“How I end the work week generally depends on how I started it. And what I wear definitely has an impact.”

When you work in a creative role, it can be difficult to know how to dress for the day. Instead of a set uniform of crisp white shirts and tailored black pants (as much as I love both), an ever-changing schedule brings with it a series of questions each morning. Do I run around or just sit at my desk? Do I need to dress specifically for a project? And most importantly, will I be in the background of someone’s TikTok?

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This week, Ben Tambyah, the manager of Sucker’s Melbourne store, takes us through his work wardrobe. A typical week for Ben involves creating content (often on camera), unpacking deliveries, advising Sucker customers and balancing a number of social commitments after work. All of this means that his everyday outfits need to be both versatile and comfortable, whilst also representing Sucker’s brand choices in the best possible light and fitting in with his personal style. It’s a big task, but Ben makes it look easy.

Wednesday

Mondays and Tuesdays are my day off, so I start the week on Wednesday. How I end the work week generally depends on how I start it, and what I wear definitely has an impact. I prefer to dress clean for the first few days, as we usually have a bit of e-commerce and content (work) to do. On days when I have to be on camera, I wear my hair back and my shoes black. We just unpacked a delivery from Berlin-based Iden and I had to grab this Italian cardigan. I paired it with the virgin wool ‘Bellow’ trousers from our current Sucker collection. My new favorites, I know they’ll be getting a round of washing over the next few months.

Thursday

I knew I had to dress warmly today because I was heading out straight after work and it’s well known that the clearest days turn into the coldest nights here in Melbourne. This was a great excuse to finally put on our new wool cashmere jacket from the last collection. I’ve spent a lot of time on jackets over hoodies these winters so it was fulfilling to have made one myself. I can never go wrong with the Pseushi baggy jeans, I think I have all three colourways they made. After a day of camp prep, the final day was off to a mate’s in Carlton North for Thai food followed by a visit to Felix’s Fifty-five flower arrangements Exhibition at Earth Angels.

Friday

We’ve had some sunshine this week so I needed to get the shorts out and wear my hair down to spice up Friday. We designed these ‘Bellow’ shorts in the summer to be light and free-falling so I never thought I’d be able to bring them out in August but that’s the way it is. There’s no content or marketing for me today so I’ve really stuck to the ‘Casual Fridays’ theme. This long sleeve baggy top from our latest collection is designed for a relaxed, baggy shape which I think works with flowy bottoms. I tried to combine pops of colour with black, which I’ve never really done before so today was a test.

Saturday

Saturdays are arguably the best day to work at Sucker. Everyone is in a good mood (shopping mood), friends always stop by to say hello and for some reason it’s always sunny but I’m not complaining. I always try to bring some color into Saturdays, (use) uplifting tones for an uplifting day. My love of clothes, like most, came from discovering hidden treasures in thrift stores. I haven’t stopped browsing thrift stores, both the jacket and pants are from Savers. The six-foot big blue scarf is ours, it’s really what our winter collection is based on. (I) can’t go seven days without the Charles LeBrun hat. I decided to get another one in pink, thanks (Charles LeBrun owner) Georgia.

Sunday

It’s the end of a pretty good week. We’ve had a lot of deliveries from new labels overseas, it’s been a week with Sucker’s new collection and we’ve had the odd 20+ degree day here and there. On Sundays we stay open a little longer and I’m usually alone. I end up grabbing lunch from A1 Bakery, either there or Nico’s Sandwiches if there’s not a hectic line. Today is a day where I usually do a few more bits and pieces, answer a lot of emails and prepare collections for the girls’ inventory on Monday. On Sundays I have to play really chilled music for the clients, I know you know why. Aden and I have been listening to a lot of Kiwi dub and desert blues lately. Today I’m wearing a vintage cardigan from the thrift store and my favorite piece from our latest collection, the wool ‘Bellow’ trousers. I fall asleep on the couch in this outfit at 4:30pm.