What was your first project?
Aelle is our first project together, the union of our different professional paths. Ludovica’s path is more connected to the world of design, while Alex’s is more technical, linked to the world of denim treatments. From this union comes the idea of the name AELLE, which is the pronunciation, in one breath, of their initials A and L. We therefore tried to bring these two worlds together and create something different, namely offering treatments that are usually done on clothing items like 5-pocket jeans or jackets on accessories, bags, clutches, keychains, and small accessories. We tried to play with this novelty and the vast range of possible treatments on denim.
The creative process: do you work instinctively or plan every single step? Where do your ideas come from?
The creative part is very impulsive and emotional. Each idea has a life of its own and each one is born in a different way. Everything around us is a source of inspiration; simply walking downtown, going to the beach, traveling are all situations that spark ideas. For example, the idea of using denim was born in a second-hand market, seeing a handcrafted bag made with a patchwork of old jeans. While the subsequent steps have a much more technical, studied, and reflective approach. The design part is always studied with functionality in mind and considering all the uses that the end customer would want a particular object to have. Then we are very attentive to the technical part, related to the use of denim and treatments, to ensure the product is as durable as possible over time.
What did you think when Berto contacted you?
We were extremely happy and satisfied, we knew the company because we had worked with them before and we were aware of the attention they give to small businesses like ours, helping them, especially in the start-up phase. Furthermore, our project was born with the intent to keep the entire supply chain within national borders, from fabric to production, and to make it as “green” and sustainable as possible. And Berto, in this sense, is the denim company that focuses most on these issues. The choice was essential.
Which Berto fabrics have you worked with for your project and collections?
The entire proposal is mainly based on the use of GLOBE EVO ONE, its very intense indigo tone has allowed us to treat it in very different and extreme ways. This has given the product an extra edge. We also used CATCH BLACK BLACK and SAHARA FLK AB, the latter being a truly exceptional flock.
What do you consider the most significant aspect of Berto for Talents? What goals have you been able to achieve through this program?
As I mentioned earlier, the main part of this project is the approach towards small young businesses like ours. Very few companies of Berto’s caliber have this attention for young people. Just think about the possibility of purchasing small quantities of denim, which is often tied to very high minimum purchase requirements. This was fundamental; without Berto, we would have had great difficulty sourcing the fabric. And then there’s the not negligible part, the technical consultation – Anna Sartorato is unbeatable in this!
“Less but better” can be read as an endorsement of a certain purity in design and also in fashion design. It can also be understood as an environmental message about reduction and sustainability. What do you think?
We like this expression, and Aelle was founded with exactly this intent: to offer the end customer a product that is the result of a technical, value-driven process. Therefore, quality fabrics, an entirely made in Italy supply chain, and thus creating products that are detached from the frantic pursuit of seasonality that large brands often propose. So we endorse the “less but better” philosophy and make it our own.
Is there something you’ve never done and would like to create?
There are many things we want to do, this is our first project, so we still have many ideas in mind. Soon we would like to expand the product offering and create some collaborations with other brands.
