Eight local designers doing aquamarine right this spring
image via @olga.joan/INSTAGRAM
words by daisy henry
Fresh out of water.
Aqua, seafoam, turquoise, electric Kool-Aid acid blue. Whatever you want to call it, there’s no mistaking the very specific shade that is popping up everywhere at the moment. The colour itself is hard to pinpoint and perhaps that’s part of its charm. Aquamarine is fittingly slippery, conjuring up images of Greek islands, mermaids and ocean water.
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Sitting somewhere between a cyan and cerulean (or blue and green to put it more simply), it feels inherently playful, refreshing and nostalgic. Given Australia is moving into warmer months, what better time to embrace a pop of colour? While the shade is sweeping across fashion brands like wildfire, these are our favourite local labels doing aquamarine their own way.
Olga Joan
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Newcastle label Olga Joan is a passionate advocate for embracing statement colours. From its flare pants to wrap tops and singlets, the brand has nailed to formula of honing in on a classic silhouette, and duplicating it across dozens of colourways. However, at the moment, our eyes are on its various shades of aqua. Bright and vibrant, its a colour suited to all skin types.
Emily Watson
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Another label known for embracing colour, Emily Watson’s namesake brand blurs the line between balletcore, swimwear and avant-garde – think ruffles, ruching, frills and ties. For something bold, we love its aqua bolero, tankini and skirt, made from recycled lycra, while its Stirrup leggings add a subtle splash of blue. Plus, all pieces are made locally in Brunswick.
Niamh Galea
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Niamh Galea’s eponymous label is defined by its playful, coquettish aesthetic. From unexpected cutouts to its bloomers and colourful tights, it’s no surprise that bursts of aqua have appeared in its collection. Our picks are its sheer vintage-inspired nightgown or its strapless Twist dress.
Mode Mischief
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Melbourne-born label Mode Mischief has almost become synonymous with the colour aquamarine. From its signature Velina V-neck top and Mimi crop to its range of vintage-inspired sportswear, it has no shortage of blues, greens and every hue in between.
Girl Clumsy
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Leaning more towards mint than blue, Girl Clumsy’s Gwen top, skirt and shorts offer a more subtle take on the aquamarine craze. Based in Melbourne, the label is known for its durable essentials. Made from cotton, the pieces can be worn together as a matching set, or mixed and worn individually, fitting into your day-to-day wardrobe.
Little Yarn
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Based in Byron Bay, Little Yarn counts none other than Charli XCX, Tate McRae and Peggy Gou among its customer base. The label has a coastal feel and is known for embracing sheer fabrics, ruffles and asymmetrical cuts. Though it’s partial to shades of white and grey, it has a select number of aqua pieces, offering a refreshing pop of colour.
Ppeached
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Since it was founded in 2024, Sydney label Ppeached is known for taking classic silhouettes and reimagining them in vibrant pops of colour. Each one of its designs is available in different colourways, from cherry to Barbie pink. A paler and lighter version of aquamarine, you can rug up in its signature Betty leather jacket or embrace the change of season with its mini Summer shorts.
Ruby
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Founded in 2002, New Zealand label Ruby specialises in bright colours and soft silhouettes. Browse its asymmetrical batwing short sleeve, chiffon camisole and spaghetti-strap maxi dress.
For more aquamarine inspiration, head here.