Ksubi’s Creative Director Speaks On A/W ’13 Collection

Religion, infatuation and a poisonous fate are at the helm of ksubi’s Autumn/Winter 2013 collection. Elements of royalty, heroism and the streets take a luxurious turn in “AD/BC”, the latest collection conceived by Creative Director Mikey Nolan. Central to the collection is a radiating crucifix, taking the form of a traditional ksubi cross –officially celebrating an undeniable, striking rebirth of +ksubi. Here, Mr. Nolan tells us a little bit more about his most recent collection.

Life+Times: What inspired this collection? What influences did you draw upon?
Mikey Nolan: The original inspiration for the movie was actually Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet film from 1996. Aesthetically it didn’t really end up there, but the idea of gangs, religion and romance were all central to the collection. We looked at baroque architecture which we liked for its grandeur, drama and rich surface treatments. The hero print story of the collection is an image by photographer Achim Bednorz of a Baroque altar in the Wieskirche in Bavaria, Germany.

L+T: What was it like shooting this look book? Why did you choose Montana?
MN: We shot the look book in a Chateau on the outskirts of Paris. We had a bit of an “all-home” team happening, with stylist Christine Centenera, photographer Darren Macdonald, models Vinnie from New Zealand and Montana, who we love!

L+T: What does this collection show regarding the line that is unique and different than collections of the past?
MN: ksubi collections are always print heavy. In this collection we were inspired by the rich surface treatments of Baroque architecture and we have used our art in more textural ways like embroidery, stamped velvet and studding.

L+T: The brand has maintained a prominence and relevance for many years. What do you consider its key to success and longevity?
MN: I think the brand has a strong mentality or worldview and has always stayed true to this.