On the Street with Max Claasen

Influenced by rock, punk and pop stars from across the decades, Blenheim hair stylist Max Claasen has a unique style that is expressed through custom-made pieces, prints, and of course, accessories.

What are you wearing today?

An oversized charcoal box tee from Hallensteins, white Obey Carpenter jeans from Overflow, Dr. Marten 1460 Pascal boots from CREW. Accessories are a black leather belt with silver eyelets from Glassons, G-Shock watch from Pascoes, Stolen Girlfriends Club silver shark teeth earrings and Scorpio wrist chain from Thomas’s and my Carhart military cross body bag from Farfetch (online) - I love this thing it’s indestructible.

What is your style? 

Individualism, loosely based on current fashion trends and styles. I enjoy a wide range of music genres and find my style influenced by rock, punk and pop stars. I really love contrasting oversized garments and form-fitting ones and I enjoy mixing basic neutrals with loud statement pieces.

What is most of your wardrobe made up of?   

Neutrals for mostly weaving into my work wardrobe as well as lots of sturdy versatile statement pieces. I have a lot of patterned Cuban-style shirts that are great as statement pieces, or even just to throw over the top of any basic outfit. I also own a lot of custom-made items from jewellery to hand-painted denim and shirts. I have a pretty big interest in shoes and I love sneakers, anything from a hi-top to a slip-on skate shoe. And obviously, everyone needs a good pair of boots. My pant rotation is made up of loose y2k cargo pants, Carpenter jeans and wide-leg black pants.

What are you loving at the moment?

I love a throwback. So anything from the 70s, 90s and early 2000s. I’m also a big fan of anything futuristic or ethereal.

What are you dressed for today?

Mostly work, but also for me. I try to express myself in any situation I can.

Where do you buy most of your clothes from?

I support local businesses as much as I can, but when I’m looking for something special or unique, I go online.

What is your approach to shopping?

If I can’t afford to purchase something I like I’ll usually have a go at making it myself, I’d rather miss the mark and be left with something unique than break the bank just to be like everyone else. I go for quality over quantity, I’ve still got clothes I’ve had for eight years that I wear every day.

Do you have any advice when it comes to shopping?

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Always try things on! Just because you think that’s your size or you think that’s gonna look great on you, check and make sure it actually does. Get a second opinion, it doesn’t matter what other people think, but sometimes it’s nice to have another point of view.

What is your all-time favourite purchase?

My custom beadsbymama necklace, or a G-Shock wristwatch - these are my go-to daily accessories.

What has been your worst clothing disaster? 

I have no idea. Although I’ve had my fair share of hair disasters... when I was 15 I tried to make my blue hair an ashy blonde and it ended up seaweed green. Long story short, I used to get suspended at school a lot.

What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?

Good sunglasses, they don’t have to be expensive, just strong. They are a great way to protect your eyes and make a statement. And anything custom, if you can’t afford to have it made, just do it yourself.

Do you have a style rule you always obey?

Accessorise, and accessorise again.

If you could raid one person’s wardrobe, who would it be?

Anybody from Måneskin. I love those sexy Italians.

Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…

Skinny jeans.