Jade Sarita Arnott is, like the clothing she creates under the Arnsdorf moniker, lovely. Here are some other words that describe her, and her clothing. Thoughtful. Sexy (but subtly so). Intelligent. Beautiful. These are all good things, and they are the reason that she has steadily amassed nothing but good reviews and admiration. Recently, she was photographed by arbiter of style, Garance Dore. She has won awards, and sold pieces of her clever, deceptively simple and quietly luxurious collections to women who work at places like Italian Vogue; and many more to thoughtful, intelligent women who love to wear beautiful clothes.
In short, Jade Sarita Arnott and Arnsdorf are doing very well. It would not be entirely wrong to say that Arnsdorf is at the forefront of Australian fashion’s young guard.
Listening to Jade explain the hallmarks and aesthetic of Arnsdorf is akin to hearing her explain her own personality. “I love clean lines, something with a warmth to it,” she says. “I suppose my aesthetic could be called strong, modern and clean. I try to create quiet luxury and quality. Well considered lines, as opposed to simple.”
Arnsdorf is reminiscent of the pared back Swedish design aesthetic, all light colours, pale woods and sunlight, carefully placed foliage and trinkets, deceptively simple, sparse yet entirely welcoming. It’s calm, and careful and deliberate – in line with the seductive and difficult ideal of owning only the best, the just right
This finely honed sense of beauty and design is due, in part, to Jade’s background in the arts. “I did a Creative Arts Bachelor Degree at VCA after high school and majored in visual arts as well as studying film, creative writing, art history and cultural theory. After travelling, I did the Fashion Design Degree at RMIT University.”
It was here that an affinity for colour blocking and outfits reminiscent of a Rothko painting was born – shirt, belt and jeans in the same shade. Some might say it is the signature Arnsdorf ‘look’. Jade would often dress this way at university, and she would also create installations that involved a collection of seemingly disparate objects all painted in the same shade, giving the chaotic uniformity and order.
Colour is an intrinsic part of her work, but even more so than other designers I’ve encountered. Jade’s recent fascination with flesh and makeup tones is finely honed and elevates her garments to another level altogether; her palette of icy blues and sands in previous collection, I Think We Could Do Great Things, is phenomenal.
“Often a collection stems from a certain colour palette. It’s very important, so I custom dye fabrics to achieve the perfect shade.”
“I always try to use the most beautiful, quality fabrics and natural fibres – they are often sourced from Italy. I love linens, silks and cottons in particular. And cashmere coating. I try to use very traditional materials in new ways. Consistency is key in the trims and finishings I use – I have my own buttons made for the jeans, the leather labels on the waistband is just right, and I don’t use rivets on my jeans to give them a more modern look.”
This attention to detail can be seen in her Spring/Summer ’09 collection, an enthusiastically received story entitled ‘And You Love’ – about to grace the racks of stores around Australia.
In Jade’s words, “it’s an exploration of considered danger. Risks and bold steps, moving forward.
There are references to ice skating costumes and parachuting. A metaphor, perhaps, for the risks in these pursuits and the necessity of decisive precision – there are times when timid steps will leave you damaged.”
This manifests itself in button down shirts, clean denim shorts and pants, body conscious dresses, cropped, sheer tees, a buttoned jumpsuit with a sheer, silk back yoke.
