MAN OF THE MONTH: DR MATTHEW PETERS
Every month we like to shine a light on someone who helps shape the rhythm of our neighbourhood.
For April, it's Dr Matthew Peters, Specialist Plastic Surgeon and Director of Valley Plastic Surgery in Fortitude Valley. A long-time client, a good friend of Calexico Man, and someone whose approach to his craft is as considered as his approach to everything else.
Matt has built his career on precision, trust, and the kind of quiet attention to detail you only really appreciate when you're on the receiving end of it. Form and function, done properly. It's a philosophy that runs through his work, his home, and yes, his wardrobe.
We were lucky enough to get him out of scrubs for an afternoon to talk about the things that matter most. Family, good food, the places he returns to, and what he looks for when he invests in a piece that's going to stay with him.
Your approach to style feels really considered and hands-on, how does that carry through into your work?
I worked in menswear during med school and developed an appreciation for good style, quality, fit and design. In retrospect, it probably isn’t surprising that I subsequently landed in plastic surgery as everything we do focuses on form and function - how things look, and how things work. This approach transgresses into my life everywhere as it is the basis of good design - surgery, consulting, housing, cars, holidays, functions…. and clothes. Good quality clothes that are well made, look good, and work as intended - yep, deliberate and considered decision.
You’ve built a career around detail and trust. What does precision mean to you?
Precision, to me, is a standard of care that is considered, consistent and without fault. This requires a focus on detail. But it also requires an attentive and trust-focused working relationship that fosters good communication and early capture if any problems arise. Basics of any successful and rewarding venture for all parties involved.
Matthew is wearing the:
Maurizio Baldassari Navigli Swacket
AG Everett Jean in Sulfur Amber Dust
Santoni Carlos Loafer in Dark Brown Leather
When you have time off, what does a perfect day look like?
I have four kids and a great circle of close friends and family. Days off are spent with them, usually with good food, music, and wine.
If you could disappear somewhere for a while, where would you go, and why?
My heart is torn between Steamboat Colorado, New York, the wine regions of France, and Noosa. And my holiday schedule reflects that. Common across all four spots are my family, nature, good food and wine, and an enormous collection of memories that I love to expand upon with every visit. Which one though, at a push… Steamboat Colorado.
Matthew is wearing the:
Gran Sasso Crew Long Sleeve in Tobacco Brown
Citizens of Humanity London Denim in Dark Storm
Last meal, done right - what are you ordering, what are you drinking, and who’s at the table?
For years, Juanita (my wife) and I have hosted an annual lunch in Little Cove for our close friends and family. The last one was catered by Alan Dawes, involved 9 courses with paired wine flights, and then an outfit change for a black-tie dinner. Calexico styled everyone in attendance, from memory… It is such a fun day and involves so much coordination and effort. But I would happily see out the world after a day like that.
Matthew is wearing the:
Manto Gubbio Jacket in Military Green
Citizens Of Humanity London Slim Taper in Raven
We’ve styled you in Calexico Man, what do you look for when investing in a piece, and what does your wardrobe say about you?
I like good quality basics that I can build upon. Jacob Cohen jeans, AG t-shirts and shorts, and Frank & Eileen coloured shirts for example. Simple pieces that are timeless and last for years. Investing in unique shoes, belts, knitwear and jackets to then change it up allows me to have different looks for unique functions, and a bit of variety. What does this say about me? I appreciate simple things done well, and more interesting things to add some creativity. Story of my wardrobe, my life, and my job :)
Matt is the kind of man who makes precision feel personal.
Whether it's in the operating theatre, around a long lunch table in Little Cove, or picking out a pair of Jacob Cohens for the weekend, there's a thoughtfulness to everything he does. Simple things done well, with just enough creativity to keep it interesting.
Fortitude Valley is full of quietly brilliant people, and Matt is one of them. A surgeon, a father of four, a husband, a host, and a man who understands that good design, in all its forms, is worth the investment.
Next time you're in the Valley, you'll find him where the detail matters most.
Xx Nicky
Written by Admin Calexico
