ALÉMAIS - AAFW 2023
KABOOM! Resort '24 presented by Porsche exploded onto the runway on Monday, May 15, 2023, as ALÉMAIS made their spectacular debut at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week. The collection, aptly named KABOOM, was a vibrant celebration of dreams, seamlessly blending the realms of reality and the future. With 69 captivating looks, ALÉMAIS took us on a homecoming journey, reconnecting us with our true selves and reminding us of the interconnectedness of all life.
"Today, we have unlocked the door to the mesmerising universe of ALÉMAIS, unveiling a collection adorned with symphonic rainbows, galaxies, and the essence of the future," proclaimed Lesleigh Jermanus, Co-Founder & Creative Director. "We aimed to breathe life into the magic and spirit of the brand, embarking on an adventure that resonates both personally and collectively. It is a dream come true."
ALÉMAIS showcased their masterful ability to draw inspiration from multiple eras, gracefully weaving elements from the '60s, '70s, and '80s into a tapestry that transcended time. KABOOM catapulted us into the future, delivering the brand's most confident expression to date. The show kicked off with Magnolia Mayuru strutting down the runway in the mesmerising Planet Dress, a futuristic explosion of ditzy green florals. From there, the collection soared through a kaleidoscope of psychedelic patterns, sharp metallic tailoring, liquid chocolate sequins, and fringed bio-leather.
Accompanied by the timeless tunes of Blondie and David Bowie, KABOOM hit all the high notes, featuring floral two-piece ensembles crafted from regenerative orange peel fabrications, a hand-beaded silk organza gown with an exaggerated 'Catherine Baba bow,' and maxi dresses inspired by the swirling circular rainbow of Hilma af Klint's art. The collection also paid homage to nature with structured petal sleeve minis, capturing the essence of blossoming beauty.
Guiding us through this fashion odyssey was ALÉMAIS' very own Star Man, making a grand entrance in a glam rock power suit and a voluminous red gown adorned with the stunning work of French artist Yvan Guillo. Collaboration was at the core of ALÉMAIS' vision, and Resort '24 stayed true to this ethos by uniting a diverse cast of creatives led by the illustrious Paris-based stylist, consultant, and costume designer Catherine Baba.
"Catherine Baba, a true sartorial icon, wholeheartedly embraced our vision, transporting us to a new realm with her otherworldly perspective," Jermanus revealed. "Her influence extended beyond jewelry and collection design, encompassing the soundscape and injecting glamour into the beauty look. The collaboration process was a joyful experience, akin to a celestial alignment."
Lesleigh Jermanus, the visionary behind the cult-favorite resort wear label ALÉMAIS, defied convention by forgoing the typical "soft launch" approach and instead opening Australian Fashion Week with a bang. Resort '24, marking Jermanus' runway debut on the official AAFW schedule, dared to venture beyond the confines of mundane Monday mornings at 10 AM. It whisked audiences away to a fantastical dreamlike discotheque perfectly suited for the collection's silhouettes and sounds.
Kaleidoscopic and surreal, ALÉMAIS honored its high-octane DNA with whimsical effervescence, drawing inspiration from an eclectic mix of sources: Ziggy Stardust's iconic red star sigil, Madonna's Jean Paul Gaultier cone-bra from her 1990 Blonde Ambition tour, and even the surreal costuming of the 1985 fantasy film Return To Oz. No longer in Kansas, ALÉMAIS soared into Oz's stratosphere, solidifying its place as one of Australia's most revered fashion labels.
Reflecting on the collection's inception, Jermanus shared her childhood fascination with Return To Oz, emphasizing its dark and mystical allure. "Watching it again as an adult, I found myself inspired by the opulent costumes, set designs, and soundtrack," she confessed. This inspiration manifested in a tapestry of vintage-inspired silhouettes, where avant-garde puff shoulders added a playful touch reminiscent of the Queen of Hearts from Alice In Wonderland.
Vibrant pussy bow blouses danced alongside metallic micro shorts, reimagining the summertime silhouette with a contemporary Miami Vice twist. ALÉMAIS painted the runway with an array of colors, evoking a dreamlike discotheque that welcomed the audience into a textured universe, a melange of different dimensions.
Jermanus summed it up best herself, describing the show as "immersive, a play on new artful proportions, and a journey through our dreams." "Presenting a collection at AAFW for the first time has pushed our imagination to new places of exploration and experimentation," she explained.
As the models glided down the runway to the timeless melodies of The Rolling Stones, Blondie, David Bowie, and Donna Summer, Lesleigh Jermanus' vision for ALÉMAIS became undeniably clear: she brings color everywhere she goes, for she is a rainbow incarnate.
