MM Friend: Rob Tennent

Rob Tennent describes himself as a queer photographer and artist. A creative born in Cambodia and now residing in Aotearoa.

A final year fashion student in Auckland, he likes to mine the slipstream of fashion and fetish.

For now, though, he’s focused on photography. “I'm actually just editing my second book, which is all about New Zealand summers and showing what life is like after COVID. But it’s all very gay,” he says.

We loved having Rob as part of our MM family and discussing his daily reads and what he has been loving as of late!

_ How do you begin your days?

I hate to sound basic, but I start every morning with an oat iced latte. I make this every morning, and then I’ll stand at my kitchen bench and check my emails. By the time I finish, I’d usually put on a podcast and make avo on toast or a tofu scramble. I am usually listening to The Read and The Friend Zone. The Read is a pop culture podcast hosted by two queer black New Yorkers. The Friend Zone is explores mental health, mental wealth and mental hygiene.

_ What advice do you have for living a more considered, simple, sustainable life? 

I am a minimalist, down to every aspect of my life. My room, my wardrobe, my life style. I believe in only buying into products you will love forever, and products that grow with you. A strong range of basics that are made to last. Zero waste is something I try to support. I have also been vegetarian and and dairy free for the last 4 years. I think that certainly makes a difference.

_ How is colour important to you and how does it influence your life?

Colour has the power to trigger different emotions. I believe in calm and kind colour palettes that are easy on the eyes. When you get the colour right on something, it’s extremely satisfying. I like muted and earth tones. My living space tends to be browns, greens and blues. As for wardrobe, I tend to stick to black, white and the odd pop of colour.

_ What have you been consuming of late?

I have been consuming a lot of M Scott Peck books on self help and psychotherapy. As for music, I have been listening to a lot of jazz, my friend Mana and I send each other a lot of jazz or piano instrumentals.  A song I am loving is Si Tu Vois Ma Mère by Sidney Bechet. I have a great playlist on Spotify called Salty Lips. As for brands, I love Curionoir who do these incredible candles. Emma Lewisham who creates the most luxurious skin care products and Paris Georgia which is a clothing brand that I think nails colour palettes every season.

Linens pictured in JULES, ZAC, WILLIAM and RAIFE 

Duvet pictured in JULES and WILLIAM, Pillowcases in ZAC and WILLIAM, Fitted Sheet in RAIFE

Designer you love: Dion Lee
Go to dinner: Sushi
Perfume: Terre D'Hermes
Photographer: Hugo Comte
Films: The Arrival