For the fashion-forward man, looking chic 24/7 is easy with the plethora of Australian menswear designers to choose from. Each marque has its own signature style to suit every personal aesthetic. Whether you’re out and about on the street, grabbing dinner or dressing down on Casual Fridays, these are the brands to turn to for the latest off-duty looks.
Chris Ran Lin
As winter approaches and the mercury drops, it’s a good idea to rug up with an extra woollen layer. But forget basic jumpers and bland cardigans – home-grown brand Chris Ran Lin is a testament to the infinite possibilities of knitwear. The eponymous Chinese-born designer is based in Melbourne, where his unique label debuted in 2013.
The brand crafts luxurious knits to keep you toasty – with a twist. Colourful threads are woven into fanciful pieces featuring beading and hand embroidery. Find chunky, sculpture-like silhouettes, pops of zigzagged colour, solid shades ranging from buttercup yellow to wine red and jumpers adorned with masses of braided tendrils.
Ex Infinitas
For a light-hearted take on fashion, Ex Infinitas takes urban streetwear to the next level with an array of fun designs featuring bright colours and unabashedly bold slogans, statement prints and graphics.
Founder Lukas Vincent, who currently resides in Paris, was brought up by the beach in Melbourne. It’s this diverse background which has led to the label’s unlikely marriage between 70s surf culture and modern punk aesthetics.
The designer has cited Australian bogan culture as the inspiration behind his collections, which feature trendy upscale renditions of a streetwear style usually considered distasteful. The eclectic designs range from fluorescent hoodies to pinstriped flared jeans for a casual-yet-tailored look. Vincent’s work has turned heads in the fashion world, earning him the title of GQ’s 2017 Australian Designer of the Year, as well as the prestigious 2016/17 International Woolmark Prize.
NON-TYPE
Gareth Moody and George Gorrow cut their teeth at beloved Australian denim label Ksubi, which the pair helped co-found, before launching NON-TYPE.
It’s a luxury surf brand with a difference – as the name suggests, NON-TYPE rejects labels and genres, drawing the focus away from trends to think outside the box. The collection consists of modernist and minimalist staples in neutral colours, namely black, white and khaki.
There’s a feel-good message and an emphasis on comfort, simplicity and slow living. Their only brick-and-mortar store is located in Bali, but Australian shoppers can head to the online store, where you can get everything from linen suits to tailored board shorts.
Chronicles of Never
With its gothic vibes and dark ensembles, this brand is perfect for those with a penchant for an all-black wardrobe. The prolific Gareth Moody also helms Chronicles of Never, a solo project which marks his departure from Ksubi. Minimalism, androgyny, and rebelliousness are the hallmarks of this mysterious label which dabbles in clothing, shoes, eyewear, and jewellery.
Get your perfect fit with their selection of bespoke leather jackets, which are made to order from a choice of 10 designs. The brand’s other projects include a small collection of leather boots, an offshoot denim range called Black Noise White Rain, a sunglasses collaboration with musician Daniel Johns and a Harrolds-exclusive collection of minimalist clothing.
By Jennifer Luu