Tom Conway, I Like Your Style
What is “I like your style”? It’s the series in which we ask fashion lovers to share some of their favourite outfits and talk us through what inspires and influences the way they dress and shop. Then they nominate someone whose style they admire and so the style chain continues.
Isabelle Carson nominated Tāmaki Makaurau based creative Tom Conway.
Who is Tom?
I am 24 years old, born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau. I've grown up surrounded by fashion and studied fashion design at Massey University in Pōneke for 4 years. I am currently working for my parents at Kate Sylvester in production/logistics. I love clothes, cycling, cooking, native bush, and the ocean.
If you had to choose one song to represent your aesthetic, what would it be?
Maybe A.G. Cook's version of Crimson and Clover. I absolutely adore this song, and I feel like it represents my aesthetic because it's both classic and experimental. My style is very classic and tailored while also being high-energy and experimental.
What do you love about your style?
I love how my style has never dramatically changed; I still wear pieces from high school, and I’m proud of that. I love dressing for different occasions. I have a cycling uniform, a working uniform, a social uniform, and a cozy uniform. Within each category, I chop and change a lot, but for me, my style is like a mindset. It helps me become the person I want to be and do the things I want to do.
Who’s been the biggest influence on your style?
My mum has definitely been my biggest influence. She allowed me to experiment with my style from an early age. She’s very feminist, and all her clothes are designed for women, which has rubbed off on me. I like to make myself vulnerable through the way I dress, by wearing women's clothing while retaining certain degrees of comfortable masculinity.
My girlfriend, Isabelle, is also a huge influence. She’s incredibly well-read and researched in fashion, and she has introduced me to many ideas and designers. This has hugely influenced not only the way I dress but also how I think about getting dressed.
Has studying fashion design influenced the way you shop and/or dress?
Yes, my thinking around fashion and the apparel industry changed immensely. I became more aware of the labor and environmental impact required to make clothes, changing the way I shop. I now seek high-quality pieces or second-hand clothes that I know I’ll wear for ages. Through hours of meticulous sewing and pattern-making, I also developed a deep obsession with detail, craftsmanship, and silhouette.
What’s your most iconic fashion moment to date?
Wearing chainmail to the school ball was pretty iconic, but that was ages ago. I think my most iconic fashion moment in more recent years was probably when I designed some pleated shorts at uni. They’re such unique shorts, and people always have very strong reactions to them.
Is there a fashion designer or brand that you wear (or would like to wear) and think deserves more recognition?
Jacob Kalin is doing really cool things right now. He makes denim goods by hand with immense attention to detail and craftsmanship. I went to Caitlin Snell’s fashion show a few weeks ago, and I was transported to another world of beauty and whimsy. I also wear a lot of Kate Sylvester. Even though it’s designed for women, there are so many garments that work really well on men and I think more men should shop there.
What’s that one special piece that you wish was a part of your wardrobe? Why?
I’ve always wanted a nylon Prada necktie, and I will always want one. I hope one day I will get one. I love its combination of utility and luxury, and I’ve always wanted something designed by Miuccia Prada. Ideally, I would get one from a more recent collection so I can say Raf Simons also designed it.
Do you consume any fashion literature? If so, what would you recommend?
I read a lot of fashion literature at uni. I mostly enjoyed historical works about the evolution of fashion and gender before, during, and after the industrial revolution. In particular, I liked When Men Wore Muffs by H.P. Price and The Exquisite Slave by Helene E. Roberts. Both works explore notions of gender identity and dress. I also found a lot of inspiration in The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Nowadays, I don’t consume much fashion literature, but I draw inspiration from fictional media like novels—The Secret History by Donna Tartt, Piranesi by Susanna Clarke—and anime such as Cowboy Bebop, Death Note, and Akira.
What are some of your favorite stores in Tāmaki Makaurau?
I mostly wear second-hand, thrifted goods, and Kate Sylvester. I usually find good stuff at the eastern suburb op-shops, and if I have time, I like looking through any of the Savemarts.
Nominate someone you know for the next feature. Someone whose style you admire.
I nominate Jacob Kalin, Annabella Schnabel, or Gujin Chung.
Follow Tom on Instagram @tmcnwy
Interview by Yana Kulishenko
