In between photos Brett Lee makes himself comfortable on the seat of the shiny piano adorning the opulent lounge of Sydney's Le Meridien hotel. Guests wander past, unaware that the talented pianist reeling off tune after tune happens to be Australia's newest sporting hero.
Since he burst onto our screens in his test debut in 1999, 24-year old Brett has achieved superstar status both on and off the field.
His sporting prowess won him the coveted Sir Donald Bradman Young Player of the Year Award in 2000, and his surfie-blond good looks made cricket's newest pin-up boy a close runner-up in this year's Cleo Bachelor of the Year competition.
He's a talented musician with his own rock band and, more bizarrely, he's even had a greyhound named after him. It seems there is little Brett Lee can't conquer.
It's been a fairytale rise to fame, but the humble paceman from New South Wales is now embarking on a project that could see his name in lights for a very different reason.
The cricket star is about to launch his own label, Brett Lee, and hopes it will one day rival fashion giants such as Armani and Gucci
No stranger to the fashion world, Brett's latest venture is a passion close to his heart.
'I started working in fashion four years ago,' Brett explains.
'I was playing for Mosman and had to go into a local clothes store to be measured for my uniform.
'I'd been in and out of the shop quite a bit and the owner, Richard Bowman, offered me a job. 'It was a fantastic opportunity for me and really gave me a new focus aside from cricket. 'It's hard to hold down a job when you have to train every day, but Richard was really understanding. 'It really helped my cricket, and it meant I didn't have to watch Ricki Lake anymore,' he jokes.
His relationship with Barclays clothing store has gone from strength to strength, and when he's not representing Australia he still lends a hand behind the counter.
It's the loyalty his boss showed during Brett's tough times which sparked the idea to develop his own range to be showcased through Barclays.
'I go to the shop two or three times a week. The guys keep me grounded. It's my way of saying thanks for their support,' he says.
In between taking wickets and becoming one of the fastest bowlers in the world, Brett's been busy choosing designs, colours and cuts for the menswear label he launches on May 1.
Most of the range, which features smart casual wear, is manufactured in Australia and, in keeping with his own status, is 'bachelor proof'.
'I like clothes that are low maintenance. I'm not keen on washing and ironing, and I don't think most blokes are. I've chosen fabrics and clothes that take little to look good. No ironing required!
Like his latest venture, the star takes life in the limelight seriously.
The tragic suicide of a mate from his home town of Wollongong prompted Brett and his brother Shane, who also plays cricket for Australia, to be the faces of the ADRA New Day Foundation program, aimed at preventing teen suicide.
The Lees have helped to raise over $300,000.
'I lost a close friend a couple of years ago. It just happened, we don't know why,' he says sadly. 'We didn't see any signs - maybe if we had we could have helped him.
'Shane and I heard of ADRA and thought we'd help them out. If we can save one life it's worthwhile.
'I'm really proud of my involvement. I've been very lucky to come from a great family, but there's a lot of kids who haven't had the same opportunities.
'I take my position as a role model seriously. Being in the public eye you have to set a good example.
'I've had a couple of alcohol companies want to sponsor me, but I've turned them all down because I don't think it's the right look to portray. I think about things differently now to two years ago.'
Despite his legion of female fans, the golden boy of cricket is still very much a confirmed bachelor.
'Bachelor of the Year wasn't my idea. But I suppose you have to cash in while you can!' he laughs.
'I'm having a lot of fun. I wouldn't say I'm looking for love, but I'm definitely very single!
For the time being though, Brett is happy to concentrate on the two loves of his life: his clothes and his cricket. After he launches his range Brett will head off to England for the Ashes tour, his first since recovering from an elbow injury.
'Cricket will always be my priority, and I'd like to play as long as I can. I hope the clothing range expands and I have a solid business plan for the next five years, but I absolutely love my cricket. I'm so proud to play for Australia. It's the best thing ever!
- SUE SMETHURST