Furniture designer Aaron Aujla, co-founder of Green River Project, embodies a distinctive philosophy toward personal style and possessions, prioritizing items imbued with a rich history and sentimental value. He actively seeks out pieces that carry narratives, often acquiring them through trades or from flea markets, rather than opting for mass-produced goods. This approach extends to his fashion choices, where he often wears items from his wife Emily Adams Bode Aujla's brand, Bode, or inherited garments that tell a story. His home in Connecticut, shared with his family, reflects this appreciation for the unique and the lived-in, filled with an eclectic mix of cherished objects. Aujla's discerning eye for items with character highlights a profound connection to the past and an aversion to conventional consumerism, making his collection a testament to personal narratives and enduring style.
Details of Aaron Aujla's Prized Possessions
Aaron Aujla's collection of cherished items spans from his everyday essentials to unique decorative pieces that hold deep personal significance. Among his most worn summer footwear are his father's old Brooks Ghosts running shoes, modified by cutting out the tongue and removing laces, a tradition he embraces for casual comfort around his home. His preferred beach bag is a spacious Bode tote, often featuring French flag colors, practical for his family outings. For his extensive travels, Aujla relies on a sturdy Rimowa roller suitcase, complemented by a Bode tote for fragile souvenirs collected from various corners of the world, including Burmese teak frames and vintage photographs of Indira Gandhi from a recent trip to India. His signature eyewear comprises black Julien prescription frames from Jacques Marie Mage, a style inspired by fashion journalist Jacob Gallagher, which he acquired after a dedicated search on eBay. When it comes to hair care, Aujla opts for Sumoclay, a minimal yet effective product. His wife, Emily, largely influences his most complimented outfits, guiding him towards appropriate attire for formal occasions and events. Paradoxically, his most misunderstood clothing items are his hand-me-down Carhartt jeans, acquired through a series of swaps and treasured for their generational history and connection to a friend's past. A recent acquisition he particularly loves is a portrait of Emily by artist Sam McKinniss, obtained through a trade, which captivates him with its unique color palette and artistic process. His favorite tie is a vintage Yale tie belonging to Emily's grandfather, part of a treasured collection inherited from her father. For his belt, he prefers a Ralph Lauren Purple Label brown alligator belt, a classic piece he purchased directly. His go-to loungewear consists of Bode cotton pajamas, while his favorite summer suit is a white seersucker double-breasted suit from Bode, noted for its lightweight comfort and versatility. In his studio, a black modified piano-lacquer coffee table, crafted from offcuts by his partner Ben, stands out as his favorite piece of furniture. Among his recent treasured souvenirs are a small, vintage Steiff zebra for his son, rare Japanese fishing magazines, and a Hawaiian hula figurine, each representing a personal connection or a vision for future creative endeavors.
Aaron Aujla's philosophy offers a refreshing perspective in a consumer-driven world. His dedication to items with intrinsic value and personal stories, rather than mere material worth, inspires a more mindful approach to consumption. By embracing bartering, repurposing, and cherishing inherited goods, Aujla demonstrates that true style and meaningful possessions are cultivated through personal connection and history. His life serves as a reminder to seek out and appreciate the narratives embedded in the objects around us, fostering a deeper, more sustainable relationship with our belongings.