Founded in 2008, Aje – the sartorial brainchild of best friends Edwina Forest and Adrian Norris – never once teetered on the edge of the boom-and-bust cycle that plagues so many new designers. Season-after-season, the brand’s frothy, voluminous and instantly recognisable silhouettes remained in high demand; the balloon sleeves, the A-line silhouettes, the cascading ruffles, the smatterings of sparkles, the colour, the frockery, the list goes on.

“Aje has established its own visual code,” Norris tells GRAZIA. “To survive in this industry and fashion landscape, it’s integral to have a point of difference.”

Nominated for Designer Of The Year at this year’s Australian Fashion Laureate Awards – the highest fashion acknowledgment in the country – the power duo tested the international waters this year with a presentation during New York Fashion Week and a pop-up boutique in London. Aje’s next steps will involve expanding the brand overseas.

“It’s the logical and opportune moment to continue exploring our next global steps forward,” explains Norris.

Read on for our little catch-up with Forest and Norris.

RELATED: INSIDE AJE’S END OF YEAR HOLIDAY PARTY

GRAZIA:…