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.
