Self-confessed full-time Lifestyler and part-time Surf Shop Assistant, Matt Berry is also studying to become a shoemaker - a perfect fit for the Northern Beaches surfer who has always had a passion for fashion.

We had a chat to find out how Matt came to be a shoe designer in the making...

"I have always had a mild addiction to shoes, clothing and accessories.  I found myself working 9-5 straight after school finished and I had no ambitions.  I wasn't the brightest at academic subjects at school, but found out that I have skills in design and drawing.  So as I looked around I came across shoe making!!!  I was intrigued, paid for the course right then and there and it is the best thing I have done to date.

"I'll finish my studies this year and at first the plan was to start my own company designing and hand making bespoke shoes, but it is the most niche market. I would love to do that when I'm older and have a greater knowledge of the industry.  I know that it will be beneficial to start off under a well established company, allowing me to gain knowledge and contacts.  I love to design so, a designers job in a company would be so good!

"I feel I have my own style and don't fit into a stereotype…(but I probably do!!!) I pride myself on my sense of fashion and style haha... but seriously, I just dress how I want to.  I am frothing on a surfer called Otis Carey. Best surf style around. Same with Ozzy Wright. Amazing. I also love the old James Dean style. He is and will forever be the man when it come to classic 50's style. Leather jackets, white shirt, riding boots. And motorcycles and porches. Oh man. Sick!!!!!

It's a role that seems is a perfect fit for Matt - combining his interests in surfing, travel, music and fashion.

"After I finish my course I want to travel and tick off all the tourist destinations - Dapto, Umina, Darwin & Bondi. Hahaha! I just wanna head to Europe and live it up. Soak up the culture with some wine & cheese tastings, wearing my Beret and driving my Vespa! I also love surfing Hawaii. Not much can beat the Hawaiian Islands, but my home break Suck Rock at Mona is definitely up there. 

And his other passions?

"I'm super picky with my music, but I'm lovin some Deep House and lo-fi Surf punk - haha - if that is even a genre? I love the movies. Midnight in Paris, Empire Records, and Tron are my favs. And food - there is nothing better than a Bento Box and Asahi to wash it down.

And what's caught your eye from the Urge range?

"The Charlie. No matter what colour it is, or what you're wearing, they are such a gem and go with everything. And the Sonic backpack. There are just so many little pockets and it seems to fit everything you want in it perfectly! Spot on for my trip at the end of the year!!!

Although Sydney has been graced with fun waves and awesome weather the past couple of weeks, I felt I needed a change of scenery..... and what better place than the Sunshine Coast. With really good waves and weather forecasted for the Coast, I knew it was going to be a fun week ahead. And it was just that! We scored fun uncrowded waves, shot some photos, ate HEAPS of chocolate and drank some beers. The whole time being surrounded by good friends. Hope you guys shared the same experiences over your Easter break.

Happy Easter!!!

Nick Riley

What made you want to do something to help out?  We saw a need to further connect young people with charity so we went off and explored it. Doing ‘good’ is incredibly rewarding and we all want to feel fulfilled with the work we are doing.

How long have you guys been doing this for?  Just over a year 

How did you get started?  I wrote the idea down on a piece of paper…then called my mates…called some bands…found a venue…held a party and realised….hmmmmmm this could work.

And what’s the response been like?  It’s been great. Big crowds that are always on the rise, and aligning ourselves with some great companies highlights the response that we have had and are having.

Best experiences along the way?  This would have to be going to South Africa as part of our last project. Being there, on the ground really brought it all home as to why I give time to this kind of work. I mean…what if I could travel to places like that for a job. It’s those kind of experiences that shape who we are.  

Any funny experiences?  So many funny experiences. I guess seeing all my man friends decked out in makeup out our events is quite humorous. At our last party it was a ball to hang out with the lads from New Navy and Rapids….they brought stacks of laughs for us. 

What’s next?  Our next party is Major Raiser’s Music Outback Foundation Party on May 5^th at The Beach Road in Bondi. We have put together a killer line-up with Mitzi, Glass Towers, Toucan, Colour Coding, Lancelot, Conics and more. We will be partying our asses off for The Music Outback Foundation who give indigenous youths in remote areas of the country musical and educational opportunities.

Tickets on sale now through Moshtix