Aje knows how to make an impression. For Resort 2026, Edwina Forrest and Adrian Norris created a nature-focused escape. With a clear quartz placed on our seats, selected with intention for its transformational energy, we were transported into the world of Aje, harbourside, as ruffles cascaded in the brand's classic signature way, and down to earth colours mirrored sunrises and ocean waves. We spoke to Edwina and Adrian about Impression and the evolution of their brand:

What was inspiring you when you were designing this collection?

Edwina: When we were designing the collection, we turned to one of our most heartfelt sources of inspiration, nature. Fascinated by the sense of wonder evoked through the changing of the seasons, we wanted to capture the feeling that the Impressionist artists channelled in their iconic works. Among the many shared passions between Aje and the celebrated painters of the Impressionist movement is a love for that natural world that is reflected in our creations. Each piece reminds the wearer of a movement in nature, the unfolding flowers, the ripples in the water, the hazy mist of the morning light. Our repetitive layers of lightweight fabrics, exaggerated proportions and intentional adornments capture the impact of those fleeting, breathtaking scenes in nature.

What made the leap from the mood board into the collection?

Edwina: Originally inspired by Claude Monet’s works, the Resort 26 Impression collection remains remarkably true to our mood board. The vibrant pastels and brilliant, jewel-toned hues of the flora, the woven textures of the undulating trees that echo in Raffia accessories, and our explorations of iridescent fabrications and sequins. We’ve maintained our subtle nods to our Australian roots with coastal-washed denim and pearlescent bead adornments. Perhaps, most notably, are our hand-painted prints, which apply the diffused, watercolour interpretations of the landscape so beautifully, moving with the free-flowing nature of the silhouettes to create an animated, effortless air of elegance which our brand is so dedicated to.

Adrian: I feel like these paintings, in particular, are especially true to our inspiration; they come alive when they’re in motion, and it’s so spectacular to see.

What emotions and thoughts from you are imbued in these pieces?

Edwina: We worked with the dreamlike setting of nature’s beauty: undulating roots and mottled droplets of light, deep, fascinating contrasts grounding an open sky brightened by a golden sun. We used impressionist brushstrokes and a soft, painterly palette to reimagine the beauty of the landscape into nuanced, feminine representations of the organic world.  The three-dimensional nature of the garments suggests these natural phenomena, these elements. I think there’s something brilliant about actually wearing these movements, making them come alive and keeping them forever.

Adrian: Nature is unpredictable, always changing. You never find the same scene twice. We brought our own perspective and emotions to our relationship with the natural world to this collection. Recreating that back and forth between the light, the landscapes, creating unique pieces that capture the beauty of those moments.

How is the DNA of Aje evolving?

Adrian: As a heritage Australian brand, we’re honoured to be part of the evolving landscape of fashion and artistry in our home country. Turning to our core elements and finding fresh, artisanal iterations each season constantly surprises and inspires us. As we’re expanding our presence in the global landscape, it feels so special to share our signature ‘barefoot luxury’ with the rest of the world. Displaying the best of Australian design and innovation and extending our love letter to our home to different markets. Travel, creativity, beauty; these are the foundations that make us, and we’re so excited to see it move and grow in new, contemporary ways.

Recycling, repurposing, renewal. These are all important things in the world of 10. How do these apply to your work?

Adrian: We work with intention and take our responsibility seriously, implementing our long-standing Aje Aware brand promise through every process. We collaborate with trusted partners, design in our Sydney Atelier and ensure that each piece of work is expertly crafted, loved into creation. By creating with slow, low-impact intention and working with gentle, high-quality fabrications, we give our Aje woman the gift of a lovingly made garment that she can wear, style and treasure for years to come. An investment to treasure.

Who would you love to see wearing it? Which look would they be wearing?

Adrian: We are so lucky to have countless incredible people and muses showcasing our brand. Our runway features model muses and artists who perfectly embody our brand codes: raw beauty, tough femininity and effortless cool. We’re so excited to see them out there displaying their talents wearing the collection, it evokes exactly the same thrill that I find when I see women in Australia styling their Aje – a joy that never fades, no matter how many times it happens!

Which piece would you hope to be the ultimate Aje collector’s item?

Adrian: The Vacation Gown is an exciting cut for Aje. We’ve stretched the boundaries of corsetry and silhouette exploration, extending the bodice and accentuating the line with fine, textural pleating. It is met in balance with a full skirt and painted with a bright, molten ombré that speaks to our lightness, that sunny disposition that always underscores our designs.

There are great people to collaborate with in Australia. Who has been part of your journey with this collection?

Edwina: We are so proud to collaborate with a selection of iconic brands and artists for this runway collection. Long-time collaborators such as Make Up Director Isabella Schmidt and Hair Director Madison Voloshin really honed their expertise to bring alive a new interpretation of our signature raw beauty. It’s amazing to work with individuals who know our brand and our Aje woman inside out and watch them deliver the perfect touches to our showcase, we’re very lucky.

What’s important to you aside from fashion? How would you like to use your platform?

Adrian: Aje was founded on our shared love of art, nature and travel, so we’re always finding new ways to revel in these pleasures and bring them to life through our clothing. The brand is really a love letter to Australia and the modern woman, and I endeavour to use my platform to continue to uplift my audience and make every moment of their life something to celebrate, through fashion, my beauty and wellness brand Ikkari, and collaborating with my team as well as my dear friend and co-founder Edwina.

What is the soundtrack to this collection?

Adrian: To align with the collection, it had to be something ambient and ethereal. Our runway soundtrack washes over the scene like a wave, elegant and light with a rhythmic undertone in keeping with the Resort 26 seasonal direction. Of course, we’ve introduced orchestral elements, nodding to the classical impressionist inspiration behind our creative vision, and in signature Aje fashion, it melts into modern beats and layers for a unique sound experience.

What’s next?

Adrian: Another runway showcase is in our sights, watch this space.

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