Jesse Arthars talks style, sport and his Hallensteins collab
Not many get to design for the brand that dressed them as a kid, but that's exactly where Jesse Arthars finds himself. The New Zealand-born rugby league star has spent recent seasons making his name on the field, while off it, he’s drawn to car culture, West Coast rap and a wardrobe that reflects both. His collaboration with Hallensteins channels his world into a collection that's unmistakably Jesse—beach-and-golf ready, car-inspired and built around the pieces he reaches for every day. Martha Brooke caught up with Jesse ahead of his move from Australia to France to talk personal style, tunnel fits, game-day playlists, and what it means to design for the label that dressed him first.
As a Kiwi living away from home, what do you miss most, and what are you always looking forward to when you come back?
Most of my family live in New Zealand, so I obviously miss them the most—it's always nice to go back and see everyone. I've got some childhood friends I like to catch up with too. And I miss the food a lot, especially a good pie!
In recent years, sportspeople have taken pre-game style more seriously, with tunnel fits and arrival photos becoming a sport in their own right. How much thought goes into what you walk in wearing and who in the squad takes it most seriously?
I'm a big fan of the tunnel fits and arriving in your own style. I've followed American sports for a long time now, and it's such a cool way for players to show off their personality—the fit becomes part of the whole thing. I reckon Australian and New Zealand sports could be more open to it, giving players the chance to follow suit and make it more mainstream over here. If we ever got the opportunity at the Bronx, boys like Ezra Mam, Hayze Perham and Jordan Riki would pull up in some nice fits.
Who's your biggest source of personal style inspiration, and has that changed as you've got older?
My style inspiration comes from myself. I enjoy finding new clothes or brands and mixing and matching to see what I like the look of. I think good style is just having confidence in yourself and what you put together, regardless of what other people think.
Hallensteins has been dressing Kiwi men for generations. How do you hope your collection adds to that?
It's been a lot of fun working with Hallensteins—I remember rocking their clothes as a youngster. With my collection, I hope people enjoy it. I chose the fits and pieces based on my everyday life and what I'd normally wear.
Tell us about the collection—inspiration, influences, favourite pieces.
The collection is very West Coast, very car-inspired. Car culture has been a big part of my life, and growing up I was always drawn to the West Coast culture through rap music and sports, so there are pieces like Dickies-style pants, beaters, and boxers. Moving to the Goldy, I had to throw in a pair of boardies too—that's all I wear in the summer over here. As for a favourite piece, I’d have to say the ’80s Classics tee. It’s a sentimental piece, with a graphic of my two cars—an ‘87 Fox Body and an ‘88 Bronco.
What's the go-to outfit that feels most Jesse Arthars? Almost an off-field uniform, if you will.
I designed the whole collection around my everyday life—beach and golf, basically. The boxers and tanks are the essentials; I live in them. From there it depends on the day: pleated shorts and a muscle tee if I'm keeping it casual, one of the polos if I'm hitting the course, or the boardies and hat if I'm heading for the beach.
How are you feeling about moving to France?
I'm super excited to be heading to France. I'm a big advocate for travelling, so the move suits me perfectly. I can't wait to embrace the culture, try some nice food, and start learning and speaking French.
What's coming with you that you can't leave behind?
Honestly? Not much—I'm travelling light. But those Hallensteins collab pieces are coming with me, no question; I'll pack as many as I can fit. My OG travel backpack's a non-negotiable too—it's been with me on every adventure, so it's not getting left behind. Golf clubs of course. And the PS5's tempting, so I can squad up with my brothers and mates back home.
What are your game-day rituals? What are you eating, listening to, doing before kick-off?
I'm pretty relaxed on game day—no set rituals; I just go with the flow. If we're on the road, I like to explore the city and find a nice place for breakfast or lunch, depending on what time we play. Do a bit of shopping, then grab a couple of hours' sleep before we head to the game. The music's always changing—some days it's rock and roll like AC/DC and Led Zeppelin, some days rap like Larry June and Freddie Gibbs, or reggaeton like Bad Bunny and Karol G.
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