MNDATORY

CREATIVE DIRECTOR, BRIAN HUYNH

The label’s founder Brian Huynh is committed to creating both ready-to-wear and made-to-measure offerings for his clients, recognising the need for innovation in menswear across both the Australian and global markets.

Whether it be a black merino tank top, or a bold pinstripe overcoat, MNDATORY represents an alternative design perspective for connoisseurs of conceptual innovation in the men’s fashion sphere.

Born and raised in Melbourne, Brian Huynh is the founder and Creative Director of MNDATORY. Whilst studying Optometry at the University of Melbourne, Brian realised his true vocation existed in fashion, design and more specifically menswear.

Brian went on to complete a Bachelor of Design, Majoring in Fashion at the Whitehouse Institute of Design (Melbourne campus). During this time, Brian also worked in menswear tailoring for 7 years; gaining a greater understanding of fit, whilst enhancing his practical skills in cutting and pattern-making.  Upon graduating, Brian worked in styling at prominent runway events, most notably for MYER and at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia for designers such as Toni Maticevski, By Johnny and Watson x Watson.

Recognising a market need for innovative menswear, Brian made the decision to start the MNDATORY label.  Drawing inspiration from his own personal life experiences and Louis Kahn’s ‘Conversation with a Brick’, Brian believes that good design is about honouring materials and understanding that every fabric has its own story to tell.

"I always source my fabric first and allow it to inform the design of the garment - it’s fundamentally a process of self-actualisation, not only for the fabric, but for me as a designer." Brian Huynh, Founder and Creative Director of MNDATORY