Some might say there is safety in numbers, but Sydney-based designer Gareth Moody has proved that going solo also has its benefits.
The 32 year-old have had immense success ever since he decided to part with his mates in the super-trio Ksubi (formerly known as Tsubi).
In 2006, Gareth launched his own fashion label, Chronicles of Never.
Going solo meant having to compete with his former colleagues, but a non-competition clause was signed.
The agreement meant restricting Gareth’s creative juices to accessories, but as it turns out the designer’s drive to create his own brand resulted in great reviews.
His first jewellery range featured rings, necklaces and bracelets in a vast array of materials including brushed silver, black silver, brass, matt silver, and polished silver.
In its essence the range was androgynous and utilitarian. His purpose was to create a range that women want to see their boyfriends wear, but still giving men and women the opportunity to steal from their partner’s wardrobe.
Two years after cutting the cord with his former collaboration venture, Moody took the final step and sold his remaining shares in the company.
Finally, he was free to challenge the reign of Ksubi with a fully-fledged fashion label.
Chronicles of Never became known for its tone-on-tone use of black and pagan geometry. Who said math couldn’t be chic?
Source: Chronicles of Never
The surf-loving designer soon had the world at his feet with his clothes sold all over the world.
If that wasn’t impressive enough, the relatively young entrepreneur was recruited by General Pants Co and was allowed to create a range for the fashion giant.
Moody is unique in the sense that he doesn’t create his clothes and accessories based on trends - he sets them.
In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, Gareth said he doesn’t try to create clothes for others; he creates them for himself based on his personal preferences.
In contrast to the many Aussies that decide to wear thongs and shorts, he prefers the more simple, but eclectic styles. Not to mention pants and shoes.
“For the most part I wear my own clothing – A T-Shirt, trouser, suede jacket and leather boots,” Moody says.
The fashionista must be doing something right as GQ nominated him one of the “Stylish Men of the Year” in 2007.
Source: Chronicles of Never
The Man Behind the Clothes
Much like Moody's fashion sense, his residence located at Sydney's northern beaches "... is rather minimal and industrial."
His clothes have often been described as eclectic and ethnic, so having a house inspired by his globetrotter lifestyle is more than appropriate.
"It's raw, with some old-world cottage charm', he says.
As staying in is the new going out, Moody has created his own Little Italian restaurant in his house.
"My kitchen revolves around Italian cuisine. Florence is awe-inspiring and I'm always wanting to go back," he says.
If he's not in his kitchen, launching new clothing lines or out enjoying the Sydney beaches he enjoys traveling.
Moody admits that he fell in love with Rio, but that was not all that happened in Brazil.
"On the other side of the world is Rio, which holds a special place in my memory because it's where I fell in love. I guess there are a lot more heartbreaks and flat tyres to be had."
Although it didn't work out between him and his Brazilian flame, he says he is still looking for his muse.
New Collection and Future Ambitions
While Moody’s brand is known for its black and grey monochromes, this season he has decided to mix it up with some earthy tones and lighter silhouettes.
“Black can be rather serious, so its refreshing to be around colour,” he said in a recent interview with GQ.
If a new clothing line wasn’t enough Moody is also planning to establish a retail store. Until now, he has been selling his clothes and accessories online, through other retailers and from his studio in Sydney’s Surry Hills.
While his ambitions are high as a kite, Moody said the shift from being a trio to having responsibility for the design and business aspects have been difficult.
Moody wishes he could spend all his time by the drawing board as the creative process takes time.
He is one of the few designers that still start every design from scratch using (the ancient art of) pen and paper.
The benefits of going through the process the old fashioned way outweigh the negatives, but creating a whole clothing range can take several months, he said.
Whatever Moody decides to do in the future, we can expect great things.
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