Say hello to our first ever Customisation Tool online at A'el Este. We've selected 3 current designs, and added a new virtual element so that they can be customised to your colour of choice. You can add pictures of your outfits or accessories to perfectly pair up colours and get a detailed visual flatlay of your complete look!
First up we have the Valencia + Amelia Set. This collection features our stunning new Valencia Crown, Amelia Headband and Valencia Earrings - perfect for both bridal or Spring Racing events. It features simplistic feminine florals on a delicate lightweight band, and pairs beautifully with florals, lace and soft textures from designers like Elliatt or Zimmermann. This set creates the ultimate piece for Oaks Day and ladies day events, or perhaps opt for it in a unique colour choice for your wedding (hello, something blue!). Although a delicate design, the Valencia Set could also be customised in black or white to be added to sleek and structured Derby Day looks.
Next is the Nala headpiece which we initially created in Gold or Orange. Due to the nature of the design, and the popularity we predict for Spring Racing, we decided to now offer it in 25 colours! A bold design that fits the Melbourne Cup style guides, the Nala is a show-stopping piece of millinery that would compliment both the extravagance of Eliya the Label dresses or more simplistic designs from Mossman or Bianca + Bridget.
The newest design added to our customisation collection is the Delilah Headpiece. This particular design features art-deco style elements and filigree leaf detailing on a lightweight band to create a versatile yet statement look for weddings, racewear or events. A great choice for the relaxed style of Stakes Day, this design would pair well with a tailored suit from Sheike or bohemain-styled dress from Talulah.
After a successful trip to the UK in September last year to attend our first Harrogate Bridal Showcase, we're so happy to announce A'el Este will be back at this years 2023 show from the 10th - 12th September!
With the launch of our new collection 'Allure' releasing this month, we're excited to be able to preview this to our existing and future UK wholesalers and are looking forward to meeting the connections and stockists we attained since last years event.
This year promises to be just as successful with Harrogate featuring over 300 brands, live fashion and bridal shows and amazing networking opportunities providing us with a chance to display our little South Australian label to industry professionals and creatives on a large scale.
We cannot wait to be able to build our brand and presence further internationally as well as showcase our brand new range of crowns for communions and younger girls plus Bridesmaid Boxes and gifts.
If you, or your boutique, are looking to become an A'el Este stockist you can visit www.aelestewholesale.com to view our newly launched A'el Este Wholesale Website.
Our new look book is available now - please contact us to obtain a free hard copy or to view the online version.
ABN holders and approved businesses are also able to now order a Look Pack to view products in person.
If you are attending Harrogate 2023, please come and say hello! We will be at the same stand - right next to the Champagne area. See you there!
(A'el) Pronounced 'A.L' which stands for Ashlee Lauren
(Estë) Pronounced 'Estay' from the name Ester which is Persian - meaning 'Star'.
This represents the transition from humble beginnings of Ashlee Lauren to following your dreams - our future in A'EL ESTË.
Our bridal accessories and wedding jewellery bring together the finest materials and stunning design to create something very special. We believe in quality, care, and creating unique products that everyone can enjoy.
Specialising in bridal headbands, bridal earrings, bridesmaids earrings, bridal sets - with a strong focus on modern pearl headbands and pearl bridal earrings.
Now with our new wholesale bridal accessories range - perfect for all Australian and International boutiques looking for wholesale bridal earrings and wholesale bridal headbands and more.
Colourful, creative, and inspired by travelling the world, each product represents what we love about the world we live in.
We hope they'll inspire you too.
]]>Mother’s Day is just around the corner and we thought it’s a wonderful time to give you all the ideas you need to spoil her on Sunday 14th of May. We have some beautiful A’el Este pieces for a Mother’s Day gift we know your mother, mother-in-law, step-mother or the mother figure in your life would love! Already organised and have it covered? Why not pop these away for a birthday or Christmas present instead.
Our Laurent Studs are perfect for the mums that love a little shine and sparkle. They feature sparkling Clear AAA Zircon Crystals on either an 18k Gold Plated Brass base or 925 Silver Base in a simplistic design. Perfect for everyday wear or for a special occasion and presented in a luxe A’el Este keepsake pouch!
If she loves sparkle but wants something a little more understated or subtle then our Underground Studs are a perfect substitute.
We know some women prefer pearls to crystals so our Joya Pearl Earrings can make a beautiful and simple gift. This little drop design is made of genuine freshwater pearls on either an 18k gold or 925 silver base and are lightweight and comfortable to wear. If she is a real pearl lover our simplistic Mia Pearl Headband may also be a winning choice for a completed look and statement gift.
Our Gianna Earrings are a subtle statement earring for the mums that prefer a more bold design. This heart-shaped drop style features AAA Zircon Crystals on a brass base and is also available in 18k Gold Plated or 925 Silver. Despite being larger in design they are still light in nature and comfortable to wear for day or night wear. Also well suited to any hairstyle and outfit!
For those that enjoy bright and bold colours opposed to the standard silver or gold then our Gigi Earrings will be top of mums wishlist as they feature bright crystals on a light, multi tiered design.
If she’s got enough jewellery then our signature Seraphina Perfume is the best choice for a Mother’s Day Gift. Made in Australia and in bottles designed in Paris, this scent combines a refined composition of Petitgrain and Mandarin with the familiar, soft sophistication of Peony. A contemporary scent that can be worn day and night.
Still can’t decide what to get mum? Then let her do the choosing with an A’el Este Gift Voucher!
A special mention to my mum Chris and all she does for me, my kids and my entire team - We love you!
xo
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CALECHE BRIDAL.
OUR NEW STYLING SERVICE
This amazing new service will allow you to select the perfect piece so that you can radiate at your upcoming event. Leave it to our in-house stylist Alex to help you prepare for your special occasion as we offer three crown options, carefully styled to suit your outfit. Since we pride ourselves on our attention to detail, we’ll ask for images of your dress, shoes, bag, and prepared hair style. You’ll receive a digital layout of your overall look paired with the proposed crowns, put together by our experienced stylist.
For us, devising a vision for an upcoming look is the exciting part. But that’s not to say it comes easy. If you’re unsure where to start with building your Summer event style - why not look to these current transeasonal trends for some inspiration.
The Blazer & Pant
Let your confidence shine in a suit this season. If you haven’t caught on to this two-piece trend, then there’s still time to play catch up. Linen, silk, wide leg or slim fit, the options are endless. If one thing is for certain, it’s the comfort that comes from this combination - feel good as you turn heads in this simple yet seamless look.
Mix or match your blazer and pant together for an effortless transeasonal event outfit. If you’re looking for something with a little more cover, then this is the choice for you. Pull off this sleek combination with any one of our crowns for a faultless finish.
The Silk Slip
A favourite amongst minimalists is the silk slip. We saw this 90’s revival make a return over the last couple of seasons, and it is certainly here to stay. Your colour choice will set the tone for your look, so be sure to select a shade that is wholeheartedly you. Make a bold entrance with a brighter hue, follow the current appeal for neutrals with hazelnut or gold, or wear your slip in charcoal for a long-lasting wardrobe staple.
The best part? There are no rules with footwear. One thing that we love about styling in 2021 is the sneaker trend and we’ve welcomed it with open arms. Kitten heels, strappy stilettos or a white runner will convert this look from day to night. So why limit yourself to one occasion? The silk slip is worthy of an outfit repeat – we say go for it.
The Linen Look
How could we not fall in love with the billowing balloon sleeve – a vision of the romantic Victorian era. After consecutive seasons of stealing the lead in summer dresswear, we are thrilled to say this look continues to turn heads. The oversized sleeve style has presented itself in every form imaginable - colours, prints and statement cuts have been a huge identifier of the trend. Our favourite? It is easily the linen look.
Channel your soft, feminine side, with the linen dress. This natural texture is truly a standout and is best complimented with puff sleeves and a flowing skirt. Dress for a sunny day picnic, an afternoon wine bar or evening affair - with its whimsical identity this look will suit any and every occasion. Don’t forget, we’ve got just the crown to go with it.
We would love to help point you down the right path and can’t wait to help you find the perfect crown to compliment your favourite look this Summer. After all, that’s what we’re here for xx
For more details about our styling service – please contact us here
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We still laugh now about how the models were instantly able to switch to game mode. Backstage, their shoes were two sizes too small or too big as they weren’t at our fittings, they were prodded and poked trying to listen to six people at once, some were unsure of their placement in the line up, one girl was almost crying and I even had to cut another girls underwear before she walked out, yet when they stepped foot on that stage they were fierce, professional and absolutely nailed the brief. It’s definitely reassured of us of one thing, model life is not all that glamorous. The girls marched out, then Ash stepped onto stage to acknowledge the crowd at the end – and that was it. It was over. Months of hard work, determination and a lot of planning was all over within 5 minutes.
After our runway Ash and I stepped out to watch the runways of Elliatt, Flare Street and Haus of Song. The calibre of Australian talent on the international stage was to be commended and the excitement of the crowd at the new season designs was evident of that. Pretty patterns, bright pastels, dazzling embellishments and detailed silhouettes were stand outs on the runway. Bronx and Banco also showcased before us and we were lucky to enough to talk to Head Designer Natalie back stage, their designs were flawless and adventurous. At the show we even met up with an Adelaide couple who were visiting New York, that we had met and invited to the show two nights earlier in a little bar in Greenwich Village. Goes to show, no matter where in the world you are you will always find South Australians.
After the show we popped another bottle of Moët, and celebrated all night long. Literally.
We were invited to the Fashion Palette after-party at the Standard hotel in New York, a popular and modern hotel and bar well-known to celebrities. Excitement levels were ridiculously high. We quickly headed backward to our apartment and dropped our runway gear off and set off for the Standard Hotel. We had a bite to eat and a cocktail or two then went to the nightclub area and made our way up. We got through to the sectioned off area, and it was the Boom Boom Room, one of the most exclusive rooftop nightclubs in Manhattan and known to the city’s elite. I think I speak on behalf of all of us in that moment when I say we died and went to heaven. The views over NYC were insane, the room itself was ridiculously amazing and it was just surreal. If you haven’t heard of the Boom Boom Room, Google it. Now.
There didn’t seem to be many people, so we figured whilst we waited for the rest of the designers we would order one hundred espresso martinis and spend about half an hour trying to get the ultimate picture/video/snapchat of the views, nothing sufficed to being there. After a while people slowly started flowing in and before long we sensed some kind of costume theme that we obviously hadn’t been made aware of. Men started walking in wearing wings, one guy was dressed as Little Bo Beep on stilts, there was glitter and sequins and even the occasional nudity. Avant garde costumes, theatrical makeup and drag queens filled the room. The diversity was amazing and unlike anything any of us had ever seen before. Ash went to investigate, and to get headpieces for us to wear and business cards – this was a crowd that weren’t afraid to be adventurous!
Once back, Ash fleeted her way through the now pumping crowd, the room had filled up and you could barely move. She came back beaming and giggling, she had seen Jess from Fashion Palette with all the other designers in a separate room, no where near the level of crazy as the Boom Boom Room. She broke the hilarious news – we were in completely the wrong area to what we were supposed to be in, instead we had managed to crash an extremely exclusive Fashion Week Sex and Bondage Party! Did we leave? No way! Instead we got photos with some of the most outrageous costumes and made friends with as many people we could whilst talking up Ashlee Lauren.
We (sadly) ventured on and went back to the Little Bar which Ash and I had been only a few nights earlier, Employees Only. Unfortunately there were no crazy stories of half-naked angels, but we did continue on a little game Ash and I started on the previous night we were there. They had some vintage looking post-cards, so we had the wonderful (and only slightly intoxicated idea) that we would ask everyone we met or spoke to, to write down anything they wanted on their card and we would keep them as a momento of our trip and place them in the studio upon our return back to Mount Gambier.
Here were some of our favourites (and that didn’t have obscene illustrations attached to them):
“You ladies have been such a breath of fresh air and a reminder that you never know when or where you’ll meet amazing people – see you at Mardi Gras!”
- Evan Todd / Actor
“You know what, SA girls rock, even more so in New York City, come drink amazing SA wine with us! Be brave, and back yourself even when Macy’s want 2000 crowns!”
- Mela / From SA and works for Advertiser – came to our runway!
“The human heart in conflict with itself is the most ubiquitous and significant struggle which a person must endure”
- Keith Larry / Bartender at Employees Only
“Good luck on your fashion week, best of times in USA”
- Pat Christensen / Tourist in NYC
I could ramble for hours, but I guess to sum the blog up, New York was amazing. The people were amazing. Our time was amazing.
But even more amazing, was you, our supporters. We couldn’t have done it without you. We felt backed and encouraged and supported 100% of the time. We received countless messages of support and good luck wishes, and we know everyone was with us in spirit. So, Thankyou.
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Whilst boarding the plane to head back home to Australia, I was overcome with so many conflicting mixed emotions. Deep sadness because it was over, pure happiness because it was amazing, excitement for the opportunities it may have given us, and a strong sense of disbelief. We had just been, and showcased at New York Fashion Week. Even saying it now, I still don’t feel it’s sunk in.
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We landed in New York on a balmy Tuesday afternoon, and hopped straight into a big yellow taxi (so cliché, I know) which quickly flowed into the peak hour traffic and hustle and bustle of the city. After two hours in traffic we arrived at our cute little Air BnB in West Village, a beautiful and homely neighbourhood, with bright green floating trees sweeping each sidewalk. Next door boasted a relaxing yet vibrant café, Grounded Organic Coffee and Tea House, which became our second home whilst in the states. We ventured out and wandered the neighbourhood as the sun went down, pinching ourselves whilst we explored. After visiting a local market and stocking up on the necessities - muffins and coffee – we became overcome with exhaustion from the travel, headed back and nestled in for our first night away from home.
The next day we were up early, eager to start exploring. We took the Subway and popped up in lively Times Square. We did a little shopping, just a little, and sussed out some backdrops and locations for a photoshoot, which we were to do here in just over a weeks time. Before long, the day was done.
The coming days quickly went, and Ashlee proved she was a pure machine. I have watched her work hard, but when it came to New York she never lost sight of the goal and worked harder than ever. She smashed out more elements of her new website, gathered loads of social media content, arranged the photoshoot including a NYC model and hair and makeup artists, she fixed up last minute details of the crowns, responded to emails and enquiries back home and even organised collaborations.
This woman worked day and night on our trip, she did not stop, but after a few days of a hefty workload, it was time for us to focus on the models fittings day! We were taken to a large multi-storey building not far from our apartment in West Village. From the foyer the building looked upper-class and sophisticated, however upon getting out at our designated floor, we were greeted with colourful hallways, and swarms of people. Some dancing in the corridor, some practicing lines in the mirror. This was a full-blown audition building, just like in the movies. There were show posters on all the walls, audition times pinned to doors, people lined up ready to head in to have their go. You couldn’t wipe the smiles off our faces in that moment.
We entered our room and met the Fashion Palette team and began pulling out all the product, awaiting the models arrival. We were then given our backstage passes to NYFW, and cue excited laughter/disbelief/happy tears. The models arrived soon after and Ash quickly started fitting them with their headpieces and talking to them about our vision for the show and what she wanted them to do, whilst I fitted them with their lingerie and shirts and Chris handled accessories. We were scribbling down notes, recording shoe sizes and shirt sizes, their allocated pieces, you name it. The day was over before we knew it, and it was now time to prepare for the pinnacle of the trip. Our beautiful photographer Jess Tucker from back home, made the trek over to the states and met us that night in New York ready to share our excitement.
When the day came around for the runway show, we popped a bottle of Moët to celebrate beforehand, and I looked over to Ash, Chris and Jess and we all sat in silence and really stopped to take it all in. After a few minutes we joked again for the 36th time about how surreal it was that we were here, had couple more glasses of champas to ease the nerves and it was time to go in. It was time for the Ashlee Lauren New York Fashion Week Runway show.
Backstage was buzzing. There were hair and makeup stations with the dressing-room styled mirrors, clothing racks allocated to each model filled with brightly coloured and beautifully detailed garments, camera-men and journalists frolicking around madly trying to interview the designers, models running around naked frantically trying to find their racks and next outfit and organisers with their clip-boards trying to keep everything some-what running smoothly. Then there was me and Ash, I feel like deer in headlights, standing still as everything swung around us trying to take it all in.
Ash was pulled aside for interview after interview, and I spotted a model I recognised from fittings looking for her station. I headed over and started dressing her, and before long more models were ready. We had half our models dressed, fitted with headpieces ready for the show. We were still waiting on 5 more models, and time to the show was dwindling away. Jess, from Fashion Palette started heading our way, sensing our confusion as to where the other models were. Then she broke the news, the agency had double-booked the models, so five of them would be a no-show.
To be continued....
Fashion Palette New York Fashion Week 2018
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