Cheshire


<p>From Alexander McQueen’s ateliers to Scotland’s rugged trails, Kasia Bromley saw a gap in women’s outdoor clothing &#8211; and built <a href="https://acaioutdoorwear.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACAI Outdoorwear</a> to fill it. We sat down with the game-changing designer, now settled in Cheshire, to hear how high fashion and her love of the great outdoors inspired her mission to create performance gear for real women’s bodies.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="600" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/DSC_9703-ezgif.com-resize.jpg" alt="Kasia Bromley ACAI Outdoor" class="wp-image-8425" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/DSC_9703-ezgif.com-resize.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/DSC_9703-ezgif.com-resize-300x180.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/DSC_9703-ezgif.com-resize-768x461.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure></div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-personally-inspired-you-to-launch-a-brand-focused-on-women-s-outdoor-wear-and-how-has-your-creative-background-influenced-the-design-philosophy-nbsp">What personally inspired you to launch a brand focused on women’s outdoor wear, and how has your creative background influenced the design philosophy?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>I studied womenswear design at Edinburgh and always knew I wanted my own brand, having cut my teeth in high fashion with Alexander McQueen, Zandra Rhodes and even Sarah Burton’s iconic butterfly dress. It was incredible &#8211; but I felt disconnected. London life was brilliant, yet something was missing. Then I moved to Scotland, fell for a hiking-loving boyfriend, and discovered the joy of being outdoors, even if I wasn’t some hardcore trekker.</p>



<p>One day, a male hiker commented that I didn’t &#8216;look like a hiker&#8217; &#8211; this was my lightbulb moment. I looked at what was available for women and found nothing I’d actually wear. The outdoor space felt so male-dominated and unflattering. At the time, I was a product developer for a Scottish cycling brand focused on menswear. But I was ready to disrupt the industry and do something different, and now our brand is unapologetically female-focused &#8211; we have no plans for menswear. All our resources go into creating stylish pieces for real women navigating life’s transitions, from hardcore treks to dog walks and school runs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-a-brand-whilst-balancing-life-s-other-responsibilities-isn-t-easy-what-did-the-early-days-really-look-like">Building a brand whilst balancing life’s other responsibilities isn’t easy — what did the early days really look like?</h2>



<p>The early days were a whirlwind of determination and improvisation. With my husband’s job taking us to the US and South Korea, I packed my sewing machine and started making samples &#8211; living in Asia gave me access to incredible fabrics, so I crafted everything by hand. When we moved back to Europe, those samples became the foundation of the business and my husband came on board.</p>



<p>People didn’t always take us seriously &#8211; especially as I was heavily pregnant &#8211; but we were all in. And as the months rolled on, our baby came everywhere: supplier meetings, launch days, even trade shows where customers would happily hold the baby &#8211; it just became second nature &#8211; while I sewed through every nap time and stolen second. Yes, it was hard, but with grit and each other, we made it work. </p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/DSC_0488-683x1024.jpg" alt="Kasia Bromley ACAI" class="wp-image-8427" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/DSC_0488-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/DSC_0488-200x300.jpg 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/DSC_0488-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/DSC_0488-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/DSC_0488-1366x2048.jpg 1366w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/DSC_0488.jpg 1667w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure></div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-most-common-piece-of-feedback-you-hear-from-customers-when-they-try-acai-for-the-first-time">What’s the most common piece of feedback you hear from customers when they try ACAI for the first time?</h2>



<p>I’ve had so many women say they’ve been waiting for our products – that at last there’s a brand that really understands women’s bodies. We all know our bodies are different; we come in every shape and size. Our brand is built around that reality, with designs that truly respect the female body and its performance needs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-there-one-hero-product-you-think-every-woman-should-own-for-feeling-put-together">Is there one hero product you think every woman should own for feeling put-together?</h2>



<p>For me, the hero piece has to be great legwear – specifically our Açai walking trousers. They’re put-together enough for everyday wear but tough enough for real adventures. We understand sizing, so there&#8217;s petite, regular, tall and everything in between – no more compromising; these trousers flatter and perform for every one of us.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="667" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/DSC07238ELLE-BROTHERHOOD-Friday-Morning.jpg" alt="ACAI Outdoorwear" class="wp-image-8429" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/DSC07238ELLE-BROTHERHOOD-Friday-Morning.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/DSC07238ELLE-BROTHERHOOD-Friday-Morning-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px" /></figure></div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-small-daily-rituals-help-you-personally-reconnect-with-nature-when-life-feels-busy">What small daily rituals help you personally reconnect with nature when life feels busy?</h2>



<p>A simple dog walk after drop off. I often head straight to the forest &#8211; it makes such a difference to my day. I&#8217;m so much more productive when I’ve done that, and I always feel a lot better. But I always try to do it early morning &#8211; if I don&#8217;t go early, I find I get lost in work and don&#8217;t do it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-to-women-who-want-to-feel-braver-in-business-or-in-life-what-would-it-be">If you could give one piece of advice to women who want to feel braver — in business or in life — what would it be?</h2>



<p>What’s the worse that could happen? You have to trust your instincts&nbsp;and remove the noise buzzing around you head. I often hear from women who want to start their own business in their 40s but are worried what people will think. The thing is &#8211; most people aren’t brave enough to do it. Trust yourself and ignore anyone else&#8217;s negative opinions. It saddens me when people get worn down by other people’s opinions. If you have that fire in you &#8211; if there’s more you can do in your life, listen to your inner voice. Even failures can be some of the biggest lessons in life. Always believe in yourself. &nbsp;</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="667" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/DSC08202ELLE-BROTHERHOOD-Friday-Afternoon.jpg" alt="ACAI Outdoor" class="wp-image-8430" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/DSC08202ELLE-BROTHERHOOD-Friday-Afternoon.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/DSC08202ELLE-BROTHERHOOD-Friday-Afternoon-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px" /></figure></div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-do-you-love-for-coffee-and-why">Where do you love for coffee and why?</h2>



<p>I love <a href="https://www.jauntygoat.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jaunty Goat </a>on Chester&#8217;s Bridge Street &#8211; you&#8217;ll always find really good cake. And the coffee is so good as they roast their own. It&#8217;s a gorgeous, cosy place to work or meet up with friends. I also often head into <a href="https://www.storyhouse.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Storyhouse&#8217;s</a> cafe &#8211; it&#8217;s a good one to take the kids as they&#8217;ll potter around the children&#8217;s den whilst I have coffee. And the library is a cool place to work too &#8211; surrounded by all those books and people doing interesting things. </p>



<p>I also adore <a href="https://gingerandpickles.co.uk/pages/tarporley-tearoom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ginger and Pickles</a> in Tarporley. The coffee is brilliant and they dish up the best pistachio croissants. They&#8217;re a calorie bomb but worth it every single time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-which-are-your-favourite-independent-stores-in-cheshire">Which are your favourite independent stores in Cheshire? </h2>



<p>If you haven&#8217;t been to <a href="https://elitepreloved.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elite Preloved</a> in Altrincham, you have to get yourself over there. It&#8217;s a curated haven of designer labels at cut-down prices &#8211; you could find an Alexander McQueen suit in there for a snip. And then there&#8217;s <a href="https://blackwhitedenim.com/new-in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Black White Denim</a> in Wilmslow &#8211; perfect for your staples and the preloved floor is brilliant for browsing. </p>



<p>I love <a href="https://bailehome.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baile Home</a> in Tarporley &#8211; I&#8217;m obsessed with this place. It&#8217;s full of beautiful lamps and throws and home accessories. Same can be said for <a href="https://www.seasons55.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seasons at 55</a> on Tarporley high street &#8211; it&#8217;s a treasure trove filled with eccentric interiors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-do-you-go-if-you-want-some-fresh-air">Where do you go if you want some fresh air?</h2>



<p>Always Delamere Forest &#8211; whether it’s for a run or walk, it’s a regular reset that never gets old. Primrose Wood in Kelsall is my quieter pick, tucked away at the peaceful end. I have this real affinity for certain outdoor spaces; they’ve got something magical that keeps drawing me back.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-are-your-fave-restaurants-in-cheshire">Where are your fave restaurants in Cheshire?</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1021" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/IMG_5688-1021x1024.jpg" alt="Terrarium" class="wp-image-8364" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/IMG_5688-1021x1024.jpg 1021w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/IMG_5688-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/IMG_5688-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/IMG_5688-768x771.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/IMG_5688-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/03/IMG_5688.jpg 1179w" sizes="(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Terrarium</figcaption></figure></div>


<p><a href="https://theforgechester.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Forge</a> in Chester is a firm favourite &#8211; we’ve been multiple times, and the food is always incredible with such a cool, buzzy atmosphere. We celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary there, and their steaks are top-notch. Every dish is beautifully cooked. </p>



<p>Elsewhere, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/terrarium_cw6/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Terrarium</a> has such a vibe &#8211; it&#8217;s perfect for girls’ nights out. You can dress up or roll straight from a HIIT class and no one bats an eyelid. They&#8217;re all about interesting and inventive small plates and it&#8217;s all outstanding.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-how-about-wellness">And how about wellness?</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="640" height="427" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/09/DSC07035.jpeg" alt="Coald Club" class="wp-image-5594" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/09/DSC07035.jpeg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/09/DSC07035-300x200.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></figure></div>


<p><a href="https://www.instinct78.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instinct</a> in Tarporley is brilliant for heart-pumping HIIT workouts, or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bedutkinton_tarporley/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bed Utkinton</a> in Rose Farm for reformer Pilates &#8211; I always feeling amazing after one of their sessions. And whilst I&#8217;m there, there&#8217;s the <a href="https://www.coaldclub.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coald Club</a> for cold plunges. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.cardenpark.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carden Park’s</a> epic spa is our birthday tradition &#8211; we book a full day, and honestly, the hardest part is leaving and facing reality again. I love their scalp massages and treatments, but the outdoor garden is magic &#8211; especially in November on a frosty morning, sipping champagne in the hot tub at 9am.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-people-reads-from-muddy-stilettos-cheshire">More people reads from Muddy Stilettos Cheshire…</h2>



<p><a href="https://cheshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/people/my-fave-places-hattie-norbury-james/">Hattie Norbury-James:</a>&nbsp;Discover where the aspiring actress and influencer gets her endorphin fix and the restaurants on her must-eat list</p>



<p><a href="https://cheshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/people/i-went-from-a-size-6-to-16-after-becoming-a-life-saving-organ-donor-and-now-im-a-body-positivity-model/">Soph Hughes:&nbsp;</a>I went from a size 6 to 16 after becoming a life-saving organ donor and now I’m a body positivity model.</p>



<p><a href="https://cheshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/people/nikki-hills-fave-cheshire-hang-outs/">Nikki Hill:</a>&nbsp;The Aussie naturopath at the helm of her very own apothecary reveals where to find the best coffee in Cheshire, which facial she swears by, and her favourite local lifestyle store.</p>



<p><a href="https://cheshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/charlotte-leaman-knutsford-manchester-stockport-wilmslow/">Charlotte Leaman:</a>&nbsp;Colour queen of Instagram (@goodmannersstyle) and creator of headbands, Cheshire-based Charlotte Leaman gives Muddy the lowdown on her local hang outs.</p>


Meet Kasia Bromley: the designer revolutionising women’s outdoor wear

You may also like