The New Kid on the Block: Luxury Travel & Lifestyle Brand AIDAN
As the world opens its doors once more, the hunger to explore is more insatiable than ever. A new age of travel is upon us – and with it, an exciting new brand that promises to reinvigorate jet set style.
Founder and Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, restaurant and club owner, Aidan Walsh, who hails from Broome, Western Australia, uses the brand as an expression of an inner creative vision born from relocating and living overseas in cities such as vibrant and exclusive cities such as Monaco, St Tropez, London, New York and now Los Angeles. Inspired by an international way of living, his self-titled label blurs the lines of fashion, people and culture, capturing a global flavour.
Envisaging a brand that marries design, aesthetic and fashion with the needs of the modern traveller, he founded AIDAN in March 2021: as not just a travel accessories collection, but a complete lifestyle. The name 'AIDAN'— although initially unintentional—ties itself to its foundations, and calls out the brand's sense of personal emotion.
“I wanted to create a brand that was timeless, with a strong influence from the aesthetics of ‘90s street style – and the hip-hop tracks and basketball fanfare that accompanied it,” he explains. “I was inspired by the golden aviation era; a time when folks took pride in how they styled themselves for travel.”
Set to launch in 2020, with New York as its backdrop, the COVID pandemic, halted this plan. During this time Aidan instead used the 2020 break to further his research and development, on Aussie shores.
"Launching the brand in Australia allowed me to focus on the fundamentals of the business and growing organically before being perceived worldwide,” he explains, “Australians travel and we are envied by many countries overseas for our beautiful country and people. With having the support network of family and friends back here in Australia, it seemed appropriate and fitting for the overall launching of the brand and its vision moving forward.”
Business partner Dean Bartlett, a Melbournian who met Aidan during their travels in Los Angeles, joined AIDAN in 2021 to help bring the brand vision to life. His international experience as a model means he brings extensive knowledge in the worlds of fashion and retail to the table. The pair’s symbiotic partnership sees Aidan as founding director and entrepreneur, while Dean works on strategic development.
After three years of intense development behind the scenes, the first accessories are available to purchase online. Premium, well-designed travel accessories are no longer reserved for the elite: AIDAN invites travellers to discover stylish pieces crafted to last, at an accessible price point.
The collection, from streamlined suitcases to sleek tech sleeves and airline-friendly transparent pouches, offers a complete solution for the modern traveller. In addition to the launch collection, hot new pieces will drop on the website as they become available. Customisation and personalisation options add an extra, luxe touch, resulting in pieces that are designed to treasure across the years – and the miles.
