Sydney photographer Myles Kalus shows us how it’s done.
In honor of MADE Sydney, our killer Fashion x Skate x Music event this November, we’re profiling some of Australia’s coolest creatives in our series, “Oi, Mate!” Get to know Sydney-based photographer Myles Kalus in our interview below as he drops some gems about Australia.
What are you working on right now?
Reviewing and strategizing how to make my street style documentary project more personal and relatable. I’ve gotten jaded and disappointed with what ‘street style’ has become in recent years.
What’s the best and worst thing about Australia?
BEST: The laid-back lifestyle.
WORST: Summer, and its subsequent bad smells, swarms of flies & roaches, public transport breakdowns, and the majority of people who say they love summer (they don’t actually). Most of them end up constantly complaining about the heat. It’s contradictory.
Who was your hero in high school?
My father. He worked insanely hard to bring the family out of poverty.
What are you most afraid of?
Total darkness. The twisted side of my imagination takes over and goes into overdrive when I’m in the dark, it frightens me. I have sleep with a table lamp on and have something that lights up with me at all times.
What is your proudest career moment to date?
Having my work recognized by an Australian governmental body as having historical importance to Australia.
Favorite fashion, skate or film spot in Sydney?
Waterloo skatepark. Perfect for skateboarders of all skill levels with a diverse set of obstacles.
Where do you look for inspiration in the city?
The Art Gallery of New South Wales. They’ve got an insane photobook and art collection.
What’s your most played song right now?
Kuukoku no Kyuoun by DIR EN GREY; my favorite band in the whole wide world.
Who is killing it right now in Australia’s creative scene that we should know about?
Yi Ng. I’ve never seen any stylist in Australia before her that styles the way she does. She mixes high fashion and streetwear so effortlessly.
Any rituals you swear by?
Tap wooden chopsticks twice on the table before splitting it. If it’s an equal split, you’ll have a good meal and the rest of your day will be fine and dandy. So far, so good.
What song makes you lose it at the club?
Any song from Nine Inch Nails.
Biggest pet peeve?
Chewing with mouth open and burping out loud. Hate them both equally.
Biggest turn on?
Lip biting with bold red lipstick on.
Favorite Sydney hangout?
Frankie’s Pizza by the Slice.
Favorite Sydney restaurant?
Mary’s Newtown.
Do you think you’d be a good rapper?
Not a chance in a world. I’m 99% sure I couldn’t rap to save my life if such situation arises.
Favorite Instagram account?
@magnumphotos. Instagram of the Gods of Photography
Any life hacks you want to share?
Use nail polish remover to clean shoes with white soles. Very effective. If you’ve accidentally marked something with a permanent marker and the surface isn’t an absorbent material, write over it with a whiteboard marker and it should wipe off. Alternatively, you can also use nail polish remover instead of a whiteboard marker. Buy less, buy better, buy clothes that will age well. They aren’t going to be new forever. Nail polish remover can’t make things new again.
Predict 2017’s biggest trend.
Photography: Myles Kalus / Street Style Australia
Get passes now to MADE Sydney on November 11-13 at Carriageworks to experience more of Sydney’s culture of fashion, skate and music here.
Tags: Australia, MADE, MADE SYDNEY, MYLES KALUS, OI MATE, PHOTOGRAPHER, STREET STYLE, STREET STYLE AUSTRALIA, SYDNEY, TRIBE