Growing and evolving their brand through new product development is top of the to-do list for Kip & Co founders and directors, Alex McCabe, Kate Heppell and Hayley Pannekoecke. The tight-knit team are on the cusp of launching in the US, and have just released their second line of cutlery this month. ‘We started our tableware collection a couple of years ago with French linen tablecloths and napkins, and really wanted to round out the capsule with cutlery,’ tells Kate.
24 KARAT is inspired by 1970s clear cutlery forms, and a few pieces of well-loved brass from a family heirloom wedding set. The collection features all translucent, laser-cut acrylic and solid brass, with a handcrafted finish. Aside from knives, forks and spoons, for the first-time Kip & Co have also included a soup ladle, serving spoon and salt-and-pepper dish designs.
Perfecting each sturdy form was an adventure of trial, error and, evidently, refinement. ‘The design process took about a year, and during that time we trialed a number of different shaped heads and handles to ensure that they struck the balance between aesthetic and functional,’ explains Alex.
The range is designed in Australia and produced in India. ‘We manufacture everything in India with a handful of really amazing, family run suppliers that we have worked with now for five years,’ says Kate. ‘Working with our suppliers is a really collaborative process, they are an important part of our team.
In keeping with Kip & Co’s much-loved vibrant aesthetic, this range is distinctive for its stand-out use of colour. ‘Our Peaches and Cream set has some of our signature favourite peaches and pinks dialled up, and our Fruits of the Forest set is a bit richer, with more wintery hues that feel a bit gem-like,’ details Hayley. ‘Most importantly, though, they make any meal feel like a dinner party’ adds Kate. ‘And, who doesn’t want a little wow, with even their spaghetti Bolognese!?’
Kip & Co’s 24 KARAT cutlery is available from their Australian website, here. The brand will also be launching online in the US later this month.
