As the resort season hits its stride, major brands have been orchestrating elaborate multi-day events worldwide. Alémais, an Australian label founded by Zimmermann alum Lesleigh Jermanus in 2020, is entering this scene with its distinctive prints-on-prints, which have gained significant popularity and are now featured in over 600 retail outlets. Known for its resortwear, prominently showcased in the last season of The White Lotus, Alémais has chosen a stunning location for its showcase.
On Wednesday, an entourage of about 80 editors, models, and influencers made their way from Mahón, the capital of Menorca, to the picturesque Illa del Rei, a short ferry ride away. This former naval hospital island, now managed by Hauser & Wirth, provided a dramatic setting for a vibrant display of styles honoring Mallorca. The collection featured shimmering woven pieces, draped dresses in buttercup yellow and seafoam blue, and seashell details, all reflecting the island’s natural beauty. “It’s quite crazy,” Jermanus remarked post-show. “We’ve just brought our entire team from Australia on a 35-hour, three-stop journey to this island, thanks to the incredible support from the locals.”
This isn’t Jermanus’s first foray into distant locales for a resort show. Previously, she presented a collection in Marrakech, collaborating with local artisans in a culinary museum’s courtyard. Known for her eye-catching use of color and pattern, Jermanus worked with Mallorca-based artist Sophie Wahlquist this time, taking inspiration from her ceramic art. Her commitment to sustainability is evident, with most of her pieces crafted from organic linens, cottons, or FSC-certified fibers. This approach, coupled with her pricing strategy, has driven significant growth in her wholesale business.
Why does Jermanus embark on these ambitious international shows? “I feel like it’s true to who I am and the brand’s spirit—celebrating adventure and making clothes that feel transportive,” she explained. “It’s an evolution of what resort means, more of a state of mind.” She noted a distinctly Australian trait in this adventurous approach, adding with a laugh, “When it comes to travel, we’ve got grit.”
This grit is mirrored in the collection itself, which nods to Menorca’s flora, fauna, and local crafts, honoring its nickname as the “mother island” of the Balearics, known for its feminine energy. Jermanus skillfully integrates these elements into her designs, maintaining the Alémais aesthetic. Examples include psychedelic knits inspired by local weaving techniques, sculptural tops, and minidresses with intricate beadwork, and crinkled fabrics treated with salt-dye and UV techniques. “It feels a bit like method acting,” Jermanus said, ensuring the designs remained authentic.
The fashion show was part of a series of activities highlighting the island’s essence, including swimming in a secluded cove, visiting the Lithica quarry, and dining at a farmstead where local chef Gabriel Del Humō prepared grilled seafood. Guests later enjoyed a Menorcan feast at the Cantina restaurant, followed by a performance by avant-folk musician Anna Ferrer. The two-day event enjoyed perfect weather, reminiscent of Jermanus’s initial visit in January, when the skies cleared as she arrived in Menorca. “We got here, and the skies opened up, and I just had this gut feeling,” she recalled, capturing the magic of the runway show amidst the island’s natural beauty. The anticipation is high for Jermanus’s next adventure.
