BRANDS

X NIHILO – short for ex nihilo – is a Latin phrase that means “creation out of nothing”. The notion identifies X NIHILO’S aesthetics and vision to craft a sophisticated and minimalistic range of leather bags for the modern women.

Targeting women with a strong identity from a generation with the desire to express individuality, X NIHILO consciously distances itself from conspicuous branding. Blending reserved aesthetics with function, timeless bags are inspired by, and designed for women of individuality and substance.

Retaining a consistent and unique signature, X NIHILO evokes the idea of strength, beauty and independence, through the exquisite material and astounding craftsmanship. Embracing the slow fashion movement, X NIHILO‘S concept of luxury is embedded in its meticulously curated material, well-considered design, and the highest level of dedication and attention to detail in construction.

AQUA BLU, a luxurious swim and resort wear brand with 148 points of sale across Australia, Canada and the USA, has chosen SSAW as exclusive agents and distributors for Europe and the Middle East.

“SSAW is a strong partner helping us to consolidate AQUA BLU’s global distribution. This is a significant step for AQUA BLU.”  Kristian Chase – Creative Director AQUA BLU

In addition to high styling AQUA BLU’s luxurious appeal comes from it’s exclusive fabrics with unique prints designed by Creative Director Kristian Chase.

AQUA BLU has gone from strength to strength. Kristian’s new take on swimwear design and direction has seen the label grow and become a familiar name on the fashion runway. AQUA BLU has been featured at the Miami Swim Show, Fashion Palette and as a prominent face of Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival.

Media recognition includes: News Corp, Bauer Media and Pacific Magazines. The Sunday Telegraph labeled AQUA BLU and Kristian Chase in the ‘Top 5 To Watch’ in Fashion Labels for 2015. As a result, Vogue Australia, Marie Claire and numerous prestigious magazines featured his designs as the must-have swimwear pieces for the season.

In three seasons, Kristian Chase has created some of the most iconic shapes and prints that has made AQUA BLU an Australian and International household name for swimwear. Kristian’s passion for creating styles that are innovative and practical, has led AQUA BLU to become a leader in Australian swimwear.

CANELA is a sustainable, ethical and social conscious brand, that uses recycled plastic thread to create an elegant and practical range of bags.

Each bag is hand woven by talented artisans from neglected areas of society, giving these skilled crafts men and women a new chance of expression and employment and showcasing a unique combination of fresh and ethnic feelings for the rest of the world to enjoy.

CANELA comes from the tropical city of Panama, where fashion designer Ana Laura Garcia was inspired by nature to create a practical, elegant and most importantly ethically sourced beach bag  for the global man or woman. After studying for a Master in Fashion and Luxury Brand Management at the Istituto Marangoni in London, Ana worked for Puig, Nina Ricci, Prada, Carolina Herrera and Asvat – a multi brand company housing Ermenegildo Zegna, Tiffany and Co, Jimmy Choo, Giuseppe Zanotti, Etro and Paul Smith.

With a focus on simple and timeless designs the range – which includes java, picnic and totes – are affordable, washable and durable, ready for robust use and perfect for the beach.

Each bag is a perfectly imperfect handmade creation, that makes the owner look and feel amazing.

Alexia van der Leegte-van Engelen, who studied Fashion Design at the prestigious Istituto Marangoni in Milan, celebrates femininity through delicate and daring fashion and graces women with her envisioning of edgy beauty, inspired by craftsmanship, traditional handwork and precious fabrics from across Europe.

Ideas and drawings are meticulously crafted into unique pieces in a small workshops and ateliers, where fashion is still an expression of the imagination.

Each collection tells a fairy-tale, each single piece bears its own soul. Beneath their glamour SAGE AND IVY’S products hide an engaged activism that aims for environmental awareness and the valorisation of craftsmanship.

CIMONE’s Creative Director Carli Pearson started her own fashion house in 2016, with the ethos of creating each piece as an object of beauty.

After her graduation with an MA in Fashion Womenswear from Central Saint Martins where she studied under the discerning eye of Louise Wilson, Carli worked for 7 years at Stella McCartney latterly as Senior Designer, then Design Director at Alexander Wang, followed by Head of Show Collections at Pucci in Florence, before becoming Head of Womenswear at McQ Alexander McQueen.

CIMONE was created to feel like a heritage brand, reawakened for a modern society. Underlying each piece is a strong emphasis on finesse, where every detail is carefully considered. Every piece is lovingly nurtured and considered throughout the stages of production, and no compromises are made to achieve the highest quality.

Combing irreverence with haute styling, traditional techniques and craftsmanship, honourably merging the old with the new. Modern materials and innovative production methods reinvent the familiar melding raw experimentation with a polished aesthetic. Fabrics are manipulated and treated in experimental ways – all in house in London.