ABOUT

 

MNDATORY is an independent Australian designer menswear brand.  Inspired by the design philosophies of architect Louis Kahn, our aim is to build on wardrobe fundamentals through a transformative design approach.  Specialising in men’s outerwear and tailoring, MNDATORY releases two RTW collections per year, alongside a permanent made-to-measure tailoring service for Melbourne customers.  In merging contemporary ideas with classic silhouettes, MNDATORY offers an alternative perspective on menswear for the self-taught, well-versed innovator.

Since launching in 2016, MNDATORY has been named:

 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR, BRIAN HUYNH

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, MNDATORY

 

"What do you want, Brick?" And Brick says to you "I like an arch".  And if you say to Brick "Look, arches are expensive, and I can use a concrete lintel over you - what do you think of that, Brick?" Brick says "...I like an arch".

 

OUR AFFILIATIONS

MNDATORY is proud to be a member of the Australian Fashion Council, a not-for-profit organisation that exits to promote the growth of the textile & fashion industry in Australia.  The newly formed AFC, is the result of the 2018 merging of the former Council of Textile & Fashion, and Australian Fashion Chamber, who together share a history of over 65 years service to the industry.