08 October, 2019
Co-founder and Creative Director of Australian fashion
label Aje, Edwina Forest, shares her ultimate guide to
exploring Sydney
like a local.
Bridging the gap between the city and the beach, Sydney-based
label, Aje, was founded in 2008 by designers and best pals Adrian
Norris and Edwina Forest. Designs draw from the dusty colours of
the Australian coast and urban spaces, incorporating handcrafted
elements – think: embroidery, weaving or painting – which reflect
the rugged beauty of the country’s natural landscapes.
The brand is committed to the sustainability of artisanal
techniques, so it’s no wonder that Creative Director and co-founder
Edwina Forest lists a weekend in Braidwood, a beautiful rural
artist community just beyond the city, as her ultimate weekend
escape…
A Friday, just in time for the weekend.
In a Mercedes-Benz convertible – this way you can explore the
entire city with the wind in your hair and the sunshine on your
face.
The Old Clare Hotel is a special
favourite of mine. It evokes a beautiful sense of nostalgia with
its old-world charm.
I think Sydney owns the quintessential resort style – a melange
of easy everyday essentials mixed back with statement pieces for an
effortlessly cool look that can take you from the beach, to work,
back to the beach, then to dinner.
I always make sure to pack a longline blazer, an oversized smock
dress, a white man-style shirt, leather mini skirt and an array of
sunglasses, earrings and shoes.
Aje is an Australian fashion house dedicated to raw beauty,
tough femininity and effortless cool.
I’m very much influenced by my surroundings both natural and
otherwise. The vast Australian landscape with all its uniqueness
and wonder is an ever-present source of inspiration across all of
our collections.
For me, it would be my local stomping ground of Elizabeth Bay
and Potts Point.
That it’s slow paced – and that kangaroos roam freely in the
city.
Kutti Beach in Vaucluse is a personal favourite of mine, and
Camp Cove in Sydney Harbourside where there is also an adorable
little Israeli café for beachside nourishment.
Fratelli Paradiso in Potts Point for an early
breakfast, followed by a stroll through the nearby Kings Cross
Farmers Market in Fitzroy Gardens.
I love to start my days with some relaxing yoga and meditation
from my personal sanctuary at home or to take a stroll through the
beautiful harbourside Rushcutters Bay Park nearby. The beachfront
walk from Bondi to Bronte is also a must, followed by a dip in the
ocean pool at either end.
You really can’t go past Bills for brunch in any one of its three Sydney
locations; it’s a longstanding Sydney institution.
Barbetta is the perfect low-key lunch spot, situated
in the heart of Paddington.
Sean’s Panaroma in North Bondi is a
personal favourite, closely followed by Ester in Chippendale and Alberto’s Lounge Paddington.
The bar at Restaurant Hubert is the perfect
late-night spot.
Post-party you’ll find me at home with my love and friends,
enjoying a little nightcap.
A weekend drive to Palm Beach, with a long lunch stop at
Bert’s Bar & Brasserie for oysters and
prosecco.
Dear Sainte Éloise in Potts Point – a real local
hidden gem.
A weekend away in Braidwood, a beautiful rural artist community.
My husband Felix Forest and I have a property here and it is the
perfect escape to spend some much needed grounding time nestled in
nature.
Perfect Health by Deepak Chopra. Sydney is all about health and
fitness, so it’s important to look and feel the part before you
arrive.
An Akubra hat.
