Five Fits With: Keanu Verden of Vaucluse Studios
The Brisbane-based designer chats with Esquire about his interest in fashion, starting his own brand, and how he feels about Australian menswear
By 
IF WE’RE TO TAKE the temperature of what guys are wearing today, Vaucluse Studios is a good place to start. Their shirts are cropped higher and cut boxier; pants are wider and shorts longer. These specific proportions are what’s capturing the style-conscious man’s attention to fit and silhouette. So it’s no surprise why brand designer and founder Keanu Verden’s work resonates with his audience, as he wears his pieces in and around Sydney for his edition of Esquire‘s Five Fits. He is his own customer.
Growing up in Brisbane after moving from South Africa, Verden counts American labels like Ralph Lauren and skate fashion as his fashion education. Indeed, his clothes are a mix of the two worlds: clean fabrics and colours with the baggy silhouettes of the subculture. Verden’s path into starting his own fashion label wasn’t linear, either, working in property and construction where his interest in the terracotta roofs and architecture of the harbourside Sydney suburb of Vaucluse was what peaked his interest in not just making clothes, but, much like Ralph Lauren, design for a specific lifestyle in one of the most expensive suburbs in the country.
Recently, he took Esquire through five of his favourite fits, while telling us about where his interest in fashion began, what made him want to start a brand and where he sees Australian menswear heading.
Fit one
Esquire: I have to ask, what’s your connection to Vaucluse?
Keanu Verden: I don’t have a specific connection to the suburb. However I do come from a property-slash-construction background where I admired the architecture and lifestyle within the suburb.
Where did you grow up and where do you call home now?
I was born in South Africa but grew up in Brisbane, where I am currently residing.
What was considered ‘stylish’ or ‘cool’ when you were growing up?
Growing up, skate and American fashion culture (Ralph Lauren etc.) [were] what my friends and I considered cool.
How did you first get into menswear? Was there a defining moment?
One of the defining moments for me was watching music videos from specific artists like Pharrel Williams, Kanye West and Jay Z. I admired their style and opened my eyes to the world of mens fashion.
Fit two
How, if at all, has your personal style changed over time?
My personal style has changed from logo centric heavy hype brands to more timeless pieces.
Who or what are some influences on your personal style?
Somebody that I really admire in terms of style would be Michael B. Jordan.
Fit three
Can you remember your first significant fashion purchase?
Bape Camo Jacquard Shark Full Zip Hoodie. I remember it having a chokehold on the game back then.
What’s a recent pick-up?
I recently brought the ERL Vamp Skate Shoes. I have had my eyes on these for a minute as I am always thinking of new things to buy that I can style in future shoots.
Fit four
What were you up to before Vaucluse Studios, and how did you decide to start it in the first place?
Before the brand I was working in the construction materials industry which is a drastic change into fashion. I always wanted to do something in the creative industry so I took a leap of faith starting Vaucluse Studios.
How would you describe the menswear scene right now in Australia?
Growing rapidly, it’s amazing to see so many Australian brands receiving the exposures they deserve globally.
Fit five
Are there any other brands that you’re appreciating at the moment?
How do you unwind or escape from work for a bit?
Hanging out with family and friends or training-slash-running.
What are some of your favourite places to shop in Sydney?
Le Baus and Chinatown Country Club.
If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it consist of?
It would have to be our Striped Signature Long Sleeve Shirt with our Heritage Tank in white Underneath. Then some dark denim jeans paired with the Cole Buxton Wilson sneaker.
See more of our favourite ‘Five Fits With’ . . .
Menswear enthusiast Daniel AJ Edwards
