Hey, I Like Your Style! Exploring the wardrobe of Australian model and ballet dancer, Sam Akins
WORDS BY CAIT EMMA BURKE
“I’ve always loved Pinterest – I always check my Board ‘Dress Myself’. It helps me to remember what my style identity is.”
We know personal style is a journey (I’m looking at you, Tumblr years), so we’ve introduced a new series Hey, I Like Your Style!, diving 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.
For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.
These are the stories behind the wardrobes, exploring how we develop our own personal style. There’s a brilliance behind the way we choose to express ourselves and at FJ, we know every outfit has a story.
This week, we’re taking a step inside the wardrobe of Australian ballet dancer and model, Sam Akins. As a creative who splits his time between Paris and Melbourne and has lived in New York, LA and the UK, the city Sam finds himself in has a tangible impact on his style.
With a penchant for high-quality pieces from labels like Acne Studios, Dion Lee, Bottega Veneta and Carhartt, Sam gravitates towards a blend of masculine and feminine styles – think crop tops with workwear pants or a suit with chunky heeled boots. Take a peek into his style evolution below.
Who are you and what do you like to wear?
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I’m Sam Akins. Sometimes, I wear clothing that is more ‘feminine’, and other times more ‘masculine’. Most times I’m a little bit both! Regardless, If I look good I feel good.
What has your style evolution looked like? Do you feel like you’ve gained confidence in the way you dress?
When I look back I think there’s been a little bit of a style journey to where I am today. Today, I am more confident in what I wear than ever. I’ve lived in several cities and each location has its fashion identity. Within each, I had to find my own. In Birmingham, I was younger and followed the crowd so I was kind of in my preppy era.
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In New York, I was in high school and I was more edgy with piercings, chokers and biker jackets. In LA I dressed to fit the laidback vibe in more chill pared-back clothing. In Melbourne, I entered my hipster era for sure. Lastly, Paris is where I found my style and my identity. A combination of time, coming of age and becoming comfortable with my body/sexuality has helped me identify what my style is.
Personal style is a journey. Have you ever felt like you needed to fit into a particular fashion box?
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I think I have adjusted my style to the cities/environments I’ve lived in, but never felt confined within certain parameters. For instance, for formal events, I have never worn a traditional tuxedo. I always opt for something that expresses who I am. Even if it’s a suit it usually has a different element about it. I have worked with some wonderful stylists lately.
I identify as a male, but I often feel more comfortable wearing more feminine clothing. I know my body well now and know what looks best on me and what feels best to me. Now, I love wearing something super masc with something super fem. I think this virtuosity shows in my personality a bit. Plus, if I can get away with wearing something a little sexier I will always choose that option!
Take us back to those awkward teenage years. Do you have any fashion regrets?
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Oh my. I don’t know if there are any regrets. I love looking back because we can always tell certain periods through our clothing. I mean… gotta love a choker, fake piercings, ripped jeans. Laughing and thinking about the boat shoes. I don’t miss skinny jeans at all. That is one article of clothing that never made me feel good.
What are the most expensive and least expensive items in your wardrobe?
The most expensive would probably be some of the bags or jewellery. I don’t shop a lot, but I do like to invest in long-lasting items. Quality clothing is important to me. The cheapest would be some of my thrifted T-shirts and pants, some of my shirts were for $3, and I have a $10 pair of jeans that I love.
What is the most meaningful fashion piece you own?
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My jewellery hands down. I only wear a few pieces, but each piece has a special story or memory. I wear two rings. My partner gave me the one on my left hand the first year we met. The other I got after my grandfather passed away last year. My gold necklaces are from my grandmother.
Who or what influences your style?
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This has changed so much. In high school, I would have said the Olsen twins. I guess I was a The Row girl before it was trendy. Then I went through a big Rihanna phase. Dua Lipa helped me fall in love with the play of colour and texture in my clothes.
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It’s really their stylists who interest me like Lorenzo Posocco, Marc Forne, and Maximilian for example. Also, I’ve always loved Pinterest – I always check my Board ‘Dress Myself’. It helps me to remember what my style identity is and makes clear the things that I like.
What fashion piece are you saving for right now?
I’m not really in a shopping phase at the moment, but there is a bag and a watch I have on my wishlist. Maybe in a few years or so we’ll see. I like to think about things for a while and let time pass to make sure it’s a good investment in multiple ways.
What are the wardrobe items you wear on repeat?
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I don’t have a large collection of clothes, but I’d say [I have] a quality collection which has taken me some time. I repeat a lot, and it feels good wearing things you love repeatedly. My Carhartt pants for sure! I probably will die in their pants. I love how baggy and just cool they are. You feel comfortable but stylish wearing their clothes. The quality is so good.
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My friends all know my Acne Studios puffer with the face on the back. It’s a lifesaver in winter. My Bottega Veneta boots were my dream shoes for a long time. Lastly, I’m always in a crop top at the moment. Whether it’s Dion Lee or a cut-up Hanes. I am truly in my crop era. I’ve stopped buying them and I’ve put the scissors away!
Who are your favourite local designers?
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In Melbourne, I love Incu and Goodbyes. I know they aren’t designers, but I always run to these stores the second I get off the plane. Stunning clothes and finds at both. Alpha 60 is also really cool!
You can keep up with Sam here.
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