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His sound might be millennial, but when it
comes to style, former Savage Garden-er Darren Hayes doesn't mind doing the time warp.
"I hunt around for eighty's t-shirts and things. Like this," he says, pulling on
an aged tee that reads: "This marriage is officially postponed due to football
season." Luckily for Hayes, 29, there are no nuptials on the horizon - given his
current schedule, the bride would have to wait longer that the hiatus emblazoned on his
chest. After eight years as singer and lyricist of internationally chart-topping pop duo
Savage Garden, with tis celebrity fan based - when the boys wanted Kirsten Dunset to star
in their "I knew I Love You" video clip, Hayes "just called her up and
said, "Would you be interested in doing a video"? She's like, 'I love your
music!" - Hayes decided late last year to strike it out solo. Now, with the release
of debut album Spin, which he also co-wrote and co-produced, the San Francisco-based
Brisbane boy is getting set for the beat to go faster. "Everything I am is on the
line. The rest of my career is on this record. I'm ready".
So what clothes are you buying now?
It's funny what I'm wearing in the video (clip) "Insatiable" is very rock and
roll, alot of it comes from this boutique in LA called Lords. It looks like the place
Lenny Kravitz must sleep and hang out in. It's kind of got an old-school, Led Zeppelin-y,
the Rolling Stones kind of vibe to it.
What's inspired this direction?
Probably because at the moment, where I'm at physically (and) emotionally, I'm pretty free
and easy. I definitely feel liberated - whether it be because I'm doing a solo record or
grew my hair out. I used to dye my hair black.
Is your hair naturally this colour?
There's some tips in it. It's a sandy blond and it's curly. No-one ever really knew that.
Whose style do you admire?
On a good day, Bono.
Why?
It's got a swagger to it, a confidence. He can put on a pair of sunglasses, and they're
absolutely over the top, and it just looks like he was born in them. Lenny Kravitz is one
of the most stylish people. And Jennifer Lopez - she always looks impeccable, incredible.
They're innately confident about who and what they are. I think there's lots of people who
look very uncomfortable when they walk down the red carpet because they're so stiff and
they're wearing something someone said they should. They just don't look like they own it.
How would you describe your style?
It's pretty urban. I love trainers. I'm into skate culture, so lots of cargo pants. When I
go out, I mix up stuff. I'll wear a dress shirt with gold thread through it, with a brand
new Prada leather jacket and beat-up jeans.
Any fashion obsessions?
Just classic tees and old jeans. Old Levi's like from '86 and '87. Some of the cuts are
really funny. What I'm liking in Sydney is Tsubi, amazing. I actually think I bought the
whole showroom.
Is there anything you'd never wear?
Most of the outfits I wore in Savage Garden, No, um, patent leather - apparently I did
that once in 1986 - polka dots and Stubbies.
Anything you've brought that's never seen daylight?
This shirt my manager made me buy from Gucci. It was ridiculous. It was part of their
rock-and-roll-glam collection. Let me describe this thing to you: it is silk, shinny,
champagne-coloured and it looks like something Little Ford Fauntleroy would have worn.
Cost me a couple of thousand dollars. I think I gave it away to someone recently, as a
joke.
What was your first major fashion purchase?
A Prada suit. It was like a techno fabric. Charcoal grey. It was three years old when I
gave it away.
Why did you have to have it?
Because it made my butt look really good (laughs)
Do you like shopping?
Yeah. I'm like every other guy though, I'm very specific. I get shopping fatigue
What do you do to relax? I hear you do yoga.
Big time. (For) two years now. I'm definitely not someone who runs the bubble bath or
books a massage, even though I wish I did. I can be a stress bean, so up-tight before I go
into a (yoga) class and then I come out and everything's great. I like to cook, even
though I'm terrible at it. I like to have dinner parties with up to four or five people
and just hang around my kitchen.
Do you have a fail-safe meal?
I just brought a barbeque grill. I am obsessed. My house is on the water, so I normally do
a lot of outdoor stuff. A friend of mine taught me this - we do a Hawaiian marinade for
chicken and (cook it as) shish kebabs on the grill. And then we make this amazing salad
with mango, almonds and raspberry vinaigrette dressing. I make out that I invented it, but
I didn't. I got it from a cookbook.
Any plans to move back to Australia?
I definitely want to. The thing is, I've bought a house in San Francisco, I've got my
Green card, my licence and all the bills come to that address, so it's kind of home to me.
I know what when I get older, I definitely want to be a daddy. I can't think o anywhere
else to raise (kids) than Australia.
Your turning 30 this year. How do you feel about that?
Great. I'm feeling more confident the older I get. I think I'm growing into my looks. When
I was younger, I was always too kind of girly and pretty. I really enjoy just looking like
a man. I say bring it on.
Quotes on photos:
- "(Fashion) is like a record collection or painting in your home - its something
you've chosen that reflects you," says Hayes, in YPV shirt and Calibre vest.
- Hayes reflects in Hugo cotton shirt, and glasses by Must Create.
- Hitting all the right notes in Roy sleeveless top and jeans, and Boulevard Work-shop
leather jacket.
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