The land down under is not exactly the place that inspires images of high fashion. For many, perhaps for most of us who lack the imagination, Australia recalls picturesque scenes of the outback, of crocodiles, of the beach, and for fashion, surf shorts, surf shorts, and surf shorts. However, when Ksubi (now known as Tsubi) hit the scene, things changed, and their denim, has surprisingly became one of the label’s globally celebrated signatures. Gareth Moody is one of the founders of Ksubi, but broke free in 2005 and went solo with a dark, androgynous label, Chronicles of Never. The label has always been known for its brooding romantic qualities, drapey silhouettes and colorless palettes.

This season, Moody took a new direction with the label and detracted slightly from the signature Martin Margiela off-whiteness and decided to introduce some colors, as muted as they are in neutral browns, olives and reds. Another interesting point to note about Chronicles of Never’s Spring/Summer 2011 presentation is the lack of models– a very poltergeist presentation since the shadows on the walls clearly indicate that there is some kind of a human manifestation wearing the clothes (and no, we are not superstitious, we are sure it is a well-executed optical illusion). Regardless, according to Moody, the collection is inspired by Yves Klein’s image (shown below), “Le Saut dans le Vide (The Leap Into The Void)”. Perhaps an indication of a leap of faith taken by Moody in changing the design direction of the label, we can only say, Moody never fails to disappoint with deliberately distressed and tumbled leather, body-conscious yet comfortable silhouettes, and a sense of nonchalance that accompanies the effortless breezy looks. It is almost like they are designed for people who are disassociated from cares of this world– freaky as this may be.

Photography by: Rupert Tapper

Le Saut dans le Vide (The Leap Into The Void)