VAN HEUSEN ALL-STAR MENTORS – Billy Slater, Richard Roxburgh, Nazeem Hussain and Curtis Mc Grath

Van Heusen began as a small family business in 1881 in Pottsville Pennsylvania USA, owned and operated by the Phillips family. Van Heusen prides itself on attention to detail, producing practical and stylish menswear that remains timeless.

Photography Sam Tabone


About Van Heusen: The Van Heusen brand has been owned worldwide by PVH Corp. since 2001. Van Heusen products cover a broad range of categories, including men’s, women’s and children’s dress wear, sportswear and accessories, and are distributed in both department stores and in over 400 Van Heusen stores in 75 territories worldwide.

“I think resilience is something that the youth of this day and age don’t have a lot of. Everyone wants instant success but unfortunately, you have to work hard to be successful. You’re going to have setbacks but you just have to understand that and have a willingness to work through it. Always remember, if the door doesn’t open, be willing to kick it down and walk through it yourself.” Billy Slater

Billy Slater

Melbourne’s leading sport stars, tastemakers and men of influence were treated to a night of life and style advice from the new Van Heusen Mentors, Australian Actor and producer, Richard Roxburgh, Comedian Nazeem Hussain, Paralympian and Invictus Games Ambassador Curtis McGrath and NRL great, Billy Slater at King and Godfree’s iconic rooftop, Johnny’s Green Room last night.

Shaun Birley

Australian Actresses Sharon Joel and Nicole Chamoun, reality star’s Lee Elliott and Tim Robards along with Hawthorn’s Jaeger O’Meara enjoyed the striking Melbourne sunset, whisky cocktails as each Mentor spoke of their path to success – from how they’ve navigated their career highs and lows to their approach on life and what drives them to remain leaders in their field.

Tim Robards

The audience celebrated the third year of the Van Heusen Mentors campaign, which, continues to resonate with Australian men due to the balance of style, substance and humour. This year’s Mentors echoed the sentiments of previous Mentors including surfing champ, Mick Fanning, NSW Australian of the Year, Kurt Fearnley and AFL Star Cyril Rioli – with all agreeing that the key to success is a simple one.

Lee Elliott

“Treat people in both your personal and professional life with respect. It’sthe simplest thing but it’s so important. I find it a shame that I now walk into a makeup van and there is a sign on the door that mentions sexual etiquette – the fact that we even have to have a sign about sexual etiquette is really hard to digest.” Richard Roxburgh

Richard Roxburgh

Ex-Australian military member turned Olympic Paralympian, Curtis McGrath, touched on his army experience and the power of group participation; “I’ve been in a plane flying back from Afghanistan and I was the only non-American on that plane and there were two guys at the front of the plane having surgery. Seeing the cost and to witness the impact of what you’re part of every day is eye-opening and shocking at the same time. I think for Prince Harry to start The Invictus Games and to have someone like him as part of the team and support what servicemen do is truly inspiring. Being involved in an event that’s not about winning but participation, comradery and a celebration of success is very different to winning a gold medal – it’s about enjoying what you’re doing.”

Billy Slater, Richard Roxburgh, Nazeem Hussain and Curtis Mc Grath

Nazeem Hussain went on to express the importance of having a positive ole model in your life. “My mother was always such a strong woman and we were encouraged to always smile and have a positive attitude. I just think no matter how bad things are if you can smile it makes a difference.”
Whilst Billy Slater went on to say “Being in the public eye and having kids who look up to you, means you have to accept a certain amount of responsibility. I feel very privileged to be in a position where I can influencer others – that’s the kind of person I am.”

“Last night was a celebration of our new Van Heusen Mentors and their inspiring stories and life learnings, providing the ultimate guide for success for Australian men,” says Janine Buckman, Marketing Manager, Van Heusen. “We are proud to give our customers access to such incredible Australian talent.”


Van Heusen is available at Myer, David Jones, Van Heusen retail stores and online http://www.vanheusen.com.au/

PR Ebanny Dwyer Ebanny@nacmedia-group.com http://nacmedia.com/
Photography Sam Tabone https://www.instagram.com/thealistphotographers/