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Spring 22 | The ‘Provenance’ Edit By Edwina Forest

Aje’s Creative Director on the design philosophies behind the styles defining the season.

Inspired by the incomparable, effortless glamour and honeyed light of the south of France, as epitomised by the hotel La Colombe d’Or, Aje’s Spring 22 ‘Provenance’ collection is an ode to a joie de vivre from a rich cultural moment in time.

 

Beloved by some of the mid-2oth century’s most revered artists, who sought its splendour to reinterpret form and colour; the refined and eclectic inn was a recurring reference for Aje Co-founders Edwina Forest and Adrian Norris while designing for Spring 22.

 

Driven to explore this merging of worlds; the ‘bon vivance’ of La Colombe d’Or and why certain places have a golden energy that draws creatives to them, the result is a collection that embodies the Aje DNA with beautifully evolved techniques, rendered in a warm palette reminiscent of languid afternoons under the Provençal sun.

 

Below, speaking to the vision behind the collection, Aje Creative Director Edwina Forest reveals the design philosophies underpinning the styles and silhouettes that define the season.


Read on to see her selects from Spring 22 ‘Provenance’s’ latest arrivals.

Marlene Roses Ruched Top and La Vie Bubble Mini Skirt

“While designing for ‘Provenance’, we were really drawn to asymmetry and the feelings of freedom it evokes; a quality that is really captured in this piece. The exaggerated sleeve frills adorning the arms were deliberately constructed in uneven tiers, drawing the eye to its carefree cascade.” — Edwina Forest, Aje Creative Director.

“A playful set enlivened by vivid florals, these two styles truly come together to create a statement. The top marks the return of one of our most beloved Aje classics with a new twist, while the skirt’s bubble hem and mini length playfully balance the overall silhouette.”
— Edwina Forest, Aje Creative Director.

“This midi dress is truly the epitome of Aje’s raw beauty ethos. We were deeply drawn to the way the ripped organza ruffles spiral along the bodice and sleeves, mimicking a blossoming rose and creating a bold sense of structure that is simultaneously delicate and feminine.”

“While envisioning this print, we continuously came back to the notion of an awe-inspired artist meandering through the sunlit meadows west of Nice, stumbling upon roses in full bloom. The repeat floral motifs feel especially vibrant on this dress, whimsically enhanced by the voluminous bubble neckline and hem.”
— Edwina Forest, Aje Creative Director.

“Our reimagining of a classic black dress, we were fascinated by how the curving cut outs, organic ruching and asymmetric design lines came together in unexpected harmony. The black sequins embellishing the cut outs also add a subtle layer of shine, making this dress an effortless piece for an evening out.” — Edwina Forest, Aje Creative Director.

“Looking to create a timeless style with an elevated flair, we wanted to give this jumper a contemporary finish through the chain hardware accenting the neckline. The long, voluminous sleeves also work harmoniously with the metal detailing to capture Aje’s signature tough femininity.” — Edwina Forest, Aje Creative Director.

“A contemporary take on summer suiting, we wanted this set to embody both elegance and insouciance by combining a distinctly feminine silhouette with intentionally undone edges. The back cut out accent adds a layer of sensuality, while the length of the jacket also allows it to shine solo as a dress sans the pants.” — Edwina Forest, Aje Creative Director.

“While creating this print, we were captivated by the vision of a daydreaming artist doodling on a restaurant tablecloth; revelling in the sunlight while conversing with other patrons over wine and food at La Colombe d’Or. Working with artist Chanel Tobler to realise this concept, we really gravitated towards warm pastels and modernist colours; fusing them with fluid lines to complement the elegant asymmetry of the dress.” — Edwina Forest, Aje Creative Director.

“A decidedly modern interpretation of a traditional market bag, this statement leather tote evokes signature Aje handwriting through the organically sculptural gold handles, as well as the hand-done whipstitch accents.” — Edwina Forest, Aje Creative Director.

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