"Photographically, I've always enjoyed the portraiture of the era between wars. Subjects seem more self aware and early photography made the notion of having one's picture taken a glamorous status symbol if done to a professional standard. DIY photography was in its infancy of course.
In contrast to this I found some haunting images from the National Archive taken from plate glass negatives captured purely for the purpose of record by the record keepers at Long Bay Gaol. I was inspired by these beautiful portraits of the inmates from all levels of criminal practices, shot seemingly informally but carrying undeniable gravity.
With that as the base inspiration, the whole Movember thing got me noticing how many twentysomethings actually committed to their facial hair growth art with conviction far beyond the hype that comes round every November.
Considering that Movember is also known as contraception month because the significant partners do not always embrace the facial sprouting with the same enthusiasm, I was impressed that there are gentlemen young enough to not even be sporting a wrinkle, that wholeheartedly subscribe to the moustachioed and bearded code.
This got me onto a concept which I'll revisit later, but as these things go, the plan evolved. I went on to discover some gents from a Newtown barber Hawleywood's that go beyond a few period styling cues and live the look and lifestyle as much as modern times allow. No effort is spared in the details and these blokes don't just live the lifestyle, they carry it off with style.
By the way, only one of the subjects in these portraits is styled to the era, the others are wearing what they arrived in. They live the look full time.
You gotta admire the conviction and the effort in that."
Jayon
Stylist: Jan Edwards
Make-Up: Hillary Ho
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