I’m always on the lookout for interesting and unique local designers! It’s one of my favourite things to do. I totally Insta-stalk brands that I like the look of (just being honest), and I’ve been doing that with Aacute for a few years now.
Now a days it’s easy to find young designers spruiking polymer clay and resin jewellery, they are a dime a dozen. But it is harder to find ones that are pushing the boundaries of the medium and creating pieces that are unique, fun, and stylish.
Aacute, is doing just that, making jewellery for women who appreciate shape, colour, design, and most of all, timeless style that is fun!
The brand is run by sisters Julie and Kelly who both take care of one half of the business – jewellery and candles.
The jewellery is designed and carefully hand made in Melbourne by Julie Tran who is inspired equally by travel as she is by Melbourne’s vibrant community.
The candles are hand poured in Melbourne by Kelly Tran, who uses non-toxic quality soy wax, and works in small batches to ensure the final product is one that is ethical, special and encourages relaxation.
The ethos behind the Aacute brand is one that shuns mass production and instead embraces the process of slowing down, of less is more… but definitely not in it’s aesthetic.
The candle range offers quirky and welcoming scents such as ‘Buttery Popcorn’ & ‘Freshly Baked Bread’, and the jewellery is eclectic yet considered and definitely a joy to wear!
Read on below to learn more about the Aacute brand in my interview with Julie, as we discuss the evolution of the label and what inspires the sisters to create.
And check out their online store to purchase some awesome and ethical products which you’re bound to love for years to come.
Tell us a little bit about yourselves, your background and why you started your label Aacute?
Aacute is run by two sisters, Kelly who produces the winning candles and me, Julie, who designs and makes the jewellery. We started Aacute after craving creative outlets from our day to day lives working in pharmacy and accounting. I had recently done a year of studying illustration and began selling some work, preloved clothing and some handmade jewellery at a craft market in 2012. I did very well that first day, and continued to hold stalls up to 3 markets a week (no weekends off!). My jewellery kept developing over this time. I have a passion for colour and fashion and it gave me so much energy and drive so I was able to do this at a full time basis.
How would you best describe Aacute’s design aesthetic & ethos?
At the moment Aacute jewellery’s design aesthetic is bold and colourful yet feminine and muted. I work on a lot of floral looking and curved shapes and focus on marble and terrazzo textures. Polymer clay is so versatile because you can do anything and mock a lot of textures. Aacute jewellery is always evolving just like a person would. The jewellery is still handmade by myself with casual assistance; I’m currently training someone for a more part-time basis and will hopefully have someone full time by the end of the year.
Can you tell us a little bit about your creative process/ what materials do you use and how do you like to work?
The creative process for a new range is generally in the middle of production of a current range. I have a backlog of photos and notes from travelling and daily adventure, which is referred to. They’re usually obscure angles of buildings, objects, and scenery with striking colours or interesting shapes. I’m also sensitive to season colour palettes and textures, I analyse which style in the current range is working or not, and love taking in feedback from customers. That’s why my new range is titled Remain, new styles and colour palettes with the prior Aacute range aesthetic remaining. I work with polymer clay, and have done a little training in fine jewellery making. At the moment there’s still so much to learn in mastering polymer clay, but I’m keen to work with other materials in the future.
What’s a typical day at the studio/office for you?
A typical day is waking up early to meditate; this helps me focus on the day’s tasks without getting too distracted. I go to do some physical training with my dog in the park, which gives me more energy out of the day and helps me solve problems – I love exercise and health! Then start the day by around 9am with attending urgent emails, printing out orders and packing them. I’m in production mode for most of the day and try to have a full day of admin once or twice a week. Admin includes inventory and stocking up in supplies, working on collaborations or special projects, accounting (bleh!), photo shoot planning and social media content.
How would you describe your personal styles?
I would say eclectic, colourful, and sometimes feminine. I’m really short but love loose and relaxing garments, so wearing balloon shaped culottes will make me appear shorter but it’s so different. I’m always looking for quirky shapes and patterns but with muted colours so I can wear them forever.
What are 5 essentials in your wardrobes?
Stripe balloon culottes (so fun!), grey linen button t-shirt top (both Alpha 60), Zomp pink furry open toe sling backs (had them for more than 3 years, almost time to RIP!), a Per-Tim kimono, and I have a few Kuwaii camisoles that are always easy to wear!
Where is your favourite place to shop in Melbourne?
I love Alpha 60, some pieces have lasted me 5 years and I still wear today. They have great fabrics and unique shapes and styles that come in classic colours. It saves you from buying too much!
Tell us about some of the people who inspire you and why?
My parents, they had come to Australia with little and I’m so extremely lucky. I practice good perspective when it comes to speed humps in my daily life/business. When it comes to businesses and brands, Glossier for their digital marketing (who doesn’t feel inspired by them?), Kuwaii and Alpha 60 for their sustainable or well thought out design ethos, and I adore Mirador (textiles) and Kim Victoria (jewellery) for their attention to detail to their work and beautiful aesthetic.
What would be your ideal collaboration?
I’m currently doing collaboration with an online French Concept store and we are working on a really fun pattern. I recently finished a collab with The Ark and would absolutely love to continue doing collaborations with different stores. It helps broaden your field of creative vision and helps you connect with more people. It would be a dream to continue to work with more established brands locally and internationally.
What are the top 3 resources that you turn to for inspiration?
Travelling (even in Melbourne city, there’s so many restaurants, cafes/bars and experiences that are inspiring. Online: Behance, Design Sponge, and Refinery29 just to name a few!
What is your favourite place in Melbourne?
I’m currently liking this 24 hour place called Butcher’s Diner – they surprisingly have really good vegetarian options and chips, and the aesthetic is really well done for a casual takeaway diner.
All images provided by Aacute
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