The Design Files Daily

Melbourne

Friday, March 30, 2012

Interview – Lara Merrett

Sucker - Lara Merrett, 2010, synthetic polymer paint, ink & vinyl on linen, 240 cm x 183 cm

Every part of me’s floating – Lara Merrett, 2010, synthetic polymer paint & ink on linen, 240 cm x 183 cm

My wayward by Lara Merrett for her current show, Invaders, at Block Projects, 2012, synthetic polymer paint &ink on linen, 186 cm x 170 cm

Make my day - Lara Merrett, 2009, synthetic polymer paint & ink on linen, 183 x 167.5 cm

Oh my.  I have fallen head over heels in LOVE with these vast, vivid canvases by  Sydney-based artist Lara Merrett.  Isn’t her work just incredible!?

Lara was born in Melbourne but grew up in Sydney.  As she explains below, a trip to New York at the tender age of 16 ignited in Lara a passion for fine art, where time spent ogling the incredible artwork on display at MOMA, The Guggenheim the Whitney and The Met conveyed to her the immense ‘power of paint’. Later, tertiary study trips to both Spain and New York cemented this passion.

Lara studied painting at Sydney’s prestigious College of Fine Art – where she received a Bachelor and Masters of Fine Art in 1997.  After completing her studies she won a scholarship to undertake a residency in India in 2001 – where four months of exposure to vibrant colour in everyday life left a lasting imprint on Lara’s own art practice.  More than 10 years on, you can still see this influence in her works, which are created intuitively in inks, acrylics, vinyl and metallics, using intense layers of colour.

After some time spent living in Melbourne over the past few years, Lara is now based again in Sydney with her young family, where she works from a studio in Alexandria.

Melbournites will be pleased to know you can catch Lara’s work in person in a solo show entitled Invaders at Blockprojects in Richmond, opening next week! Lara is represented by Karen Woodbury.

Invaders – new paintings by Lara Merrett
4th – 28th April 2012

Blockprojects
79 Stephenson Street
Richmond

Ph. 03 9429 0660

Gallery Hours
Wed – Fri 11.00am – 5.00pm
Sat 11.00 – 4.00 and Sun 12.00 – 4.00

Lara Merrett in her Sydney studio

Tell us a little about your background – What path led you to becoming a fine artist, and to creating the style of work you are currently making?

I spent my early years in Singapore and Malaysia and then we (my family) moved back to Sydney when I was seven. I grew up in Bondi and went to school in Darlinghurst. I used to walk past the National Art School and COFA on my way home and dream about the possibility of one day being able to just paint all day.

When I was 16 I saved up enough money to fly to New York with a girlfriend. I still can’t believe my parents let me go. I visited all the big collections at the MOMA, Whitney, Guggenheim and The Met. Standing in front of the works from Rothko to Riley made me realise the power of paint. I think from that moment I never had any doubts about what I wanted to do. Later travels have also influenced the way I work. After completing a BFA and a MA at COFA I was awarded a scholarship to study in India. Being in India for four months was incredible, especially since I was being exposed to so much colour in everyday life (markets, festivals, clothes and textiles). My work definitely soaked it all up.

How would you describe your work?

Intuitive, large, unlikely and not shy.

What can we expect to see in your new show at Block Projects? What has inspired this body of work?

Invaders is very much a clash of worlds. You can see the geometric breaking up the more fluid passages…this work is so new to me, I almost don’t want to define it yet.

In the vaders by Lara Merrett for her current show Invaders at Block Projects, 2012, synthetic polymer paint &ink on linen, 186 cm x 170 cm

Falling out – Lara Merrett for her current show Invaders at Block Projects, 2012, synthetic polymer paint &ink on linen, 186 cm x 170 cm

Can you give us a little insight into your process? What materials do you use? Is each work pre-planned or created very intuitively? Do you work on multiple canvases at one time? And how long does each work take to complete?

I only work with water-based materials, which include inks, acrylics, vinyl and metallics. No work is ever pre-planned, however each work does inform the next. They become a family or chapters in an idea.

I mostly start a painting flat on the floor and move around the work pouring lots of colours over the canvas. I always have at least six works in progress, but this eventually narrows down to the work I become most obsessed with. I have to feel a strong pull toward the work or I won’t work on it at all.

It’s like magic when the unexpected starts to happen. I love it… it’s completely intoxicating. From start to completion a work can take anywhere from three days up to six months. Each work has its own personality and therefore takes its own time.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

If it’s not raining I’ll always cycle to my studio in Alexandria and grab a coffee on the way. I’ll arrive at 9.00ish and start work by 10.00am. I’ll always have the radio on in the morning and then play lots of music later on. Lunch is always shared and made at the studio with artist mates using fresh bread from the two bakeries next door. Some days are later than others, this usually depends on whether I need to do the 3.00pm school pickup!  Before a show I’ll be at the studio every day so I’m walking, talking and dreaming the work (to myself).

Lara Merrett‘s Sydney studio

Can you list for us 5 resources across any media (i.e. 5 specific websites, magazines, books or other media) that you turn to regularly for creative inspiration?

I love a story, and so find inspiration in a good narrative. I am a big fiction reader, but you’ll also find me reading The Monthly and The New Yorker, and listening to Radio National and podcasts.

Which other local artists, designers or creative people are you most inspired by at the moment?

Sydney artist Nell just sent me images of her recent installation at MONA. I love the freedom Nell has in her art making working across different mediums. There is a joy in her work that I find incredibly inspiring.

I’m also inspired regularly by artist friends (who work at the studio or close by) including Laura Jones, Dan Hollier, Nathan Hawkes, Alan Jones, Guy Maestri and Giles Alexander.

What is your proudest career achievement to date?

The first time I sold a work to someone I didn’t know.

What would be your dream project?

My dream project would be to go bush and paint slow time! The days rush past when you have kids.

What are you looking forward to?

My trip to Hong Kong in June with my family. We’ll be there for my exhibition Be my Inside looking out at Cat St Gallery. I’m always very excited about jumping on a plane and being transported to a very different place.

In the beginning is the end - Lara Merrett, 2009, synthetic polymer paint & ink on linen, 183 x 167.5 cm

Sydney Questions

Your favourite Sydney neighbourhood and why?

I’ve fallen in love with my new home Redfern. I love the bike lanes, neighbours and crazy local park that the kids leave all their toys in to share.

Where do you shop in Sydney for the tools of your trade?

I’m not very loyal to any particular art store and generally will pick up supplies as I need them. I have my frames stretched and made next to my studio and regularly shop at the Bunnings down the road.

Where/what was the last great meal you ate in Sydney?

Yesterday I had lunch at Kitchen by Mike at Koskela. Fantastic fresh food and only a short walk from the studio.

Sydney’s best kept secret?

Kitchen by Mike, but not for long! Another favourite is Strickland House on a sunny Sydney day. Here you can have a picnic, go for a swim and then a snooze in the shade of the garden. I also love the ice-cream boat that comes ashore in the late afternoon.

Don’t look back - Lara Merrett, 2009, synthetic polymer paint & ink on linen, 153 cm x 122 cm.
Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Fine Art, Interview, Melbourne, Sydney Comments (22)
Tuesday, March 27, 2012

My Melbourne Wardrobe – Clair Wayman

The colourful wardrobe of Melbourne stylist and designer Clair Wayman!

Today we have the final installment of our ‘My Melbourne Wardrobe’ series (at least for now!), and we’re going out with a bright bang!  I’m super excited to share a peek into the super girly and brilliantly colourful wardrobe of interiors stylist Clair Wayman!

I have always admired Clair’s incredible sense of style and brave use of colour – I distinctly remember bumping into her and partner Nick many moons ago in IKEA, and she looked SO fabulous… not ‘dressed up’ per se, just bright and fun and perfectly accessorised.  In fact I’ve never seen Clair in an outfit unworthy of a compliment.  Truly!  She just always looks like she’s put serious thought and a good pinch of fun into each ensemble. (And I’ve never seen her in a pair of jeans – ever!)

It helps, of course, that Clair hails from the birthplace of Topshop.  In actual fact, some of the loveliest pieces in Clair’s wardrobe seem to be from there!  Or Primark (another UK high street shop), or ‘New Look’… or Country Rd.  It is quite amazing.  Clair wears these fun and frivolous pieces so well you’d think they were designer label.  It’s very clever.  And a little bit sneaky.  :) I think the secret is in the accessories!

Anyway we are thrilled to share Clair’s fabulous frocks with you today, and also we’re super chuffed to feature a few brand new artworks from her own label, Curio & Curio. The new range, entitled ‘Taking Shapes‘ includes gorgeous limited editions prints, plywood plaques and cushions, and can be viewed on Clair’s website, or in Clair and Nick’s INSANELY cute shop at Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula!

Curio & Curio
Shop 4
50 Cook Street
Flinders

ps.  If you could do with a little colour counselling in your own world, Clair also does decorating + interior styling work for private clients these days… hmm… I wonder if she’d consider crossing over to personal styling!?  My wardrobe could do with a colour injection!

My Melbourne Wardrobe – Clair Wayman

1. Country Road tote bag - I have quite a collection of patterned Country Road canvas tote bags. As my friends know, I can’t resist a good pattern when I see one. This bag is ideal for carrying catalogues and fabric samples to decorating jobs, oh and of course also handy for the odd trip to the beach.

2. Neon yellow ‘Primark’ necklace - this was a gift from my mum, sent from the UK – I love a fluoro touch!

3. Topshop ra ra dress – I found this cute dress in Topshop on one of my trips back to the UK to see family + friends. I wore it to a recent birthday party, so when I look at it I’m reminded of the fun I had.

4. Limited edition hand screen printed ‘Punch Up’ art work from Curio & Curio. This is part of our new colourful ‘Taking Shapes’ range which we’ve just launched.  For this range we’ve gone back to basics, using hand cut stencils. The stencils have a fairly short life span, and once the stencil is no longer usable we move on to something new. This makes the designs that little bit more special and unique.

5. Heart coin purse by Megan Alice England - We first met the talented Miss England when she approached us to work as an intern at our little studio in Richmond, and we became friends.  Nick set her on her way and now she now has her own business – designing, screen printing and sewing all her products in her home studio in Gloucestershire (Funnily enough Megan is from the UK – with a name like that who would have guessed!?). Nick bought this coin purse for me, from her online store.

6.  Beautiful Italian made shoes are from Annie Abbot’s ‘Habbot‘ summer range - Annie’s take on the gladiator sandal. I helped design the interior of her ‘pop up’ shop in the GPO building recently and I couldn’t resist a pair of her shoes – the leather is so unbelievably soft.  I love wearing shoes designed by someone I know. Coral coloured shoes work well with most of my clothes and I’m always attracted to that shade.

7. ‘Taking Shapes’ plywood art from Curio & Curio - These little screen printed plywood artworks are also part of our new ‘Taking Shapes’ range. They have a picture hook on the back so are ready to hang. They look great en masse, and are perfect for even the smallest space. Our love of plywood is growing as we’ve realised there’s no end of inventive ways to use it!

8. Tractor Home telephone wire bowl and scarf (inside) - I’ve always loved the idea of recycling – (turning something discarded in to a usable, beautiful object). It’s hard to believe this African bowl is made from recycled telephone wire. When I look at it I marvel at the incredable workmanship. I stock them in our shop, Curio & Curio in Flinders.  The scarf you see here is from my vintage scarf collection – I was going to make cushions out of them all at one stage so I have quite a stash!  I also like collecting them because the retro patterns inspire me – when I’m working on a new fabric range I love fossicking through my collection.

9. One of my current fav necklaces, by a local Black Rock designer, Leesa Cowan of Cloth Poppy – Leesa came in to our shop in Flinders and showed me her hand made range, which I immediately snapped up because of the wild colour combos. This necklace is actually intended for kids – she does a slightly subtler range for adults. It’s made from delicate Liberty fabric, fluro felt and beads – each necklace is unique.

10. These glittery pumps are such fun - I picked them up at Primark in the UK. I leave a trail of glitter behind me when I wear them. (DOH I wish you could see the glitter better in this pic – they are super sparkley in person! – Lucy)

11.  I love this bold purple and white striped flaired skirt from Topshop. It’s cut from a full circle of fabric, and has a 1950′s vibe.

12.  Multi coloured cotton scarf with tassels - This scarf was a bargain, again from High Street chain Primark in the UK, which I picked up when visiting family recently.  I was drawn to the zig zag pattern and tassels – I love adding a splash of colour to lift a winter outfit. I don’t really follow trends – my own off beat style has evolved over the years.

13. Multi coloured, plastic jewel necklace – Another gift from my mum. When it comes to jewellery I love anything bright and over-sized. I love the odd assortment of colours in this necklace – I enjoying wearing it with a clashing brightly coloured top.

14.  This flowery short tulip skirt is from UK High Street shop ‘New Look’. I love the whimsical flower pattern and puffy, bubble style which gives me curves where I don’t normally have them!  I seem to get away with wearing it in any season – I especially love wearing it with leggings and boots in the winter

- Clair x

Thanks again to Jardan for loaning us their sweet stools and side tables for this series – pictured above, the small Flynn side table in yellow.

Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Melbourne, My Wardrobe, Uncategorized Comments (7)
Tuesday, March 20, 2012

My Melbourne Wardrobe – Nicholas Jones

The very classy wardrobe of Nicholas Jones

Melbourne artist Nicholas Jones is well known for his very dapper dress sense, so he seemed the perfect choice for our token chap in this ‘My Melbourne Wardrobe’ series!

Nick is one of Melbourne’s most recognisable characters – he always looks distinctive and perfectly polished.  I’m not sure I’d even recognise him in jeans and a T-shirt.  As you can see he is particularly adept at accessorising – from his signature pointy shoes to handcrafted hats, and a beautiful silk scarf collection handed down from his mother, this look is all about the details!

Nick also loves to sport a piece with a story behind it – for this reason he favours vintage finds, as well as handcrafted accessories, often commissioned from local designers.

As I am sure you all know, Nick’s intricate book sculptures are highly collectable and have been featured on TDF many times before… I do have two of Nick’s pieces of my very own (so lucky) but I implore someone to buy that very special turquoise beauty with the circular spot cut out before I give in to temptation.  Aghh.  Must.  Resist.  (Interested parties can email him here!)

I do hope Nick forgives me for the pink spots I’ve added here.  I felt this one needed something friendly, just to balance out the vampire-esque headshot he supplied :)  Sorry Nick!

My Melbourne Wardrobe – Nicholas Jones

1. Monterrey Panama Hat - Last year I was given this hat by Michael from SMART Alec Hatters in Smith St after participating in their end of year exhibition. The non traditional colour appealed to me. White with a black band is a little too often seen.

2. Two of my cravats - Bought from vintage stores around Melbourne. I always find that a the perfect coloured cravat can launch an outfit one step beyond.  Matt Preston is my nemesis.

3. Two-tone Junya Watanabe for Comme des Garcons Shirt - Attention to detail is what sold it to me.

4. Liberty scarf - from my late mother’s wonderful collection.

5. Vintage pea green waistcoat – found by my partner Poppy at the Fitzroy Market. The brooch is a sterling silver and seed pearl star medal from the Camberwell market.

6. Harris tweed jacket – which was a present from my friend Mel, who has been working in the costume industry for many years. I wear it well.

7. Ganton striped shirt - I bought this shirt especially for a lunch at the Savage Club. I bought matching cufflinks too, but I left them on the floor and stepped on them!  This has happened too many times.

8. Knit by Balenciaga - I had eyed this jumper off in Marais for months before it went on sale…then I pounced. It is the most exquisite thing to wear. The dragon reminds me of my Welsh heritage.

9. Umbrella from Kozminsky Jewellers - A gift from Kirsten and Ben Albrecht, the most lovely and dedicated people in the industry.  I’m always sure to be given a cup of tea whenever I drop in for a visit.

10. Socks by Paul Smith – I always loved the combination of colours Sir Paul stripes together. I have a bit of a thing for socks and have quite a collection.

11. A homburg hat made by Akubra - a present from Thom Grogan of Captains of Industry Gentlemen’s outfitters. I was given some beautiful feathers by Mandy Murphy, the milliner and the rest is history!

12. Two tone brown leather and suede boots by Jon Fluevog – These boots are the most comfortable boots I own and they go with almost anything.

13. Black and white correspondent shoes by Rocco of Malvern – It is a rite of passage, buying a pair of shoes from Rocco’s. These ones are so wrong, and yet so right!

14. A selection of my carved book works – All made in the Nicholas Building, where I have my studio. Viewing by appointment. See my website for contact details!

- Nicholas

Thanks again to Jardan for loaning us their sweet stools and side tables for this series – pictured above, the small Flynn side table in white.

Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Fashion, Melbourne, My Wardrobe, Uncategorized Comments (7)
Monday, March 19, 2012

White Nest

White Nest - a stunning new store opened by Lee Harris (pictured) on the Mornington Peninsula.  All photographs by Armelle Habib, styled by Julia Green.

White Nest on the Mornington Peninsula.  All photographs by Armelle Habib, styled by Julia Green.

These fabulous shots of new Blairgowrie store White Nest found their way into my inbox recently thanks to stylist Julia Green and photographer Armelle Habib (thankyou ladies!)… how truly beautiful is it!??  I keep discovering so many great creative people and retailers along the Mornington Peninsula… this is just one more reason to schedule a little daytrip down the coast one day very soon!

White Nest stocks homewares, beach and garden accessories, soft furnishings,  candles and body products, clothing and kidswear.  Owner Lee Harris curates this perfectly styled store with an impressive range of local and international labels, as well as one off pieces, such as artwork by Emma Cleine of Lumiere Art + Co who we featured recently.  Other local brands you might recognise include Goldnbrown (remember Andy Brown’s stunning Blairgowrie home?!), Tractor Home, Angus and Celeste, Curio & Curio and many more!

I really, seriously, need to work on a Peninsula shopping guide, don’t I?

White Nest
2843 Point Napean Road
Blairgowrie,
Vic.  3942

Ph. (03) 5988 9676

White Nest – details.  Photographs by Armelle Habib, styled by Julia Green.

White Nest.  Photographs by Armelle Habib, styled by Julia Green.
Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Melbourne, Uncategorized Tagged | Comments (12)
Friday, March 16, 2012

Interview – Rae Ganim

Useful Things!  The current exhibit of functional objects for sale at Ganim’s Store!. Photo – Lucy Feagins.

Useful things!

Oldie but a goodie – Dibbern tableware.. love love love the colours.  ALSO extreme love for the colourful enamelware on the bottom shelf!

I REALLY LOVE THAT blanket.  And the garden planter bags!

I get the distinct impression Rae Ganim is basically a living legend.  It’s not an impression she gives off in person, mind you.  No, in the flesh Rae is modest, matter-of-fact, kind of quiet… perhaps even a little shy.  But her reputation precedes her.  You see, everyone knows Rae Ganim’s name.

I must qualify this by saying I only moved to Melbourne in 1993, therefore I think (hope) I can get away with being a little less informed about her incredible work than most.  But if you have a creative leaning or a love for beautiful things (I assume everyone reading this is / does) and you’ve lived in Melbourne for around 20 years (if you’re over 50, even better!) – then I’m willing to wager that you most certainly will know and love Rae’s work!  She is, it appears, a bit of an icon.  (*For further reading on this point, see Beci Orpin’s starstruck reaction to collaborating with Rae late last year!).

Rae is one of Australia’s most important textile and fashion designers.  After a few years working for famed fashion designer Prue Acton in the 70′s, Rae launched her own label in the early 80′s, creating vivid, technicolour textiles, clothing and homewares which quickly gathered a cult following, and before long made Rae a household name.  At the height of her success, Rae had three shops in Melbourne, and consulted to a number of companies including Hyatt Hotels and The Australian Girl Guides.  Rae’s work was also stocked at boutiques across Australia and internationally – no mean feat in the pre-internet era!   She’s been the recipient of a deluge of fashion Industry Awards, and in 1998 was inducted into the Design Institute of Australia’s hall of fame!

Fast forward to late last year… and Rae was ready for a new challenge.  After a little hiatus from the retail race, Rae is now back in action, having opened her BRILLIANT new shop in Fitzroy late last year.  Small, colourful and full of inspired, unexpected objects for the home and garden, Ganim’s Store embodies Rae’s passion for great, functional design, her love of travel and her nose for uncovering the new!

Ganim’s Store is a truly magical retail space, full of wit and wonder.  It’s kind of a little bit mad.  It feels so completely different from any other shop in Melbourne… it really makes you feel as if you’ve stumbled into a peculiar little pop-up in Barcelona’s Barrio Gotico, or New York’s East Village, or some hidden laneway in Tokyo.  Rae is always changing the layout and theme in store – at present there is a fantabulous showcase of ‘Useful Things’!  Each object has a specific function for the home, garden or body –  think Japanese tableware, cord holders, timber trivets, bottle tops, and shoe brushes.  Simple, utilitarian, beautiful… and not expensive. Truly!

DO POP IN and visit Rae to properly understand my ramblings about the extra-specialness of this unique retail space!  It’s at the interesting end of Brunswick st (!) not far from Gertrude….

I defy ANYONE to walk out without buying something.  It is impossible.  (That’s about the only thing Ganim’s Store has in common with Ikea.)

Ganim’s Store
61 Brunswick Street
Fitzroy

Ph. (03) 9416 1001

Online store coming next month!  Meanwhile, you can follow Rae on Facebook and Twitter!

Rae Ganim

Tell us a little about your background – what path led you to textile design and fashion originally, and now to opening Ganim’s Store?

I studied Textile Design at the tech in Geelong, majoring in printed and woven textiles. My family had been involved in textiles, and I guess, it was sort of in my head, in a way.

After tech, I worked for fashion designer Prue Action as the ‘textile person’ as part of the central design team. It was the 70’s and a lot was happening.  I was thrown in at the deep end, and I loved it all – interesting and creative people, new ideas, international textiles and design.

Itchy to do something for myself, I left after 2 years, and starting small, worked with local factories on firstly womens clothes, then childrenswear and homewares.

Our niche brand was always based on my printed, woven and knitted textiles, with a strong colour statment. My husband Anthony (a hairdresser at the time), helped out at night, and as the business started to grow, our families also lent a hand. I vividly remember at one point, sleeping for some months with racks of clothes lining the bedroom, waiting to be distributed.

Anthony, who was very entreprenerial, came into the business full time, and the business just grew. We were partners in everything, and it was a wonderful intuitive relationship. We wholesaled nationally, opened 3 Rae Ganim Stores in Melbourne and consulted to a number of diverse companies including, Hyatt Hotels International, and The Australian Girl Guides – consultancies of which I am very proud.

Because of its colour and unique quality, the business attracted much attention. Most of the people we worked with became friends – from the embroidery lady (an astrologer, who consulted her astral chart before starting the work) to the people at Vogue magazine, the knitters, the printers, the makers.

From Rae Ganim’s collection in the 80′s and 90′s

From Rae Ganim’s collection in the 80′s and 90′s

From Rae Ganim’s collection in the 80′s and 90′s… does that adorable little person look familiar?  (It’s Sunday Ganim, with sister Zoe!)

It was full on but always interesting. We also won awards for our work (5 Fashion Industry awards, An FIA Hall of Fame award, a Girl Guides award for excellence and a Design Institute award for recognition for textile work in Australia).

It was an exciting time, however, following Anthony’s death from cancer, I closed the business.

I then freelanced for a period, working in interiors, furniture, colour consultancy and trend forecasting.

I travelled a lot and saw many great products, which lead to the idea – a small store, which would showcase local and international product, sometimes themed, and presented in new and interesting ways.

Photo – Lucy Feagins

What are a few of your personal FAVOURITE finds from the current ‘Useful Things’ range?

Cardboard Eiffel Stool and Rivet Lamp Shade from Japan – great pure design.

Joost’s new Tableware and Recycled glasses.

Needle threader - ‘Perfecto’ from Italy.

Planet Luxe Household Cleaning Products - all Australian ingredients, made here.

Lucy Folk’s Taco Money Clip.

A few of Rae’s favourite useful things in store right now!  Clockwide from top left – Japanese Rivet Lamp Shade, Cardboard Eiffel stool, Planet Luxe cleaning spray, Joost’s new tableware!

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

6.30 – Walk, Coffee
8.30 – Computer time
10.30 – Ganim’s store … (I’m often late – apologies all those friends I’ve kept waiting)
5.30 – Home, Cat (meow meow, feed me! now), Dinner, Family, Friends.
10 ish – More computer time
Bed

Can you list for us 5 resources across any media you turn to regularly for creative inspiration?

1. Remodelista (interiors resource)
2. World of Interiors – Magazine (quirky)
3. Trend Tablet (Li Edelkoort)
4. The Sartorialist (Colour)
5. Apartamento Magazine

Oh my.  80′s gold!  More from Rae’s fashion years!

Which other local designers other creative people do you admire?

So Many -

Melly Beilby’s food (Spoonful)
Beci Orpin
Lucy Folk – Jewellery
Robbie Perkins – Artist
Brendan Huntley – Artist
Joost Bakker
Earl Carter – Photography
Russell Grainger’s style
My creative family

What is the best thing about your job?

The freedom to work with ideas, and to brainstorm them to reality with my family and friends.

What are you looking forward to?

Today

Japanese tableware at Ganim’s Store

Melbourne Questions

Your favourite Melbourne neighbourhood and why?

Richmond – Close to the CBD, beautiful parks, my friends and family close by.

What/where was the last great meal you ate in Melbourne?

There was a meal I ate at a secret pop up restaurant last Saturday night in Fitzroy.

Where do you shop in Melbourne for beautiful things for the home? (besides Ganim’s Store!)

Hermon & Hermon
Manon

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?

The Richmond Market

Melbourne’s best kept secret?

That meal in Fitzroy.

Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Interview, Melbourne, Uncategorized Comments (24)
Thursday, March 15, 2012

My Melbourne Wardrobe – Beci Orpin

Beci’s Orpin‘s wardrobe!  Photo – Justine Ellis, Styling – Lucy Feagins.
OMG check out Beci Orpin‘s wardrobe!  Hypercolour!

Actually, I was surprised to see in her captions below, that Beci would have us believe she’s just another monochrome-loving Melbournian!  Hmmm.  I am skeptical.  I see no evidence of this.  When we unpacked all Beci’s fave items and edited the perfect collection for this shot, we saw a few key themes :

One - Yellow, in every hue, from acidy chartreuse to mustard and saffron tones.  So cheerful!  Love it.
Two – Polka dots!  No explanation necessary.
Three - CUTENESS.  Is that a theme?  I stand by it.

Anyway we are a bit thrilled with how this one turned out – as with Kirra’s wardrobe you can certainly see a little of Beci’s work creeping through in her personal belongings!  Alongside the obligatory vintage goodness, local labels are well represented – Gorman (of course), who Beci has collaborated with in the past, and PAM – Beci’s favourite label, run by her close pals Misha and Shauna Hollenbach.  (As if you didn’t know, PAM is basically cult status, if you want those new season leggings go and get them RIGHT NOW from Monkhouse or Someday – they will not last, people!).

I LOVE Beci’s captions below… it is so worth reading through each one for a little giggle.  My fave bit is where she describes her cute shoes as ‘a bit lady and a bit mental’.  The perfect combo!

My Melbourne Wardrobe – Beci Orpin

1. Pompom beanie from PAM- last winter I was obsessing over beanies with big pompoms. Wasn’t sure if I could rock it, but this year I’m committed! …and PAM has (once again) delivered the perfect item in my current favourite shade of saffron yellow.

2. Muji blue polka dot top – my secret weapon in finding nice things to wear is my sister (Emily) who lives in Seoul, South Korea.  Lucky for me she dosen’t mind being sent on the odd shopping mission.  Even when my descriptions are vague (“something not too fitted in polka dots”) she always comes up trumps.  This is a fresh arrival and it’s already copped quite a few wears…. I think it’s going to be a new fave.

3. polka dot scarf - how much do I love a polka dot?  Possibly too much? I bought this from Sorrento opp-shop last summer.  I’m prone to wearing it in a bow on my head when I feel like taking it back to my 80′s youth style.

4. Gorman yellow polka dot tee –  I bought this in summer. The colour was a shock to my mostly dark Melbourne style wardrobe, but it quickly became one of my weekly staples. Plus it has made me branch out to even more colour – lilac!  Pale pink!  Bright blue!  Even I can’t believe it. Oh Gorman, where would I be without you?

5. Blue dot stickers and paper cut pie chart - just to continue my love of polka dots!  I got these stickers in Seoul (my stationary mecca!).  The pie chart is something I made when I was doing my residency at Harvest.

6. Bear mobile – available at my online shop!

7. Emily Green necklace – I bought this one off Emily herself while I was at my Harvest residency last year.  Her colour combo’s are so good, and it pretty much adds an extra layer of awesome to anything you put it with.

8.  PAM scarf - more PAM – yes it’s my favourite label, and I am also lucky enough to be old friends with them too.  This scarf embodies what I love about Shauna and Misha’s work – only they can embroider a drunk panda and some alien heads on a dip dye scarf, add a pom-pom trim and make it look completely beautiful. Pure genius.

9. ‘Compendium of Me’ – my first book!  It’s published through ERM Books, you can buy it online through their site.

10. ‘Lost Girl’ and ‘Bear Folk’ journals – new stationery I have just designed.  These have just come out and are published by Gingko Press, distributed here by Books at Manic.

11. Surprise ball - Raph bought this as a surprise for me (double surprise!) from Ganim’s Store.  The colours of the crepe wrapping are so pretty that I don’t want to unwrap it! It sits on my desk so I’m sure one day I’ll give in to temptation!

12. Flats from Zomp - Zomp is my guilty pleasure. Sometimes, if I’m not having a good day and am passing through the city, I might happen to go to Zomp and buy some shoes. Usually ballet flats of some description. These ones are suede and have furry leopard print bows. They feel a bit lady and a bit mental – perfect for combo for me.

13. Paper Ball - a friend in Japan sent this to me from the MT tape exhibition.  It’s the prefect match of pattern and colour – I love it.

14. Diagonal cushion – I make these occasionally for markets out of fabric I find from opp-shops, this is a favourite and I’ve not been able to bring myself to sell it!

15. wooden mushroom - I made this for my ‘infinite shape of rainbows’ exhibition at Lamington Drive in 2010.  It’s the only one that was not for sale because It’s Ari. he lives on our bookcase now (the mushroom, not Ari).

16. ‘Salsa Verde’ tote bag – I designed this print as a tee for the Taco Truck staff to wear.  When getting it printed we decided to whack it on some totes too.  I love how it turned out – so simple but a black print on a natural canvas tote bag is one of my very favourite things. I use this all the time (goes with pretty much anything!).

17. Yellow purse – Some one once asked me if it this was APC, and it was a proud moment when I told them that actually I had bought it at a flea market for $4 a few years ago. It’s the perfect going out size and also fits my ‘strap must be able to fit across my chest’ requirements (best for bike-riding).

18.  PAM leggings – Another thing PAM do ridiculously well – leggings. These ones are from their new collection and it’s the print I’m loving. So much. I’m looking forward to layering them up this winter.

Thanks again to Jardan for loaning us their sweet stools and side tables for this series – pictured above, the small Olba side table in watermelon.

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