From Elvis’ blue suede shoes to Hedi Slimane’s rock inspired work for Dior, music and fashion represent pop culture’s most enduring symbiotic relationship. It’s a link that Sydney label Saint Augustine Academy know intimately well. Since the label’s inception in 2002, designer Alvin Malano has outfitted the likes of MGMT, The Black Lips, The xx and Friendly Fires and as of earlier this week, a few acts from the touring Laneway festival.
But how do you convince musicians to visit your store? According to Manalo all you have to do is ask. “We just reach out to anyone we know who may be involved in bringing the bands in and sometimes it pays off.” he says. “I remember two years ago, we emailed Sydney Festival about Nick Cave and they kindly passed on his manager’s email. When we emailed about dressing Mr. Cave, guess who wrote back?”.
And the endorsements keep on coming. A few days back the label’s Surry Hills flagship welcomed a plethora of Laneway artists including members of Ariel Pink, Two Door Cinema Club, Beach House and Foals. “The guys from Two Door Cinema Club chose pieces for the NME Awards, which was really cool.” says Manalo. “Last year we did the same for The Horrors.”
But despite their male-heavy clientele (or perhaps in spite of it), it was the style of a Laneway frontwoman which impressed Manalo most. “Victoria from Beach House was hands down the coolest, she chose cropped tops and hot pants and also a onsie tux with leather lapels.” Check out the impromptu fittings below…
ARIEL PINK 
BEACH HOUSE
FOALS
TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB
