I’m a self-confessed Etsy addict. And if you’re not sure what Etsy is, check it out here (but I’ll leave the explanation for another post). Be forewarned though: burn your credit cards before you log on. That said, I have ‘hearted’ a Hong Kong based Etsy seller called Something Renewal awhile ago and then it turned out that she was selling vintage at the first Random Art Workshop fair. Within an hour of setting up, I recall that there was already a small crowd gathered at her table (yes, us Hongkongers are starved of good quality vintage), and was not disappointed when I finally fought my way to the front – it was a treasure trove of dreamy dresses, bejewelled brooches, and I wanted everything. A couple of months later, Alice Tam, the gorgeous girl behind Something Renewal, has just launched an independent design label called “Aalis”, with her boyfriend, Boysh.
Both Alice and Boysh come from fashion backgrounds – She studied fashion design at Parsons in New York and he studied fashion design and styling in Paris. After considerable time spent in the US and London/Paris respectively, both are now based in Hong Kong. Aalis’ first collection works in vintage inspirations such as chantilly lace, scalloped edges, and pretty florals to produce a very wearable collection. The collection is now being sold in the UK, Singapore and Shanghai, as well as Hong Kong. My picks have to be the peacock print dress and the pale pink lace jacket with scalloped edging.
Speaking to Alice, I ask her about Aalis and tried to squeeze a few vintage shop recommendations out of her.
1. What inspired you to start your own label?
We both used to live overseas (NY, London and Paris) where it is the norm to mix and match vintage with high street or designer pieces – people like to inject their personalities into their styling instead of wearing brand names from head to toe. We really think this makes all the difference. Our aim is to bring some freshness to our customers with Aalis.
2. What does the name ‘Aalis’ mean?
It’s the old French form of “Alice” and is pronounced “ah-lish” which sounds like Boysh and my names combined.
3. Tell us about your first collection for Aalis and the inspiration behind it?
We both love vintage and antique items, so our inspiration naturally transpired from beautiful old things, especially vintage hats and antique chandeliers. We’ve sourced traditional tweeds and lace patterns, reinterpreting them into modern shapes. We are constantly looking for new and interesting ways to combine various things. We love and inject that into our designs. Even our logo was inspired by the smooth strokes of intricate, vintage chandeliers which reflects the core of our brand and clothes – vintage-inspired, romantic elements combined with contemporary styled, affordable but luxurious pieces.
4. You collect vintage, care to share a “secret” vintage shop or 2?
Frankly, there aren’t a lot of places to shop for vintage in Hong Kong but there is sometimes the odd piece or two at Mee and George in Central. I enjoy shopping vintage online much more and I am actually very addicted to Etsy!
Dear Golden Vintage – elegant, modern vintage pieces in earthy tones
Allen Company Inc - great bags and shoes
Timeless Vixen Vintage – gorgeous, collectable vintage gowns
Jess James Jake – a fun and colorful selection with accessories as well as homeware
Persephone Vintage – great up-cycle pieces
Last but not least, for TiC readers only, Aalis will be offering the collection at very special (virtually wholesale!) prices. You can view the collection on the Aalis website and e-mail Alice on aalisdesign@gmail.com directly for the promotion prices. This promotion ends on 31 December 09.
[Photos courtesy of Aalis]
Website: http://aalisdesign.blogspot.com
E-mail: aalisdesign@gmail.com
Stockists:
Fang Fong Projects, Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong.
