What prompted you to start Maiden Sydney? When did you begin the blog?

I started Maiden Sydney four and a half years ago with my best friend, Brooke Testoni. We were living together in Bondi and I was working for a magazine in fashion and Brooke was working for an Australia fashion label. It was an outlet for us, because there was only so much content that I could put in the magazine that I was working for and there was so much good content. It was quite disappointing to not be able to share it with an audience. Brooke had a really strong interest in graphic and design – she wanted to be more of the design side of it. I had no experience in that, so it was a match made in heaven really.

Tarra Wears Treviso in White Marble Sunglasses $95

You’ve also worked quite extensively in PR - how did you find yourself working in the industry?

I started working in PR just after turning nineteen. I learnt everything there. It was one of those sink or swim agencies. The director, who I worked closely with, taught me everything. That was my first step in and I loved it. I wasn’t from Sydney, so PR was a really good step into the fashion industry – I got to know the industry and the people. Later, I went into magazines. It was quite a nice transition that people don’t usually make – often it’s the other way around. I got into PR from taking that first step at reception, then PA to the creative director and then made my way up to a publicist.

Tarra Wears Selfie in Crystalline Prescription Glasses ($125)

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style forever evolves. I think I grow with age. Living in London for the past two and a half years has made a massive impact on how I dress. My lengths and hems are longer and I know that’s on-trend, but that’s also a maturity thing for me. I’m not so much about exposing – I’m more about the actual individual pieces and I think that’s something that has come with age. I still do like the fun side of it – I do inject a bit of colour, and prints here and there, but I do have my timeless, classic pieces that I’m now taking throughout each season.

When you’re selecting eyewear – what are some of the most important things to take into consideration?

When selecting eyewear, you need to know what your face shape is. And thankfully now, I think I have that covered. For my face, which is a little more round, because I do have that half-Asian background, I find that a circle frame quite suits me – I like to channel that Yoko Ono look. A thick cat-eye works well too. I think I have it down pat now and that’s what I look for. Prints I’m ok with, but much prefer a block colour or a transition in the frame.

Words By Our Guest Blogger: The Bonafide Bedfellows

Photos By: Tim Jones

Lester Wears Rostov in Midnight Black Sunglasses ($95)

You’ve been working in the media industry for some time. When did you start your own content platform, I Dig Your Sole Man? And what was the idea behind it?

Five years ago, I started I Dig Your Sole Man. The idea was a street blog that has a fresh approach. There are so many blogs out there that focus on sartorial, high-end fashion – nobody was really doing anything focusing on the grungier end of street fashion. It’s been a platform for the content I create – whether it’s stills or video and has opened up some great opportunities.

When were you able to make photography a viable career option?

I first started dabbling with photography a long, long time ago. It was a hobby I was really passionate about, but just couldn’t afford to do it  - buying film, and processing and developing. It wasn’t until maybe 10 years ago that I had enough disposable income to really start getting into it and it quickly went from being a hobby to people latching onto, not only my stills work, but my video work too.

Lester Wears Rostov in Midnight Black Sunglasses ($95)

I Dig Your Sole Man takes a close look at sneaker culture both here in Australia and internationally – how would you describe the current climate of sneaker fanaticism in Australia?

I think sneaker culture in Australia is booming at the moment. I think a lot of people would agree that for a long time sneaker culture and street fashion across the board was maybe lagging behind other territories. With Internet shopping and peoples desire to go and get what they can get beyond retail in Australia has really opened up the market. It’s a really exciting time.

And, if you could find the time to escape to any part of the world to shoot content?

If I could be shooting street culture anywhere in the world, I don’t think I could pick just one place. I’m from Europe – so London, Berlin, Paris appeals to me greatly. But then the US is such a dominant force. Tokyo would be amazing. Seoul represents the new Asia, which is really booming at the moment. Plus there is a good pun opportunity with I Dig Your Soul Man.

Bespecd Hamilton in Dark Tortoise Prescription Glasses ($95)

How would you describe your own style?

My own style is not very out there – I’m more comfortable wearing A.P.C. and Common Projects and brands like that, then say, Jeremy Scott. I’m more interested in other people. It’s not about what I wear and what I do.

And, when selecting eyewear – what is the most important aspect you look for?

Because I create visual content, eyesight is really important. I need to be able to see well to do my job. But then the other thing is you want to look good as well. To have companies that are creating good product, that not only works well, but also looks good – well, that’s fantastic.

Words By Our Guest Blogger: The Bonafide Bedfellows

Photos By: Tim Jones

Tania Wears Brooklyn Midnight Black prescription glasses ($95)

When did you first start the writing? And, how did it all begin?

I started the writing officially in 2012. That’s when I started the Instagram.

What prompted an interest in handwritten type?

My interest in type started from an early age. I’ve always loved communicating and handwriting I think, is one of the most effective ways, obviously, to do that. When I could actually officially communicate with people on a larger scale, that’s when it spurred me to keep going.

Tania wears Tribe Crystal Matte and Wood Prescription Glasses ($145)

the writing has found fans all over the world - ahem, P. Diddy. Were you expecting people to grasp onto it the way they have?

the writing has grown so fast and bigger than I could have imagined. I started a couple of years ago and now I have almost ninety thousand followers around the world that follow my words, and my writing. It blows my mind every single day.

And what has been a standout moment since beginning the writing?

The most exciting times I’ve found so far is being seen as an artist. The Cool Hunter had me on board for an installation (The Art Hunter) with a select few artists in March.

And I recently launched my first solo installation this year in Sydney. I think something happens when people just on my level recognize me… I was in New York and in Europe and people knowing my work there – that’s enough for me.

Tania Wears Oversize Amber Tortoise Sunglasses ($125)

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is just black and white. And red lips. Every single day. It just is what it is. And the writing is what I am – black and white. The colour, for me, is through the words.

And, when accessorizing your eyewear?

I like something that becomes a part of me, but then also creates a little bit of drama. So, something that’s just a little bit edgy, something that I can hide behind – something that just adds little bit extra to how I’m feeling that day. 

Words By Our Guest Blogger: The Bonafide Bedfellows

Photos By: Tim Jones

Want to know more? Check-out Tania's campaign or shop Tania's eyewear picks.

Jai wears Tribe in Black on Crystal with Wood prescription glasses ($145)

What prompted you to start Modern Alchemy?

I initially started Modern Alchemy as more of a personal thing – a series of photos that inspired me, I guess. Essentially, not directed at men’s fashion but with a few images here and there. I got a response out of that and thought I may as well take it as an opportunity to show men where to shop and dress.

Running your own blog has undoubtedly influenced your personal style. How would you describe your style?

My personal style is, I’d like to say, rugged. I like to wear a lot of basics. I don’t necessarily like big logos. I also like to wear jewellery.

And when you’re adding eyewear to the mix?

I like wacky sorts of things. I like a round frame. The lens is also very important to me.

Jai wears Limelight in Honey Tortoise Sunglasses ($125)

So what is it about Bondi that’s never seen you stray away from the beachside town?

I’ve lived in Bondi pretty much my whole life. I don’t know - you tend to get stuck here. You have everything you need. 

Words By Our Guest Blogger: The Bonafide Bedfellows

Photos By: Tim Jones

Want to know more? Check-out Jai's campaign or shop Jai's eyewear picks.

So who better to colab with to help us hunt them down and get the back story than the ever influential and stylish Ali Fleming from The Bonafide Bedfellows.  The go-to bible for everything fashion, art, music and lifestyle, The Bonafide Bedfellows is an online culture publication defined by the unique individuals it highlights and the quality imagery it features. In a webisphere of vacuous picture-led blogs, The Bonafide Bedfellows is rare in its editorial content of real substance.   

So did Ali hook us up? Did she ever. From Jai Stevens, model and curator of the hugely popular men’s fashion and lifestyle blog Modern Alchemy to the unbelievably talented and magnetic Tania DeBono of The Writing. Then there was photographer and ultimate sneaker freaker himself Lester Jones from I Dig Your Sole Man and the effortless Miss fashion herself Tarra Chong from Maiden Sydney.

As Ali got the dirt on our subjects, our favourite photographer and all-round legendary human Tim Jones captured them wearing their Bespecd frames and our man Lynden Foss filmed all the action.

Each of our Influentials have captured the hearts and minds of their individual audiences. They’ve carved out a place for themselves and we can’t wait to bring you their stories over the coming weeks.

So keep those Bespecd peepers watching this space.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more of The Influentials and check The Bonafide Bedfellows for the inside scoop. There's a sneak peek of the behind the scenes actions below.

Bespecd x

Ally Wears Montpellier Purple Snakeskin Prescription Glasses ($95)

Ally Wears Izumo Crystal Bloom Prescription Glasses ($95)

Ally Wears Bremen Turquoise Prescription Glasses ($95)