VOGUE 180°
Edwina Robinson and Adrian Norris of Aje.
Call it a visual metaphor, the pool, a controlled rebirthing perhaps for the crazily passionate Edwina Robinson and Adrian Norris – best friends, designers and co-conspirators – who are Aje. Since launching in 2007, Aje has created a world of fresh clothes that will take us to a “par-tay” and illicit results, compliments, fun, all youthful, carefree, in the moment. Lots of chambray, broderie anglaise, a cotton singlet worn with a flirty mini-skirt, preferably sequined. All done and yet undone. And so Aje spells freedom with its looseness, the DNA inspired by the ocean, the life aquatic that the beachscape brings, a unique unstoppable life force that is so Australian. But it’s time to move on, and so they are getting serious with a reboot to meet the international fashion seasons head on and create clothes that perhaps have more depth, resonance and purpose. We photographed the pair in this moment of change and newness, with a more controlled, ever-so-slightly studied, poolside glamour. We can almost hear the chink of the crystal-cut glass as everyone around them celebrates.