‘Ksubi by Alice Hollywood’ is a Love Letter to the Bold Denim of the 00s

Australian streetwear legends Ksubi have tapped Southern California disruptor Shane Gonzales, through his cult couture outlet Alice Hollywood, to design a new limited-edition capsule collection dedicated to noughties denim. Titled ‘Ksubi by Alice Hollywood’, the collection offers a new take on the unashamed era of denim by bringing the punky slant of SoCal’s skate and moto culture Gonzales grew up around together with the luxurious spins on streetwear Ksubi is known for.

Both Ksubi and Gonzales have made names for themselves with their penchants for the unconventional, collapsing the boundaries between high fashion and streetwear. Where Ksubi placed its roots within Australia’s underground scenes, Shane has always looked to the grassroots for his designs, which were first popularised through his previous label, Midnight Studios, and now with Alice Hollywood. “We have followed Shane’s work for years and finally caught up last NYFW at his pop-up on LES,” explains Ksubi CEO Craig King, “One year later, we have teamed up on Greene Street to combine Shane’s unique aesthetic with Ksubi’s denim prowess to deliver a collaboration that merges our two worlds.” From underground concerts to the front row, the two brands have carved out their own space, so this collaboration feels almost inevitable.

The collection is displayed in an intimate campaign shot by LA-based photographer Neri, which evokes many familiar aspects of American youth culture, from the slow pace of life to the restless adolescent spirit. There’s a romantic air to the campaign, which highlights the boldness of the collection’s premium rigid sets, where Ksubi’s iconic Black Wax, Ivory and Punk Eternity Blue washes are cut into oversized Oh G denim jackets and relaxed, bootcut Toro jeans. Nods to the indie sleaze era of the early-00s appear in laser-cut leather appliqués in distinct graphic patterns as well as Alice Hollywood’s signature lighter clips. The fierce selection of denim is punctuated with boxy, heavyweight tees and a black vintage wash hoodie, which features exclusive artwork.

To top off the collection, Alice Hollywood’s signature caps are reimagined in Ksubi’s washes, bringing a fresh take on a piece that has recently become a subcultural status symbol. The hats are made all the more special with seasonal artwork made by both brands, which, when paired with other accessories like an exclusive bandana and leather belt, are filled with punk spirit. Inspired by the artwork for ‘Suicide is Painless’ by Manic Street Preachers, the latter two pieces are customised with a U.S. flag print.

“The aim of the collection was to bring the chaotic and in-your-face denim of the early 2000s back, and Ksubi was the right partner to do this,” says Shane, “Their story is ours in spirit, and together we made sure that each piece captured that over-the-top confidence that made fashion a statement back in those days.”

Available now, the capsule is the perfect love letter to an unapologetic era of style from two subcultural titans.