they wear or the bag they tote -what can you tell about a person by the sunnies they wear? Well, many would argue in this day and age sunglasses are far more form than function. People pay more attention to what they wear on their head than what they wear on their feet (some obsessive women aside). So in saying that, sunglasses definitely say more. People spend more time and effort on glasses, not only because they are on your head but because it's harder to find a good pair that fits, that not everyone has and that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

How did you get into eyewear design? And your own line? I've been designing stuff for a while. It just came as an idea. So many sunglasses; not very many good ones. It was a ‘meant to be' thing I think.

Tell me about your latest range. It was my first 100 percent solo project. I have collaborated with many people in the past, whether they be partners, another brand, or consulting. This is my first thing without other heads involved in any part of it. It's been great; the luxury of doing what I want, how I want. The results showed that I operate the best this way.

Do you feel your habitat influences your designs? Of course I soak in everything around me; that's what makes the landscape of my inspiration. I try to not make all of my influences and surrounds bias any particular geographical location or theme, but Bondi definitely has a lot to offer.

Describe the design and product development process - how do you go from original idea to finished product? Where does your design inspiration come from? First an idea; then a sketch. From that sketch it then goes into the computer. I develop a shape and then apply the appropriate measurements. Because my frames are made by hand they have to be cut from a sheet. So I do a front, top and side view with the specifications and then prepare the data for the factory. My inspiration comes from just about everything I do; everything is linked. How I feel, the work I do, the people who buy my designs - it's all in the same system.

Where can we find your sunnies? You have to look, but they are not too hard to find. They are in 10 stores in the world. Also I have a group of people that get first dibs on my frames. They are shown and offered firstly to a global community of people who are friends or fans of my designs; they are then released to a small number of stores.

Do you feel you compete with the major global brands? Yes and no. Yes because everyone has a choice and some of the global brands make great sunglasses and if no one bought mine then I wouldn't be able to do what I love. No, because I do it because I love it, not to make millions, so I don't really care if they sell more than me, or have bigger posters.

Would you like to expand your collection to other products in the future? If so, what? Most definitely, I've always had my eye on luggage, perhaps some shoes and definitely some domestic household items, light covers, cups, etc.

And if you weren't designing eyewear, you would be…? Dead.

Like a few other designers, you also DJ: what kind of music do you play/are you into? Everything. The last 5 songs I just played are Miles Davis, Faith No More, Larry Levan, Daft Punk and Wu Tang Clan.

What do you like most about living in Bondi? It's pretty carefree. There are some great cities and places in the world, but I've realised nothing compares to the Bondi area. It's pretty hassle free except the parking rangers. Trying to ruin people's little lives.

What do you think it will be like in 10-15 years' time? That's up to the council I guess. If I was a betting man I'd say that it'll either be like the Gold Coast (Queensland) or maybe the world is going to end before then in 2012 anyways…

Bondi Style is a self described "snapshot of life beyond the tourist clichés". An exploration of Sydney's most iconic suburb through streetscape photography, style snaps and candid interviews with local creatives and identities.

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