Behind The Seams | How The Aje x Outland Denim Capsule Came To Life

Discover what makes this denim different.

From the Resort 24 runway to reality: the highly anticipated Aje x Outland Denim capsule has finally arrived.

A conscious collaboration between two Australian brands, find out what makes this denim different in our exclusive conversation with Outland Denim Founder and CEO, James Bartle.

Aje x Outland Denim Top and Jeans

Aje x Outland Denim Bermuda Short

Aje x Outland Denim Shirt and Mini Skirt

The Aje Report: This is not your ordinary denim – how is it made?

James Bartle: The fabric we used in the collaboration is called “Allure Savemeso”, which is made of 43% Lyocell, 40% recycled cotton, and 17% European organic cotton. Lyocell is the gold standard of preferred man-made cellulosic fibres (MMCFs) as it’s biodegradable, comes from renewable sources, and is made in a unique closed-loop system.

Our supplier has used Ecocell™ Lyocell in the production of the denim, sourced from Turkey. Ecocell™ Lyocell fibres come from wood that is grown sustainably. Their closed-loop production process ensures that the solvents used are later reused, reducing waste and minimising harm to the environment. The fibres are distinctive for being strong, able to regulate moisture well and also feel soft and gentle on the skin.

The organic cotton we use is farmed without any agrochemicals, such as synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilisers, which are known to reduce soil quality, contribute to water pollution, and severely affect the health of farmers. It’s also traceable to the Turkish farms where it was harvested, which gives added confidence to the integrity of the material. Importantly, there are no virgin synthetics, such as polyester, in the denim.

Aje x Outland Denim Top and Jeans

Aje x Outland Denim Bermuda Short

Tell us more about the technology used to create these pieces. How do you create your wash effects?

We create our wash effects — the finishing touches on our denim — in our own wash house. This is ordinarily quite a water, chemical, and energy-intensive part of the production, but our technology by Jeanologia ensures that our garments are finished with the most sustainable attributes for water and energy conservation while adhering to stringent chemical guidelines.

We pride ourselves on sourcing the most sustainable raw materials from suppliers who excel in social and environmental responsibility. Every button, rivet, and stitch is selected with the intention of minimising impact on the environment, and ensuring zero exploitation of people in our supply chain.

“Every button, rivet, and stitch is selected with the intention of minimising impact on the environment, and ensuring zero exploitation of people in our supply chain.”

When it comes to the workers you employ, what is it that makes Outland Denim special?

Our production house is in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. We started Outland Denim as an avenue for victims of sexual exploitation to engage in safe, dignified employment as they rebuilt their lives.

We have since widened our doors to accept employees from varying backgrounds of vulnerability, supporting our staff via the four pillars of training, opportunity, living wages, and education. Through this approach, we have proven a sustainable career path is the key to lasting social change, both in the lives of our staff and their families and communities.

A living wage ensures workers have enough income to afford a decent standard of living, cover necessary expenses, such as food, housing, healthcare, education and discretionary items, and allows them to save for unexpected events. For many of our staff, this level of financial security is freedom in itself. Our staff can send their children to school, provide for extended family, and plan for the future. All things previously not possible for them. This cycle of freedom can be perpetuated for generations to come.

Our staff also participate in education and personal enrichment programs to support them and their families, including budgeting, women’s and infant health, computing skills, human trafficking awareness, English, and self-defence.

Aje x Outland Denim Top

Aje x Outland Denim Shirt and Mini Skirt

“For many of our staff, this level of financial security is freedom in itself. Our staff can send their children to school, provide for extended family, and plan for the future. All things previously not possible for them. This cycle of freedom can be perpetuated for generations to come.”

What about your factories and suppliers?

Beyond the staff at our own facilities, we work only with suppliers who meet our stringent criteria for the treatment of people, animals, and the environment. We don’t believe making clothing should come at the expense of people. On the contrary, we believe the industry can be the solution to some of the great social problems that exist in the world today.

Garments account for US $127.7 billion worth of products at risk of modern slavery imported by G20 countries. Our commitment is to continue working with stakeholders globally, from leading universities to government bodies and the UN Global Compact Network, to affect industry-wide change in the fashion supply chain to eradicate slavery in all its forms.

What was it like to collaborate with our design team to create the capsule?

It has been a pleasure to partner with Aje to produce this collaborative capsule. It has been everything that Outland Denim could hope for in a collaboration — elevating the skills and esteem of our garment makers in the eyes of the world.

We are incredibly proud of the collection and the level of technical skill that has been invested by our production team to achieve the final result with its many embedded intricacies. I cannot think of a truer embodiment of female empowerment.

Aje x Outland Denim Shirt and Mini Skirt

Aje x Outland Denim Top and Jeans

Is there anything else you would like to add about the capsule?

We love the elevated styling for this collection — the easy ‘Australian-ness’, and the wearability of the denim pieces meeting the refined elegance of Aje.

The staff have enjoyed the challenge of learning new techniques to produce these beautiful garments. We hope they will be cherished by the women who wear them.