16 May 2023
Embodying the evolution and essence of Aje, the Australian fashion house proudly presented the Resort 24 collection ‘Element’ in partnership with Samsung. Capturing 15 years of design codes reimagined, the collection was showcased at the new Sydney Modern Project, Art Gallery of New South Wales during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week.
“Reflecting back on the last 15 years of Aje and what we wanted Resort 24 to embody, Adrian and I were naturally drawn to the design codes that have carried through since inception. The elements that make Aje, Aje — raw beauty, tough femininity and effortless cool — combined with our deep-rooted respect for our Australian heritage, coastal beginnings and artisan sentiment.” — Edwina Forest, Co-Founder and Creative Director
Recalling the years of sultry Australian summers that inspired the house’s coastal-to-urban style, the collection revels in its origins through a modern lens. Signatures from 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.
Flowing from cool neutrals to bold brights, hand-painted prints, textural hardware and asymmetrical tucks heighten summer dresses and sculptural bodices. A sense of deconstruction hums throughout, echoed in external seams on oversized tailoring; organically draped folds, and latticework motifs made from bias-cut strips of raw-edged chiffon.
As part of the collection, Aje proudly introduces swimwear for the first time; crafted from ottoman rib knitwear with fluid metal accents. For occasionwear, looks are uplifted through ombré cascades of hand-beaded sequins, knife pleat frills and delicately ruched tiers; a nod to the house’s contemporary core.
“As we expand globally, it feels significant to emphasise our Australian origins and core design codes with this collection. We’ve pioneered coastal-to-urban style for 15 years. While it is an ethos that has long resonated with our local customer, it’s also gaining rapid traction with international Aje Women who are looking to embody Australian style. ” — Adrian Norris, Co-Founder and CEO
Two limited edition Aje x Outland Denim looks also feature as part of the collection, with four thoughtfully designed pieces set to launch as a part of a sustainable capsule in December 2023. Crafted by and supporting workers from varying backgrounds of vulnerability, each piece is made from lyocell with organic and recycled cotton using sustainable washing practices to minimise environmental impact at all stages of production.
Unfolding across three floors, the runway was accompanied by an immersive original score written and performed by award-winning film composer Jono Ma.
To complement the collection, Beauty Director Isabella Schimid utilised Elizabeth Arden skincare and makeup to create the models’ dewy, glowing complexions, while Hair Director Pauline McCabe used ghd products and tools to enhance each talent’s natural strands for a polished yet textural look.
