The story of Alquema began when Virginia travelled the globe for years, searching for inspiration in all aspects of her life, including fashion. She began her career as a photographer, developing an eye for art, detail, and textures, something that has been effortlessly translated through her designs.

One thing you will notice as you pick up one of the lightweight pieces is the material, it has an airy, softness that is different from others, and this is something that Alquema prides itself with. On her travels, Virginia Rouse came across the Japanese art of Shibori. She loved how the design craft involved form and composition, and how all pieces focused on refinement and produced delicate products.

Fast forward to the present day and Alquema maintains an artistic style through each collection. The delicate materials create a flattering silhouette as they cinch in at the waist and flow out at the lower end of the piece. We love how they believe that fashion is self-expression and aim to have everyone feeling fabulous and confident when wearing their flowing dresses. We are as excited to reveal the new brand, as you will be when you put it on. Each dress has its own print, colour, and style so there is something for everyone.

Each dress also boasts versatility, as they can be worn on many different occasions. Whether it’s as a wedding guest, going out for brunch, or on holiday abroad, you can mix and match accessories, footwear, and jackets, all of that in one dress, how amazing is that!

For The Wedding Guest

Looking for a dress as a wedding guest can sometimes be a tricky task, you want to be dressy but subtle enough to not overtake the main wedding party. You will also want to be comfortable as from the ceremony, dinner, and dancing, it can be a long day. There is no need to fret with the Alquema dresses, as they offer a stunning style at the level of glam you are after, and the soft material feels so soft against the skin you won’t want to take it off. There are certain pieces that have a matching shawl that add an extra touch of glam to the outfit. Pair it with a fascinator, clutch, and heels from Jonzara, and you will be ready to celebrate the special day.

For The Brunch

There’s nothing better than getting dressed up to go out for a catch-up and coffee with friends, and when the inevitable question of ‘what are you wearing’ gets put into the group chat and you answer Alquema, the next question will be ‘where did you get that’ when they see you in your dress. Style with a pair of Tamaris trainers and a leather jacket from Jonzara, and you’re ready for your eggs benedict and mimosa.

For The Holiday Abroad

How amazing is that feeling when you’re abroad, you’ve spent the day at the beach and you’re getting ready for dinner? These Alquema dresses have the perfect balance of lightweight material, comfortable fit, and a dressy look, perfect for walking along the promenade and deciding on which restaurant to dine at. They are also ideal for wearing during the day, as you’ll be kept cool while you explore your destination in the heat.