Aje is in their element. Edwina Forest and Adrian Norris presented their Resort 24 collection at Sydney Modern Project, inside the Art Gallery of NSW. Marking 15 years of the brand, the collection featured classic early-Aje signatures including blooming hand-embroidered patchwork, plissé pleats and cascading, oscillating ruffles. “Raw beauty, tough femininity and effortless cool,” was the motto, said Edwina. Flashes of hot pinks and summery yellows were infused in a more tonal collection for the brand, including two limited edition denim looks in collaboration with Outland Denim. The pieces are part of a sustainable capsule launching at the end of the year, crafted by and supporting workers from vulnerable backgrounds, with each piece made from organic and recycled cotton. We spoke to Edwina about the new collection, Element, and the importance of sustainability:

What was inspiring you when you were designing this collection?

"With this collection marking Aje’s 15th anniversary, we found ourselves repeatedly returning to the core design codes that have shaped our identity—raw beauty, femininity with an edge, our Australian roots and an artisan sentiment. We wanted to revel in the ‘elements’ that make Aje, Aje—while also evolving them for today."

What was the catalyst for the inspiration? What really made the leap from the mood board into the collection?

"More than any single archival piece or image per se, seeing the broader evolution of our design pillars was what drove the creation of this collection. It was quite invigorating to look back and explore how we’ve translated our core identity through different techniques and silhouettes over the years, sparking a curiosity for what that looks like now—Resort 24—and in the future."‍

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

"For me, these pieces are steeped in an equal sense of pride, gratitude and curiosity. Proud of all that our team has created over the last 15 years, grateful for all the Aje Women who have embraced us, and eternally curious about where this road will lead."

How is the DNA of the brand evolving through this season?‍

"Although it may sound contradictory, there is a real ‘return to our roots’ with this collection. We have always been proud of our Australian origins and pioneering coastal-to-urban style, and this season is an evolved nod to that. 

In the same vein, we’ve introduced swimwear—that can also be worn as daywear—for the very first time. This is something we considered for years before pursuing, taking our time to really capture our essence and what that looks like in this space." 

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

"We are always working to minimise our impact on the earth and leave a positive impact on the planet, and this is certainly an ongoing endeavour. In 2022, we commenced our journey towards becoming a B Corp-certified company. As such, we are continuously evaluating our practices and processes, from packaging to who we partner with and beyond—always asking ‘How can we improve this?’ and ‘Where can we reduce our footprint?’.

For example, we recently used vintage chairs in our window displays, which will now gain a third life and be reused within the stores. With our Resort 24 runway, we made sure that all props and sets will be renewed or recycled.

The same sentiment applies to how we approach design, emphasising pieces that will live on in a wardrobe for years to come before being passed down, as well as the fabrics we use—with recycled and organic materials among our preferred fibres.

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

"To be honest, there is no singular person I could name. It genuinely brings me the most joy to see any woman on the street wearing any Aje piece that feels true to her. It is a feeling that never gets old." 

Into the future: which piece would you hope to be the ultimate Aje collector’s item from this collection?‍

"We very much design all of our collections with timelessness in mind, creating versatile, high-quality pieces that can live on in a wardrobe for many seasons. In saying that, I would like to think every piece from ‘Element’ could be treasured like a ‘collector’s item’, and bring joy to its wearer for years to come."

There are brilliant people to collaborate with Australia. Who has been part of your world/journey/team with this collection? Mentors, stylists, hair, makeup etc… ‍

"Going back to our heritage, we’ve continued to work with our in-house artisans, as well as a number of external collaborators who we’ve had long-term relationships with, in addition to new, innovative talent in the musical realm. 

It has been a monumental collective effort to bring Resort 24 to life, and I have deep gratitude for each and every person who has lent their talent and care to its creation."

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

"I really believe all of us have a responsibility to do our part to better the planet and care for our fellow humankind—as brands, and as individuals. For us, that means integrating these values into all of our pillars and practices, so that our impact and legacy is one that extends well beyond the bounds of fashion."

What is the soundtrack to this collection?‍

"We’ve been very fortunate to work with award-winning film composer and musical director Jono Ma, who created an original score to capture the spirit of ‘Element’. It’s truly a sonic reflection of the collection, with crescendos that call back to the flow of the colour palette; soft and gritty notes that echo our emphasis on duality; and sounds from the natural elements to evoke an earthy quality, reminiscent of our coastal Australian roots."

ajeworld.com