A blonde woman posing in front of a lake wearing ACAI

ACAI

Inspired by fashion



Every revolution starts with a simple realisation. For Kasia Bromley, it happened on a hike in the Scottish Highlands. Feeling like an outsider within the outdoor community, she saw what was missing from women's outdoor wear – and that's how ACAI was born.



Exploring the Scottish Highlands, fashion designer Kasia Bromley felt out of place. Fresh from the prestigious halls of Alexander McQueen, where she had helped create the iconic "Butterfly Dress," she found herself caught between two worlds. Her fashion-forward instincts clashed with traditional walking kit, making her feel out-of-place when comparing herself to other outdoor enthusiasts.

 

"As a fashion student, wearing the traditional walking kit didn't feel authentic" Kasia recalls. "Yet amongst serious hikers and climbers, I felt judged for wearing leggings and a cool t-shirt."

 

As a newbie to the outdoor community, Kasia noticed something lacking in women's kit.



Catwalk Meets Countryside

Kasia's journey began at Edinburgh College of Art, where she dreamed of seeing her creations on the world's most renowned catwalks. Her talent led her to Alexander McQueen, where she honed her craft in haute couture. But life had different plans. A move to Scotland and a role with a men's sportswear brand opened her eyes to a glaring gap in the market.

 

The problem? The outdoor industry's approach to women's clothing was remarkably uninspiring. "What I witnessed was 'shrink and pink'!" Kasia explains. "Brands were simply taking their designs for men's outdoor attire, making them smaller, and changing the colour to appeal to women."

 

But for Kasia, this was far from good enough. With her husband and co-founder Joe, she set out to transform women's outdoor wear.





"I wanted my designs to give the wearer the same feeling of cut, flattery, and style as couture fashion, but be purposeful, supporting an outdoorsy lifestyle. Instead of seeing my designs on the catwalk, I wanted to spot real women wearing them in the hills, on beaches, by the campfire, or simply weekending."

 

 

ACAI launched online in 2017 with a single product: the Skinny Outdoor Trousers and the response was overwhelming. Finally, women had outdoor wear that didn't compromise on style or function.

 



Building A Movement Through Community

However, ACAI's vision extends beyond clothing. Research shows that women who spend just two hours in nature weekly experience increased happiness and improved body image. This insight led to the creation of The Outdoorsing Club, offering free hiking and walking events led by experienced female outdoor leaders.

 

"Inclusivity has, and always will be, an ACAI hallmark," Kasia emphasises. "Our sizing reflects the diversity of women's shapes, giving the wearer confidence through superior fit. The outdoors should be accessible; where women can feel free and safe, not self-conscious."





Today, ACAI embodies the perfect fusion of fashion mastery and outdoor performance. Their expanding collection marries runway sophistication with adventure-ready durability. This isn't just apparel – it's a reimagining of how women experience the outdoors.

 

"We're putting women first in the outdoors, with inspired fashion made for adventure."

 

What began as a vision in the Scottish Highlands is now a movement, empowering one outdoor woman at a time.




ACAI is more than just a clothing brand. It's a community of women who believe that outdoor confidence comes in every shape and size. Whether you're walking the dog or hitting weekend trails, the carefully-designed clothing adapts effortlessly from daily routines to outdoor adventures – because feeling confident shouldn't stop at the trailhead. Shop the collection in-store and online.



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