25 Years in the Making: The Aerial Story
A celebration of journey, place, and design that endures.
There are prints that simply live in the wardrobe—and then there are prints that live in the heart. First released over a decade ago as part of the Islandia collection, AERIAL was born from the quiet beauty of the world seen from above—sweeping landforms and the hush of the untouched.
Voted back by our community, featured on beloved Obus customers For The Ladies Collection, and part of a sell-out collab with Merry People, AERIAL quickly became one of those rare, cult-loved designs that linger in memory long after the season ends.
Inspired by the breathtaking formations of nature seen from above—sweeping glacial plains, flowing rivers, and untouched wilds—AERIAL invites us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the vast, moving beauty of the natural world.
Now, in celebration of 25 years of OBUS, AERIAL is back for it’s final chapter in a fresh glacier-toned palette, a visual homage to our roots in travel, artful design, and enduring connection to place.
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To mark the occasion, we sat down with OBUS Founder/Creative Director Kylie Zerbst to talk about the story behind the print, the joy of revisiting the past, and what the future holds for OBUS.
1. What inspired the original AERIAL print, and how does that vision continue to resonate today?
I created AERIAL for Islandia. At the time, I was fascinated by the aerial photography of Iceland—its glacial rivers, the way land and water shape one another over time. I wanted to capture that sense of wonder and perspective you get when viewing a landscape from above. It felt meditative, timeless. And I think that’s why it still speaks to people—it’s not just a print, it’s a feeling.
2. AERIAL has achieved cult status among OBUS Lovers—why do you think this print struck such a chord with the community?
Some prints just land in people’s hearts. Since its release, customers have told us stories about finding AERIAL secondhand, or wearing it during a special moment in their life. It became this quietly iconic piece that people kept asking for. I think it reminds people of the power of nature and travel—and that speaks so closely to the spirit of OBUS.
3. You’re celebrating 25 years of OBUS—an incredible achievement. What does this milestone mean to you personally and creatively?
Honestly, it feels surreal. I started OBUS with a clear creative vision, but I could never have imagined the beautiful, supportive community that would grow around it. It’s been 25 years of learning, of staying true to our values, of designing with purpose. I feel grateful and excited—this moment is both a celebration and a stepping stone.
4. Looking ahead, what’s next for OBUS? What do you hope the next 25 years will bring—for the brand and the community you’ve built?
I hope we continue to design clothing that helps people feel grounded, expressive, and connected to the world around them. I want OBUS to keep evolving with heart—supporting local makers, embracing sustainability, telling meaningful stories through colour and form. And I hope we keep inviting people to wear their story, with intention and joy.
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A limited-edition release, made to be treasured.
This special-edition AERIAL capsule includes a jumper, pant, and dress—plus socks and jewellery that complete the set. Available in limited quantities, each piece is a celebration of the landscape that inspired it and the creative journey OBUS has travelled over the past 25 years.
Whether you’ve loved OBUS from the beginning or are just discovering the story now, AERIAL is a reminder that beauty is everywhere—you only need to take a higher view.
