Emily Bode: Family, Business & Global Expansion | Vogue

Emily Adams Bode Aujla, the designer behind the globally recognized Bode brand, is navigating a fascinating intersection of professional expansion and deeply personal growth. While her label continues to gain international acclaim, she’s simultaneously building a family, a reality that adds a layer of complexity – and, she admits, a slight caffeine dependence – to her already demanding life.

Aujla, whose roots lie in both New England and the Piedmont region of Atlanta, initially found her footing in menswear, a direction partly guided by a professor at Parsons School of Design. However, her true passion lay in the materials themselves, particularly textiles imbued with history and personal stories. This fascination led to the creation of Bode in 2016, a brand quickly distinguished by its unique approach: refashioning vintage quilts, utilizing deadstock fabrics, and incorporating found objects like antique buttons into meticulously crafted garments. The brand’s aesthetic, described as quietly political, resonated in a culture increasingly drawn to authenticity and the handmade.

The journey wasn’t without its challenges. Aujla faced skepticism from those who questioned her unconventional methods – creating shirts from vintage quilts, for example. Yet, she persevered, building a business alongside her husband and partner, Aaron Aujla. Their collaboration extends beyond the professional realm; they are now raising two young children and a pair of wirehaired pointing griffons, large and energetic dogs that add to the joyful chaos of family life.

The expansion of Bode mirrors the growth of Aujla’s family. What began as a Lower East Side apartment operation has blossomed into a global brand, with stores now located in Los Angeles, New York, and Paris. This expansion, however, isn’t simply about geographical reach. Aujla describes a “bizarre juxtaposition” – the simultaneous grounding of her family life and the broadening of her brand’s international footprint. “We’re growing our nuclear family here, but our fingers are going into different parts of the world,” she explained.

A turning point came with the launch of Bode’s women’s collection. After years of creating garments that transcended traditional gender boundaries – pieces ostensibly designed for men but wearable by anyone – Aujla finally presented a dedicated line for women, featuring reimagined bolero jackets, gowns, and sheer dresses that blended past, and present. This move, long anticipated by the fashion world, solidified Bode’s position as a forward-thinking and inclusive brand.

The Aujla’s personal life has also undergone significant changes. The opening of the Los Angeles store coincided with their marriage, celebrated in a Connecticut country house renovated by Aaron Aujla and Benjamin Bloomstein, Aujla’s partner in Green River Project, an interior design firm and furniture maker. This integration of personal and professional life is a defining characteristic of the Bode brand.

Aujla’s story is particularly relevant in the context of the growing slow fashion movement. Her commitment to utilizing vintage and deadstock materials, coupled with her emphasis on craftsmanship, stands in stark contrast to the fast-fashion industry’s emphasis on speed and disposability. Bode’s success demonstrates that It’s possible to build a thriving business based on sustainable and ethical practices.

While Aujla acknowledges a momentary reliance on coffee to navigate the demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship – a departure from her Southern roots in iced tea – it’s clear that her core values remain firmly intact. Her journey, from late-night design sessions in college to building a global brand, is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a deep connection to history and craft. The brand’s continued growth, alongside her expanding family, suggests that Emily Adams Bode Aujla is poised to remain at the forefront of the fashion industry for years to come.

The Bode story is also a family affair. Her mother gifted the first wirehaired pointing griffon, and the decision to add a second was a joint one with Aaron. This illustrates the collaborative spirit that permeates both the business and their personal lives, reinforcing the idea that Bode is not just a brand, but a reflection of their shared values and experiences.