King Norb is a Sydney-based artisan fashion brand that focuses on mixing design, texture, colour and whimsy via garments hand-crocheted by its designer Norb.
“King Norb is about experimenting with world building influenced by recent eras with unique and androgynous designs. [The aim is] to bring out hidden confidence within and add my little touch of colour to the world,” explains Norb.
Norb describes themself as both a designer and a maker: “I endeavour to create wearable fashion with artistic accessories without forgoing construction or reusability.”
“I have had a lot of experiences throughout my life so far. In childhood I was an outdoors kid and loved to dance. In my teen years I played a lot of video games, did Drama and Art; and in adulthood I wanted to dance so I went to clubs, raves, festivals and street parties which I hope translates throughout my pieces.
“I currently work as my own photographer and my friends are my models, which has created an amazing community of likeminded individuals. I am elated.”
HOW IT BEGAN
Norb has been working on their brand for some time, but says that from September 2024, they started “experimenting with full designer concepts and building social interest and brand reach through giveaways and modelling shoots”.
“I had a Winnie the Pooh blanket my grandmother made me, and I was inspired to capture the whimsy and nostalgic joy of this beloved item. I wanted to use similar colours to make my own clothes; so, on my birthday in 2021, I bought a sewing machine,” Norb explains.
“I spent the next two years focusing on learning how to pattern garments using measurement alone, teaching myself and developing my personal style.
“From 2022 I began learning to crochet, starting by making a ball and learning the basics. I made my first ever face-mask in 2024 (a pencil), and from then on, I was creating [crocheted] face-masks. I [also began] dabbling in Drag after joining the scene, making drag outfits for myself.”
In September 2024, Norb created their first full crocheted set for Melbourne artist and creator Milky Plugg, who then invited them to the first Queer By Design runway show. “I made my first full male outfit for myself. It made me feel super confident! After that experience, I knew I wanted to be a part of the runway myself.”
This fortuitous experience led Norb to start working on more garments, creating a 10 look ready-to-wear crochet collection inspired by Bratz Dolls, then a recycled denim collection. All this work led to the official launch of King Norb in August, 2025.
As for the name: “The King part is reclaiming my masculinity on my own terms as I was exploring creating clothes for myself and for drag early on — combined with my nickname.”
COLOURFUL, COMPLEX AND CREATIVE
Although creativity is central to any fashion brand, Norb says they also spent a lot of time and energy to ensure that their garments reach a particular level of quality and wearability.
“After testing a lot of different fabrics, sewing and crochet techniques, adding hardware and making sure everything was washable, I finally felt that the quality of my clothing had reached a point where they are durable and functional. Even if a bag can only hold one lipstick, it will be sturdy and lined, haha.
“During this time, to involve my community, I did a giveaway of all of my test items. Currently that list sits at 38 items given away, and I will continue to give away my test creations so everyone can enjoy a little bit of whimsy.”
Although inspired by fashion from the 1960’s and 2000’s, Norb is just as inspired by the “colourful and complex” situations they experience in their everyday life that translate into the “whimsy and grunge aesthetics” of their completed garments.
Likewise, Norb says that “raves, festivals and night club performers and entertainers, Club Kids, clowns, jesters, demons, video games, drag, nature, spirituality and the galaxy” all combine to create their signature aesthetic.
“I want to turn heads with awe and confusion,” they explain. “I want to create a community where people get to feel confident within and add my little touch of colour to the world.”
By making everything themselves, Norb ensures that they know where all the labour has come from; “I also want to continue working with the community to recycle their unwanted denim or clothes to create new garments that people will enjoy.”
As for the future? “I would love to build a community shop where local brands can display their items and make sales in person, including a post-studio and space for crafting that people can come and use for free. I know firsthand it’s hard to access space to start creating sometimes.”
Catch King Norb on the runway as part of the QUEER BY DESIGN show on Thursday 19 February 2026. Tickets available from https://www.trybooking.com/DGPPG
For more information about King Norb, go to @king_norb and try their crochet patterns at norbpatterns.carrd.co.
