In Conversation: Matt Lennon on Style, Design, and the Details That Matter

There’s a quiet confidence in the way Matt Lennon approaches style. As SARAH & SEBASTIAN’s Global Head of Brand, his days span shaping campaigns, refining brand strategy, and collaborating on our philanthropic Xanthe Project initiative, yet it’s his eye for detail and love of design that truly anchor his work.

For our men’s collection campaign, he chose the National Gallery of Australia as the backdrop, drawn to its striking brutalist architecture and the dialogue it creates with the art inside. Here, Matt reflects on the influences shaping his aesthetic, from Tadao Ando’s concrete forms to the shifting colours of the natural world, and considers how jewellery is carving its place in the evolving language of modern masculinity.

Tell us a little bit about what you do at SARAH & SEBASTIAN

My days are filled with everything from art direction and campaign ideation to brand strategy and communications planning. I’m lucky to work with a great team, exploring new ideas and contributing to a creative direction for our brand that feels deeply aligned with my own sensibilities. I also work closely with our Creative Director, Sarah, and Head of Philanthropy, Phoebe, on the Xanthe Project, our initiative that supports ocean conservation, a cause I’m incredibly passionate about.

The National Gallery of Australia was chosen as the shoot location, what connection do you feel between the space and the SARAH & SEBASTIAN men’s collection?

I’ve always been quite obsessed with the NGA; it’s an extraordinary building, and I love the way its brutalist architecture interacts with the art it houses. I’ve spent many afternoons there, often making the trip from Sydney to see new exhibitions. I do think there’s a parallel between the building’s character and our men’s collection: the gallery has a certain masculinity to its external structure, but once inside, you discover nuance, intimacy, and a truly singular curation. Many of our pieces mirror this, too… the closer you look, the more detail and refinement you uncover.

“THE CLOSER YOU LOOK, THE MORE DETAIL AND REFINEMENT YOU UNCOVER.”

How does brutalist architecture resonate with your personal aesthetic?

I’ve always been drawn to brutalism. The designer Tadao Ando has been my number one since my first trip to Japan over a decade ago. He fuses the stark, geometric qualities of brutalism with the warmth and restraint of Japanese design. One of the most moving experiences I’ve ever had was in the Monet Room at the Chichu Art Museum, which Ando designed. The paintings are set in contemporary frames and bathed in natural light. There’s something extraordinary about seeing masterworks in such a modern, minimalist setting, it’s one of the few times I’ve been brought to tears in front of art.

“THERE’S SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY ABOUT SEEING MASTERWORKS IN SUCH A MODERN, MINIMALIST SETTING”

When it comes to men’s jewellery, do you prefer layering or wearing pieces solo? How do you decide?

 If a piece is bold, I like to give it room to breathe but with finer pieces, like delicate chains, layering can add dimension and interest. It’s all about creating balance without losing the individuality of each piece.

“IT’S ALL ABOUT CREATING BALANCE WITHOUT LOSING THE INDIVIDUALITY OF EACH PIECE.”

Which pieces from the men’s collection are you most drawn to, and why?

I wear my Lock Bangle every day, it was the first piece I purchased when I started to work with SARAH & SEBASTIAN and I don’t think I’ve taken it off since. 

Matt wears the Lock Bangle, the Traction Ring and the Traction Signet Ring.

What role does proportion, texture, and finish play in your jewellery styling?

I think proportion is everything, it sets the tone for how a piece interacts with what you’re wearing. Texture brings depth, and finish determines the mood. A matte finish can feel understated and architectural, while a high polish reads more classic and refined. Playing with those elements is what keeps styling interesting.

“I THINK PROPORTION IS EVERYTHING, IT SETS THE TONE FOR HOW A PIECE INTERACTS WITH WHAT YOU’RE WEARING.”

What influences — whether art, design, or fashion — are currently shaping your approach?

I’m constantly absorbing influences from art, music, film, and architecture, but nature is always my biggest inspiration. The structure of a shell, the shifting colours of a sunset, those patterns, tones and forms always seem to find their way into how I think creatively.

“NATURE IS ALWAYS MY BIGGEST INSPIRATION”

How does your work at SARAH & SEBASTIAN influence your personal style, and vice versa?

I’ve become far more attuned to jewellery since joining the brand… as you’d hope! I’ve always loved fashion, but working closely with our jewellers and seeing the craftsmanship involved has deepened my appreciation for design detail. There’s also something really special about being part of pieces that mark personal milestones for people.

Matt wears the Chase Signet Ring, the Traction Ring and the Pearl Piston Bracelet.

How do you think jewellery fits into the evolving conversation around modern masculinity?

I think men are increasingly seeing jewellery as an extension of self-expression rather than a status symbol. It’s becoming less about adhering to a set idea of “masculine” and more about wearing pieces that feel authentic, whether that’s a bold statement chain or something subtle and personal.

How do you see the role of jewellery in a man’s everyday wardrobe shifting over the next few years?

I think it’s moving toward a place of ease, where a man might reach for a necklace or bracelet in the same way he chooses a watch. It will become less of a special occasion accessory and more a part of daily ritual, layered into how we present ourselves every day.

“I THINK PROPORTION IS EVERYTHING, IT SETS THE TONE FOR HOW A PIECE INTERACTS WITH WHAT YOU’RE WEARING.”

If you could only wear one chain for the next year, which would it be?

It’s hard to choose just one, but I think the Bold Valentine Chain is pretty special. I’ve always liked marine-style links and a heavier weight. It’s a piece that I think I could quite easily work into every day looks but also dress up and layer when the occasion called for it.

Outside of jewellery, what object or item do you wear or carry daily that reflects your personality?

A photo of my cat, Aki on my phone’s . He’s the sweetest.