Australian-born streetwear label Ksubi has opened its first flagship store in Melbourne, doubling the brand’s national footprint following a store opening in Sydney’s Bondi Westfield late last year.
It marks a major retail return for the 25-year-old brand, several years after closing its only store in the country, and following an international retail rollout.
Ksubi now has seven stores globally, including four in the United States and one in the United Kingdom.
“In recent years we have been focused on solidifying our brand internationally – opening stores in Miami, Chicago and on Carnaby Street in London,” CEO Craig King said. “2024 was designated the year to bring the energy and passion that we have fostered overseas back to Oz. There’s no better place to begin that journey than the home of fashion, Melbourne.
“Lt Bourke St is the first of our permanent flagships in Australia and we are very excited to bring our version of fashion and good times to the precinct.”
The new Melbourne flagship features a curated selection of Ksubi’s global collections, with the brand partnering with Melbourne creatives to launch exclusive in-store offerings to mark the return to Australian shores. This includes a limited-edition Melbourne city tee, designed by local contemporary artist Mayonaize, as well as the brand’s upcoming Ksubi x Patty Mills collection which will launch on June 25.
The flagship will also host local DJs in Ksubi’s creative community with weekly music programming from 3pm - 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
The 140 sqm flagship store is designed by AZBCreative, and includes a retained six-metre concrete wall featuring additional elements such as patent silver drapery and floating hanging rails.
“This space embodies an edge and a narrative,” AZBCreative design director Alex Zabotto-Bentley said. “From stripping everything back to its barest bones and adding meaningful and sophisticated elements, Ksubi Melbourne communicates refinement alongside rawness, creativity and passion.”
Ksubi was originally founded in Sydney. As well as its retail concepts, the brand is stocked in global retailers such as Saks, Neiman Marcus, SSENSE, Kith and Browns.
A private event hosted by Patty will mark the collection and store launch, featuring a guest list of Melbourne’s social figures and cross-code sporting on Wednesday, June 26.