By Jenna Black
There is something in the waters in Western Australia. Label Ae’lkemi show us what talent is coming from this promising state.
Background and History
Western Australia continues to surprise us with the many talented fashion labels coming from their waters. The latest label to shock the critics across the fashion circuit is Ae’lkemi. Designer Alvin Fernandez explains of the Western Australian talent he is a part of, “we all have an individual voice and the industry is very supportive of new talent and gives them the confidence to do what they do best.”
This year at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week 2010, Alvin will have that chance to wow the editors and fashion elite with his label, Ae’lkemi. As his hopes to become a marine biologist failed, Alvin took a completely new direction into fashion design after he submitted his portfolio to the West Australia School of Art and Design and received honorary feed back. Following on from great success in his home country, Ae’lkemi has hit the international circuit with immense achievement. The label was recently part of the 2010 G’Day USA shows during New York Fashion Week, and Ae’lkemi was also invited to participate in Milan fashion week.
Style and Philosophy
The label is recognised instantly for its organic textiles and signature handprints. Designing both men’s and women’s wear, Alvin takes a raw and fresh approach to fashion, creating pieces that are whimsical and accessible, with garments reaching a wide audience of different styles. Fine tailoring and sleek sharp silhouettes form the basis of the label’s recognisable aesthetic as Alvin explains that the design philosophy has ”always been about great cuts and playing with classic shapes but mixing it up with a modern twist.” The women’s collections remain elegant and sophisticated with a touch of flirtatious hemlines and soft draping whilst his men’s wear features finely-tailored shorts, printed collared shirts and sleek blazers.
Rosemount Australian Fashion Week and the Future
Whilst Ae’lkemi has achieved great international success through showing in New York and Milan, Alvin is yet to show solo on his home soil, where he will finally have the chance at RAFW this year. With the experience of showing at two of the top fashion weeks across the globe, we are expecting great things from Ae’lkemi’s latest collection. Ae’lkemi will be showing at RAFW on Thursday 6th May 2010.
Visit Ae’lkemi here: www.aelkemi.com
Quote source: An Australian Wintour, April 2010
Image source: Ae’lkemi wesbite
