Ayaka Ichikawa’s first Aquintic collection – SS12/13

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting another great rising designer, Ayaka Ichikawa, at a private viewing of her collection for new label launched this year, aquintic, at the Shangri-La showrooms before the collection was showcased at the Raffles fashion show last Friday, as part of Australian Fashion week.

This was Ayaka’s first collection, featuring some beautifully constructed dresses with intricate detailing. The aquintic SS12/13 collection featured beautiful hand printed dresses, in mixed fabrics, the designer cleverly combined the use of rayons, cottons and nylons and leather detailing, each garment with a very elegant and polished finish.

I loved the handpainted print on this dress, a key feature of this collection, the designer combined the fabrics and hand painted detail to provide it a kimono-like finish to the fabric.

Ayaka’s first collection also included some bold statement neck pieces made of acrylics in red, green and clear colours that provided an added depth to the overall look. Each handcrafted piece was bold, elegant and distinctive in its design.





I loved the black leather woven detail in this dress giving it an added depth and texture.




Ayaka cleaverly introduced some subtle details to her designs, including this woven tassels along the neckline, giving contour to the silhouette.





Ayaka’s collection also included some very versatile pieces that could be used as ‘workwear’, introducing subtle twists to your traditional white shirts and suit jackets, in cream and black colours.







I loved Ayaka’s first collection – there were so many unique and wearable pieces I would love to include in my wardrobe! 😉
Look out for this name, Ayaka Ichikawa for aquintic, another brilliant designer we are hoping to collaborate with at J’adorais!

Ayaka Ichikawa showing her first Aquintic collection at Shangri-La Hotel.

Ayaka’s unique and bold handcrafted neckpieces.

About Ayaka Ichikawa

“Born in Fukuoka, Japan, Ayaka Ichikawa learned basics of garment construction and fashion design in Tokyo, and went on to study Fashion at Raffles College of Design, Sydney. Her conceptual garments were first showcased internationally at Yodex 2011: Young Designer’s Exhibition in Taipei and was also featured in the website of Powerhouse Museum Australia, in the upcoming designer column, D*hub – Designer 6×6. Ayaka launched her own brand Aquintic and her first collection this year, making its debut appearance in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2012. Aquintic® is based on the concept of art in fashion and believes in delivering high-end quality garments with detailed tailoring and hand finishings. The brand aims to create an aquintic® way of fashion for women, and casually incorporating menswear elements in style.” (Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia)