Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2013
I was fortunate enough to attend the Aje show on Day 2, courtesy of official wine partner, Tempus Two.
Deciding on what to wear was the hardest feat. Black and white is a huge trend this season so I decided on the mullet-hem Aje Urial shirt-dress (left). Quite different from the usual sparkly pieces (right) I choose from Aje.
On arrival, the first person I spotted was blogger tuulavintage, head-to-toe colour-blocking in ELLERY. So effortless and chic. Just when I thought colour-blocking was so last season, I’m suddenly ready to embrace it again. Oh, and Lauren Brain from The Cut and Paste in Jolet – amaze!
A few snaps at the Media Wall, then we head into the Star Lounge for a drink with Tempus Two wine maker, Andrew Duff and senior brand manager, Kate Kriven. It’s always handy to have a wine-maker around to “get the acid out” when the waiter spills wine on your outfit.
Joh Bailey, hairdresser to the stars, joins us for a quick chat on life, travel, this year’s season of ANTM and a rundown on the previous shows before we headed back-stage to view the Aje collection before it hit the runway. Immediately, I got a utilitarian vibe from the collection – raw-edge linen, woven fabrics and silk pastel flowing gowns.
As we stepped onto the runway, it suddenly all made sense to me. Suspended from the ceiling was a beautiful floral installation of cherry blossom and magnolia. Immediately, I felt a sense of nostalgia. Quite appropriate as the collection is named “The Garden of Yesterday“, reminiscent of the designers’ childhoods.
They sent each model out through a haze of smoke, which set the stage for a beautifully crafted, (dare I say) romantic show featuring whimsical mint-green and pale pink flowing gowns and organic, neutral fibres. Whilst showing us this season’s hottest trends (sheer fabrics, B&W monochrome prints, tailored suits and crops), Aje also stayed true to their sequin-embellishments that we know and love them for.
The floral, romantic theme carried on into the exclusive post-show dinner with the designers, Edwina Robinson and Adrian Norris, hosted by Tempus Two.
This time, the style was on the dinner table. The table was adorned with hand-cut bouquets of paper flowers by paper artist James Gordon (I just learnt that no templates were used in order to ensure that each flower on the table was unique!) Just as opulent at the Aje designs.
Needless to say, each course was matched with a Tempus Two wine and riveting post-show chit-chat. This is a good time to mention that I think the Tempus Two collaboration with Aje and MBFW is genius – stylish wine and style! It’s high-fashion and tasteful (excuse the pun!)
A truly visual and culinary feast.
