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.

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.

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.