Hey, I Like Your Style! Actor Tiaki Teremoana on thrift shop hauls and Chloe Sevigny “always”

“There’s an endless, ongoing pool of under five dollar pieces floating through my wardrobe.”

We know personal style is a journey (I’m looking at you, Tumblr years) and our series Hey, I Like Your Style! dives into the fashion psyche of our favourite creatives. We’re talking the good, the bad and the 2007.

While the internet has made our fashion icons feel closer than ever before, even the most effortless of outfits came from a closet with some (well-dressed) skeletons. Clickable product tags, photo archives and lives chronicled in 30-second clips just don’t tell the full story.

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There’s a certain brilliance in the way we choose to express ourselves, and at FJ, we know every outfit has a story. This week, we’re taking a look inside the wardrobe of Melbourne-based actor and multi-hyphenate, Tiaki Teremoana.

Born and raised in Aotearoa, Tiaki’s personal style has been shaped by formative years in the Christchurch punk scene and the last decade living in Naarm, immersed in the city’s vibrant music community. Think lots of denim, well-worn leather and irreplaceable band tees.

But that’s not to say he doesn’t enjoy an excuse to dress up. Earlier this year, he attended Sundance Film Festival (in bloomers no less) and just last month, he swapped merch tees and jeans for a YSL button-up and boxy culottes at the opening night of Melbourne International Film Festival. Tiaki stars in Stranger Brother, the Sundance-selected Australian short film by emerging director Annelise Hickey. In the film, he plays Adam, a queer Polynesian man who leaves his roots behind to pursue a hedonistic life in Melbourne.

Despite Stranger Brother being his first acting role, Tiaki’s natural talent on the big screen is undeniable. Beyond acting, he also has an enviable knack for sniffing out the best op shops. Below, he shares his enduring style influences and the secret thrifting spots in Naarm that never miss.

Fashion Journal: Hey Tiaki! Tell me about yourself and what you like to wear.

Tiaki: I hesitantly title myself as an actor and religiously am a musician. I also work a nine to five at a Workers Union here in Melbourne. Multi-industrial you could say. As for fashion, I’m a total sucker for the classics: leather, mohair, vintage, denim, you name it!

What has your style evolution looked like?

Emo stripes and hoodies under flannel shirts were my go-to’s in high school. That all changed moving to Naarm, where fashion always has a head start compared to Aotearoa. Now being in my thirties, my style is a little more refined and grown up, you could say, with more collared shirts and tailored pants. However I have moments of nostalgic weakness.

Do you remember the first clothing item you owned that made an impact on you? 

My very first leather jacket from Toff’s $2 Op Shop in Christchurch, way back when (2007?) before I had any idea what inflation was. I wore the hell out of that jacket in high school.

Take us back to your awkward teenage years. What was inspiring your style at the time, and do you have any fashion regrets? 

God, I was always drawn to a punk aesthetic – the US skramz [screamo] scene of the ’90s, the underground music scene in Christchurch – it was a real mixed bag. Lots of cut-up denim, thrifted woollen jumpers, Chuck Taylors, Vans. Big influences were Cole Mohr, Ash Stymest, Harmony Korine – but maybe these were all just guys I wanted to [redacted].

What are the ‘investment pieces’ in your wardrobe, or items that have stood the test of time? 

They’re all mostly thrifted pieces I’ve found over the years or things that are borderline hideous – my mohair padded cardigan, my cropped vintage leather jacket, Steve Madden rhinestone flats, Johnny Reb motorcycle boots – my one of a kinds. Oh and my hideous extra large gold leather tote from Goodwill in Brooklyn, New York. She’s a real keeper!

What are the most expensive and least expensive items in your wardrobe? 

I’m not a big spender on clothing. My most expensive item is probably my Climax Books tee I got in New York. Only due to the conversion rate lol. As for the cheapest, there’s an endless ongoing pool of under five dollar pieces floating through my wardrobe, all sourced from either Uniting Brunswick, Brotherhood on Lygon Street or this Salvos in Morrabbin. Secret’s out.  

What is the most meaningful fashion piece you own?

Definitely my Stacey Nishimoto bloomers. Timeless and priceless. Stacey gifted me them for my Sundance debut earlier this year – I had about 40 minutes to get from LAX to Central District and then back, all before my flight to Salt Lake City. She saved my ass. Love you Stace!

Who or what influences your style today? 

Chloe Sevigny, Chloe Sevigny, Chloe Sevigny. Always girls, always her. She’s so glamorous while keeping it totally urban and relevant. Boots or flats and cool shorts. Found pieces with some cool sunglasses. Eyebrows brushed. Ugh, everything.

Tell me about the last time you felt really great in an outfit for a special occasion. 

MIFF 2025 opening night. I wore a Kenzo blazer, YSL button-up and these amazing boxy culottes that my friend Rainbow let me borrow. I felt awesome. That reminds me, I have to give them back…

What item of clothing gives you the ick?

Call me a hater but I will never support the white singlet and jorts look. You wouldn’t catch me dead in that. 

What fashion piece are you keeping in your closet despite being ‘out of trend’?

All my busted, torn-up band T-shirts that’ve stood the test of time. Most of them were gifted to me and would be pretty hard to find today. Not only hard to find but quite ill-fitting 15 years later. I will never let them go!

What are the wardrobe items you wear on repeat? 

My Visaya Hoffie lucky pants, Mannix Spell ‘Anger Is A Gift’ T-shirt, Niamh Galea sleepy boxers. Basically everything Danielle from Distal Phalanx convinces me to buy.

Who are your favourite local designers?

Vissy Hoffie, Annie Enoka, Maroske Peech. Duh!

Keep up with Tiaki here.