Summer fashion is defined by two key pillars – comfort and longevity. When the weather heats up, we look to easy-to-wear pieces that will last the test of time to help inform our wardrobes – think light fabrics, timeless silhouettes and tonal colour palettes. Former Jac+Jack and The Row designer, Anna Westcott, understands this formula well; in fact, she's mastered it, evident in her first collection of resort wear for her luxury lifestyle brand, ANEAU.
Titled Longevity, the resort capsule – styled by RUSSH's very own Hannah Cooper and shot on location at historic Sydney venue, the Old Clare Hotel – includes easy-wearing slips, robes, oversized pop over shirt dresses, summer bucket hats and muted block-printed dresses. Westcott's experience on the cutting-room floors of some Australia's and the world's most covetable designers, puts her in a favourable position to understand the importance and intersection between fit, fabric and tailoring in the world of fashion. Each piece is crafter using 100 percent natural fibres, for a collection that is lightweight and wearable all summer long.
“My background is in fashion, and I was really missing it,” shares Westcott. “The approach, values and design ethos behind the Resort capsule is the same as our forever-quilts, though. These are versatile garments that will become staples in your wardrobe and are designed and made with ease and comfort front-of-mind.”
Since launching in October 2016, the lifestyle brand has become synonymous with quality artisanal products, including modern patchwork quilts and limited-edition organic cotton robes and sarongs. Longevity was first conceptualised over two years ago, and despite the samples being ready 12 months ago, Westcott decided to hold back, looking to her friends and family to provide feedback first on how her pieces wear, wash and work-back into existing wardrobes.
“It’s the total opposite of fast fashion,” says Westcott, “but leaving a considered footprint is really important to me.”
As for where she draws her inspiration from, Westcott admits that ANEAU's Longevity resort wear collection was designed with several of her muses in mind, from her mother to closest friends.
"The pieces to me are almost like blank canvases. They come alive when worn and styled by the person. I want people to feel comfortable, empowered and relaxed in my designs and for them to bring their own flavour to the garment."
You can shop ANEAU resort wear here.
Campaign credits:
Muses: Jasmin Egeblad + Rhys Andrew
Stylist: Hannie Cooper
HMU: Isabella Schimid
Photographer: Vladamir Kravchenko