aere’s new collection is a subdued but hopeful look for the new year, writes Syida Lizta Amirul Ihsan
LOCAL label aere continues to imbue everyday sentiment in its fashionable and practical collection.
This time, founder and creative director Raja Nadia Sabrina focuses on Hope as a binding theme in her latest line.
Hope was released recently on FashionValet.com to coincide with the beginning of a new year.
A new year, for many, is a time for a fresh start, says Raja Nadia Sabrina. “Turning over a new leaf and embracing hope for a better future are some of the things we look forward to.”
Since its debut at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2016 last year, the Hope collection has continued to resonate with many. The inspiration and story behind the collection reflects everyday struggles and hopes, says Raja Nadia Sabrina.
“In life, we may find ourselves in the middle of a frightening storm or falling into a seemingly bottomless pit. We may be broken, shattered and discover that we are in pitch darkness, or trapped beneath a mountain of despair.
“Yet, day after day, whatever the weather or circumstance, the sun always rises. With it springs hope that the coming day will be better. That beacon called hope is the anchor and compass.
“Hope gets you through the darkest night. Where there is hope, there is always light. It is a steadfast rope that gives you the courage to pull yourself back up. To stand and rise again despite being broken,” she adds.
COLOUR COORDINATED
This journey is reflected in the collection’s colour-coordination for the designs. The collection also marks a departure for aere in terms of venturing into stronger and more vivid standout pieces.
All this is done while paying homage to what aere has always been known for - creative, innovative and versatile designs.
“I intended for structured designs, braver cuts and the overall fit and feel to depart from last year’s soft and ethereal Essence of Grace collection.
I wanted to symbolise a more courageous approach to face the unknown and unimaginable,” says Raja Nadia Sabrina.
The collection features 29 designs in 79 variations of colours and sizes ranging from XS-XXXL. Some of the designs in the sought-after collection were sold out within days.
Featuring premium and luxe fabric, items are priced between RM109.90 to RM269.90.
The Hope collection is available at www.fashionvalet.com/aere and will also be available offline at FashionValet’s offline store at Bangsar Village II and Pavillion, Kuala Lumpur, as well as the FashionValet’s Singapore store at 313@Somerset, Modvier store and ShoesShoesShoes boutiques.
A GROWING JOURNEY
Raja Nadia Sabrina speaks about her hopes this year and secrets to her beautiful OOTD
YOUR HOPES FOR THIS YEAR?
Since I am going into aere’s third year now, I hope to strengthen and build a solid team so that aere can grow and do more. I’m hopeful about our second trade show in London soon. We’re working on some exciting collections for our third Raya and KLFW 2017 shows this year and, hopefully, we will be invited again to Jakarta Fashion Week 2017.
Personally, I’m hoping to have more time for my personal health, development and growth. I feel this is very important as well as spending more time with my family.
BETWEEN HOPE AND DESPAIR, HOW DO YOU FIND BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE?
You must never lose hope. Despair is the absence of all hope. I, for one, know that it’s easier said than done especially when life pushes us to the very bottom but the balance between hope and despair is something that I need to constantly strive for.
Sometimes despair hits you no matter how hard you fight it. But you have to keep fighting. You have to keep struggling to defeat it.
Despair keeps us grounded and reminds us that this world is not the end destination. But hope keeps us going.
HOW HAVE YOU GROWN, AS A PERSON, SINCE YOUR DEBUT LINE IN 2014?
I am now able to express myself better through my collections and my work and, personally, I feel that it really has given me some sort of balance and made me a better person.
It has also made me stronger and I keep discovering that if I constantly push myself beyond my limit, the ceiling grows higher and higher. Certain things that I would never have imagined doing before this, I realise I can do now.
DO YOU MISS THE LEGAL FIELD?
I hope it’s not bad for me to say that I certainly don’t miss the limited clothes I had to wear in the legal field! But seriously, the fashion industry is so fast-paced, and I’ve been so busy from the start with so many unexpected and amazing opportunities that opened up for me, one after another.
Of course, there are moments when I look back and miss the legal field, especially going to court. This happens mostly when I pass by the courts. The feeling is indescribable but I know that I had a pretty fulfilling career then, and I am enjoying what I do now. So there are no regrets.
AERE HAS BLOSSOMED INTO A LABEL KNOWN FOR ITS DETAILINGS, TEXTURES AND MUTED TONES. IS THIS GOING TO BE THE DIRECTION FOR SEASONS TO COME?
Detailing and textures, yes. It’s something that I’ve emphasised through aere’s designs from the start, apart from versatility and multifunctionality.
As for muted tones, I guess that was my mood and direction for aere’s 2016 Eid collection, Feel. This year, I’m tapping into other colours and emotions that I love which are not too muted and which will be slightly different from our previous designs.
YOUR THREE WARDROBE STAPLES?
White top. Fitted pants. Flared skirt.
THE SECRET TO A GREAT OOTD IS...
Don’t be fooled, getting a good OOTD takes a lot of hard work! You need to find a good spot to shoot. You need to get the best angle to look slimmer and taller. Then, getting the perfect daylight lighting (I rarely do night shots and if I do it there has to be a lot of light) is also a must.
A good quality camera really helps, as does working with a photographer you’re really comfortable with. For me, most of my OOTD photos in the blog (especially when travelling) are taken by my husband who I’m definitely most comfortable with. Lastly, you need a good pose!
THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNT IN THE FASHION BUSINESS?
Focus on the smallest details, which will separate you from the rest but always have the bigger picture in mind so you don’t end up sweating the small stuff.
Always focus on your own goals and the work at hand. There will always be doubters and people who expect and wait for you to fail. Ignore them and ignore those niggling self-doubts that will always crop up from time to time. Just do it.
IF YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN FALSIES AND COLOURED CONTACTS, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I wear coloured contacts more than falsies because I’m short-sighted. I rarely wear falsies, and even if I do, it’s only for events. So, I’d choose coloured contacts any day!
ABOUT AERE
FOUNDER
Raja Nadia Sabrina
LAUNCHED
October 2014
AWARD
Best Womenswear Collection at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2015
INSTAGRAM
@aere (84,100 followers)
HASHTAG
#wearaere