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It's hard to believe that Head Designer Simon Lyssiotis relaunched his career only a year ago with menswear label Fontaine. After holidaying in Southern France, his focus had completely shifted.
Simon talks to us about how he hasn't looked back on his corporate background since and which city boasts the best risk takers in the land.
Background Check Simon Lyssiotis from Fontaine
Daily Labels Fontaine – how did it come to be?
Simon I had a concept for a fashion label while at university but felt I needed corporate experience. I quickly realised corporate Australia wasn’t for me – its many pitfalls I could never accept. On annual leave in 2010 in Southern France, I made a pact with myself to be happy, start a brand new career and be my own boss using my skills and talents. I have not looked back since.
Daily Labels Before Fontaine?
Simon I was working in corporate marketing and sales in fast moving consumer goods.
Daily Labels Any story behind the title of your label?
Simon Fontaine means fountain in French although this was not the motivation. I came across the name in an old novel. I just knew it was the name.
Daily Labels Greatest achievement since launching in 2011?
Simon I’ve achieved what I dreamed of achieving: a durable product of high quality, integrity and artistry. Fontaine being sold all around Australia has also been a success.
Daily Labels Your biggest challenge?
Simon Always finding inspiration for a new collection. When it hits, the wait is always very well worth the inspiration.
Daily Labels What you wish you knew before that you know now?
Simon Perhaps I had some misconceptions about how the fashion industry works, however, I feel we all have a very good handle on it now.
Daily Labels Your design inspirations?
Simon A unique narrative and theme told through artwork and colour. The aim of each collection is to be translated to another person’s life and experiences. We are often dealing with confronting issues and we want to challenge and inspire people with ideas and themes that can be interpretative. Our latest collection The Other Side of Midnight was influenced by concepts of the anti-stereotype, the fine line between solitude and isolation and the conquest for paradise through the seductive and destructive path of hell. After-dark desires and activity is something we are highlighting in this collection.
Daily Labels A typical day in production?
Simon It consists of a great deal of liaising between fabric suppliers, garment constructors and screen printers. It can get intense, but we are a very organised and efficient group of people. Days are planned in advance and timelines are well followed. We take our time in order to produce quality garments.
Daily Labels The perfect outfit on a man?
Simon This depends on seasons. In winter, trench coats and coats in shades of grey and brown accessorised with scarves and dark panama hats over an elegant cardigan, long sleeved top or printed tee. In warmer months, nothing beats a t-shirt with a cool pair of jeans. In especially hotter months, a fitted singlet and a pair of shorts.
Daily Labels The worst?
Simon Anything that is fad like. I don't believe in fad like fashions. Those silly little trends that you see the mass majority mimicking which are in and out in no time.
Daily Labels Your style icon?
Simon I'm a big fan of classic looks – Marlon Brando, James Dean, Paul Newman and Frank Sinatra. These guys were very sharp dressers yet had the elegance, talent and intrigue I believe makes an icon in any sense of the word. Men like Brando, Dean and Newman pulled off the fitted singlet perfectly. More contemporary examples would include George Clooney and Lenny Kravitz. Clooney is a well-dressed and talented gentleman. Kravitz has a more avant garde rockstar look to him that works really well.
Daily Labels Best male dressed city in Australia?
Simon I would have to say Melbourne. Melbourne men seem to take more risks than any other city I’ve seen. Yes, you do get the carbon-copy generic fads like you get anywhere, but there’s a good proportion of individualism. Men aren't afraid to dress how they want, even if it isn’t the current trend. I like a risk taker.
Daily Labels The way men dress in Australia is different to five years ago. Do you agree?
Simon I don't think it’s significantly different. I think if you were to compare it ten or even fifteen years ago, then yes. I think the big difference is a factor of risk taking because societal rules of how genders should behave have changed. Fortunately, more men these days are willing to abandon those constrictions and do as they please. It’s a great thing to see people dressing as they naturally feel inclined without worrying about what others will think. I love seeing people wearing something that is unique to their personality.
Daily Labels Any projects in the works that you can tell us about?
Simon None that I can discuss 
Daily Labels What does the future hold for Fontaine?
Simon Continuing to offer the high artistic and quality standards in t-shirts that our customers expect from us as well as expansion in other categories.
Daily Labels How do you spend your down time?
Simon With an exercise combination of weights, cardio and yoga plus cinema, literature and lots of time with loved ones.
Daily Labels Favourite hangout?
Simon Difficult question. Though the first thing that comes to mind is a beautiful ocean. Best thing in the world.
Daily Labels Where do you like to shop?
Simon Melbourne has some wonderful boutiques as with areas of Queensland and Perth. Internationally, you can’t beat Hong Kong, New York, Paris and Milan for all different sorts of items. I do have a preference for independent unique concept boutiques as well as classical haute couture.
Daily Labels Last meal that took your breath away?
Simon A simple meal in Barcelona on my last visit. It was a restaurant way out of the tourist district in a residential suburb. The main meal consisted of barbequed rabbit served with chickpeas and a side salad of cod, white beans and onions. Amazing.
Daily Labels Favourite piece from your collections?
Simon My favourites always change. Currently my favourite piece is Love Hangover from Chapter 3 of The Other Side of Midnight [pictured below]. For me, it perfectly captures the morning after a big night. The remnants of the evening swirl through the mind like an intoxicated kaleidoscope. For better or worse, the memories are singed into your mind and you will never be able to forget it.
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