A look inside Nick Tsindos & TO HEAR COLOUR’s capsule collaboration

When I pulled up outside the new Maido coffee pop-up on Flinder’s street last Friday evening, people spilled out onto the sidewalk from the inside of the cafe. As they clutched their cans of Four Pillars Gin & Tonic, the chatter and laughter of the crowd warmed the crisp evening air.

Maido, the recently opened café brainchild of Provider Store and Artificer Coffee, was the venue for this evening’s festivities; the launch of Sydney’s latest capsule collection and accompanying photo book, TO HEAR COLOUR, created in collaboration with local photographer Nick Tsindos.

Tsindos has traveled the world capturing and exhibiting his photographic works, but the evening marked another expansion of his creative lexicon into the realm of fashion. Born from his latest project – a book of intimate, detail-oriented photographs – the collection was inspired by a combination of the creative eye of Tsindos and the sartorial aesthetic of TO HEAR COLOUR.

To mark this occasion, we spoke with Tsindos about the capsule collection and the sources of inspiration that underpinned it.

Photography by Noah Gallagher.

How did you and TO HEAR COLOR first hear about each other? What drew you to collaborate on something like this?

The co-founder, Noah, and I have been friends for many years, before TO HEAR COLOUR, when we both lived in Byron. Our friendship started with a Gumtree purchase – I sold Noah a camera! I have followed Noah and Marcus’ journey with the brand and have always been a supporter of what they do. So when Noah approached me with an idea to create something together, it was an easy yes!

What were some of the references or inspirations behind the collection and book design?

The book was something I originally created and was my main inspiration behind this collaboration. The image choices for the collection came straight from the book, and I suspect those choices came from what connected to the aesthetic of their brand. In terms of the design of the book, details like the size of the book were important to me, and I wanted it to feel like a notebook or diary – or something familiar and personal. The binding was also a small detail that I really worked on and is quite unique.

Photography by Noah Gallagher.

Do you have a favorite piece from the collection, or a favorite photo from the book?

I’m a grandma through and through, so I’d have to say the dish towels.

Why Intimacy down to the last detail? What is the meaning behind the name?

My work is very personal and always reflective, focusing on the exploration of intimacy and, I think, my relationship with it. The title just felt right for the book I was putting together, and it made sense for me to tie the collection to that.

Photos by Nick Tsindos from Intimacy down to the last detail.

Was this your first foray into fashion design? How much of the process felt like an intuitive extension of your photographic practice, and how much of it was brand new to you?

It was my first time. It was something I was always interested in, and with the support of Noah and Marcus, it felt like the right time to expand how I showcase my work. It was truly a collaboration, but they did most of the heavy lifting, which I’m super grateful for.

Why did the new Provider Store x Artificer pop-up space feel right about hosting this event?

Over the past four years I have worked closely with Tara, the founder and owner of Provider Store, specializing in creative, brand and marketing. So when Provider launched their new café space Maido, it only made sense to help christen the space and host the event there.

Tara has always been a great supporter of mine and yes, we are lucky to be able to support her. The event feels like a nice local union between Provider, Artificer, TO HEAR COLOR and even Four Pillars Gin jumping on board. We’re all Surry Hills residents!

You can now shop the collection on the TO HEAR COLOUR website.