BLACK | KRSNA
[krsna; krishna; krish-nuh]

"BLACK | KRSNA is a collection of androgynous garments made from natural fibres, personally designed and constructed in Sydney. BLACK | KRSNA embodies the flow of the Japanese mind, Krishna and the Spiritual Self. Black is the signature colour and natural is the experience. "

"BLACK | KRSNA is for all. "

BLACK | KRSNA is created on the ethos of no season, no trend, no man, no woman. The aesthetic is raw, individual, black, draped, singular yet together.

I am BLACK | KRSNA and I am also Benji Chandler. 



I want to create garments that can be worn by every person. I want people to meet me and see i am BLACK | KRSNA every day. I want to create an experience with the wearer. I want them to know me, and carry my values; everyone is equal. Everyone deserves love. Experience the world. Experience people. Experience art. Spirituality can be obtained through fashion and connections are encouraged with each other.

Everything is personally designed, cut and sewn by myself. 

BLACK | KRSNA was formed in my graduate year whilst studying at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, forming two graduate collections over two school terms; imminent and conceived.
 
First collection "Imminent" was sold at Rose Street Market during the graduate year semester break. This was commenced as a project to prove that there was a market for my "spiritual wear" and to build on the collection for my final semester. 
            

 

Final graduate year collection "Conceived" received a High Distinction and was sold as a capsule collection at NMBQ.

 


To create my first collection outside of university and officially launch BLACK | KRSNA, I needed a new location and environment. Sydney ended up being my choice. 

After moving to Sydney in February I secured a studio firstly at The Nest Creative Space. The Nest Creative Space was a key opportunity to experience and collaborate in to the Sydney creative world whilst also allowing to start creating my first collection. 



BLACK | KRSNA was officially launched at The Nest Creative Space with a 7 model runway and dance performance from dancer Thomas Bradley. 




Furthermore an Artist Retail Residency had been secured at BRAND X for 3 months immediately after launch. This allowed for a retail space for the new collection, whilst also having a personal connection with my Sydney customer base.




BLACK | KRSNA was also recently invited down for Melbourne Spring Fashion Week 2015 as part of the curated ARTZ program. 

BLACK | KRSNA has now secured a new studio at The Space Sydney which allowed room for a Showroom for appointment viewings. 




BLACK | KRSNA is now forming the forth collection "CONTRACTION" and is also looking to heading to Paris next year as has been invited by VOID SHOWROOM to present for the HOMME COLLECTION.

BLACK | KRSNA currently needs your support to continue on to next collection and head overseas next year to showcase. All savings have been exhausted in relocating to Sydney and finding a new studio space, launching first official collection with runway, launching a retail space in Surry Hills, and showing in Melbourne Spring Fashion Week. 

Creating such a niche but passionate label, I know I need to take BLACK | KRSNA to a larger market to be further exposed and to thrive. 

Thankyou for taking the time and thankyou from the bottom of my heart for your support <3 x 

Benji x

Funds received will be spent accordingly:

$2500 - Showroom participation free + expenses
$2500 - fabrications and trims

Any extra funds received will go in to purchasing further fabrications for collection.

Challenges I see are obtaining a strong foot hold in a niche fashion market, however I see this as a advantage on a global scale due my point of difference and offering something different in the fashion market.