I discovered this gorgeous Australian brand when perusing Liberty’s on a trip to London in February and I have since fallen in love. Bold hand-sketched prints that have jumped straight off a 1950s postcard of the Amalfi Coast meets superb tailoring, resulting in a collection of beautiful dresses, matching sets and silk scarves. If I could I would dress solely in Alémais dresses for every summer going forward.
Plus, Alémais not only create beautiful things, they also protect our beautiful world; they prioritise artisanal craft and ethical production, alongside the use of sustainable textiles across their entire collection. Brand owner, Lesleigh Jermanus says that ‘through research and development we can do better by educating ourselves on best practices to create more durable and less wasteful wardrobes. When we know more, we can design more consciously and with more consideration’ and I can’t help but agree – education and research is the key to a more sustainable industry and customer base, that are aware of where their clothes are made, and how they have come to fruition.
I also love how they collaborate with different creatives, artisans and designers from across the industry and the world, to create their collections. This acceptance of different influences, cultures and minds makes Alémais so wonderfully refreshing and new; which is why it’s a brand that I am incredibly excited about.
1. Samaki Scarf // 2. Porcelain Frill Midi Dress // 3. Sunset Midi Dress // 4. Willa Embroidered Blouse // 5. Paradiso Scarf // 6. Airlie Mini Dress // 7. Lemonis Sundress
There are so many stunning Alémais dresses to choose from, I struggled so much with which ones to pick. Each of them are made from buttery linen, silk or hemp, with fun, vibrant prints and patterns that catch the eye and transport you to a beach bathed in sunlight. I love how fun and whimsical each and every piece is, and how they all encapsulate the dreaminess of high summer; I long for each garment I own to tell a story and the tale of idyllic summer days is so evident in this brand.
My absolute favourite Alémais piece has to be the Sunset Midi Dress, its watercolour-esque print, with a sketchy sunset, reminds me of a sundress I owned as a child, and immediately transports me back to nostalgic summer holidays twirling in my pretty dress. I would pair this with a trusty pair of Castaner wedges, in either pink or yellow, and a wicker basket bag, for an ultra-summery look.
The espadrilles would also pair well with the fruit-print Lemonis Sundress, which makes me envision hosting a garden party in an orange grove with the background sound of cicadas chirping. The print reminds me of vintage fruit packaging and greengrocer signage, in the best way possible, and again makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a 1950s postcard.
It’s not just dresses that Alémais excel in; their Willa Embroidered Blouse, with matching skirt, is just as stunning. Crafted with artisanal embroidery it is as sustainable as it is pretty; I would pair this with a maxi skirt, potentially in linen for a more casual outfit, or denim for something a bit more dressed up, and a simple pair of sandals. Then, to accessorise, there’s colourful silk scarves. Scarves are a wonderfully diverse accessory for summer; they can be worn wrapped around the head, tied as a strapless top over swimwear, or tied around the neck. I’m in love with both the Paradiso and Samaki scarves, with their bold colours and retro illustrations, from Alémais’ collaboration with print designer Alan Berry Rhys, that would pair so well with a whole host of summer outfits.
Love Chloe x
