Embodying the evolution and essence of Aje: enter Resort 24 ‘Element’.
Reflecting on 15 years of Aje ahead of appearing at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week, Co-founders Edwina Forest and Adrian Norris felt compelled to return to the codes and components that have defined the house since its inception, distilling their design process down to its pillars—the elements.
Raw beauty. Femininity with an edge. A sense of duality anchored in unexpected contrasts. An artisan sentiment. Australian roots.
Showcased on the 16th of May 2023 at Sydney Modern Project in the Art Gallery of New South Wales—marking the first fashion house to do so in the prestigious location—the collection recalls the years of sultry Australian summers that inspired the house’s coastal-to-urban style.
Opening in a breezy neutral palette and revelling in its origins through a modern lens, signatures from the early years reemerge refreshed: ivory denim with hand-embroidered patchwork; exaggerated whipstitching across necklines and seams; and floating silhouettes with plissé pleats, wire hems, and gathered ruffle accents.
Unfolding across three floors, a meandering runway guided by cascading translucent screens created an artful backdrop bathed in natural light. Organic, textural accents grounded the space, with molo paper accordion benches unfurling throughout, mimicking the fluidity of water in a nod to Aje’s coastal Australian origins.
A distinctive sense of deconstruction hums throughout, echoed in external seams on oversized tailoring; organically draped tucks and folds, and latticework motifs made from bias-cut strips of raw-edged chiffon.
Elevating the collection, occasionwear is uplifted through ombré cascades of hand-beaded sequins, knife pleat frills and delicately ruched tiers; a vibrant nod to the house’s contemporary core.
Colliding sculpturesque shapes with dynamic textures, Resort 24 accessories find form in raw raffia trims, and sinuous organza ruffles across shoes and clutch bags, while fluid hardware details and wooden beads add a bold finishing touch.
LOOK THIRTY THREE Insight Deconstructed Vest, Pant and Solana Sleeveless Shirt
Samsung Beauty Direction by Isabella Schimid for Elizabeth Arden Hair Direction by Pauline McCabe for ghd Nails by Gloss and Co.
Show Collaborators
Production, Creative Set and Architecture by Rizer Runway Production in collaboration with Rizer by Lara Inc Styling by Rachael Fair Casting by Rachael Fair & Lara Inc Music by Jono Ma Front of House by Adam Worling & Emma Gott Welcome to Country by Yvonne Weldon Runway Film Direction by Anthony Lau Content Artistic Direction by Louisa Gent
Photographers
Blake Azar Oliver Begg Lucas Dawson Felix Forest Myles Kalus Isa Sanchez Claudia Smith Rob Tennent Rachel Yasbsley
Videographers
Anthony Lau Jacopo Lancioni Ash Larden
#AjeWorld #Element24
Aje pays respect to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, on whose land the Aje atelier and Art Gallery of New South Wales stand, extending this respect to Elders past, present and emerging. Aje also acknowledges all the traditional custodians of the lands on which our teams work, live and learn throughout Australia.
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