Aelkemi

Establishing a consistent growth of artistic professional development since graduating as Student Designer of the Year 1998 with a Diploma of Arts (fashion & textiles) from the WA School of Art and Design, Alvin achieved critical acclaim early in his career. In 1997 he was an award winner in the Textile Institute Awards and in 1998 won the WA Student Designer of the Year and Evening Wear Award at the WA Fashion Design Awards. He has since won awards for Fantasia Wearable Art and Resort/Swimwear, was a finalist in the 2001 Mercedes Start Up Program and in 2005 & 2010 won the coveted Western Australian Designer of the Year Award.

Alvin’s focus is on unique handprints and organic textile processes that represent femininity. The label’s diversity and wide range of interest’s scope reflects a constant need to contrast many ideas, therefore the forms that take place are a direct result from the conceptual idea through to the individually finished garment.

The ae’lkemi focus remains developing and maintaining the design integrity of each piece whilst extending the flexibility of the collection to appeal to a wider audience.

The garments are recognized for their signature raw edge elegance, the emphasis on femininity in the different collections is one motif consistent to all. Previous collections which have graced the catwalks in New York City during G’day USA in collaboration with Ford Modeling Agency and that of Australian, Milan and Berlin Fashion weeks and have covered themes as elaborate as the Spanish Armada period of the 1500’s to the 70’s French Riviera, and always feature the distinctive hand finishing ae’lkemi is known for.

He has been invited to some of the fashion industries most exclusive events to present his collections, in particular, was one of only fifty international designers invited to participate at Milan Fashion Week and the only West Australian to exhibit his Spring/Summer Havana Collection 05 and most recently with the opening of his flag ship concept store in Claremont.