In what might be the most adorable collab we’ve seen so far this year, Beci Orpin has teamed up with Myer to design a range of kids’ homewares and sleepwear, titled Milkshake.
The exclusive collection features Beci’s signature style, including expressive characters, primary hues, plus a few Aussie references!
What was the inspiration for the pieces in the collection?
The design team at Myer and I came up with three themes together; Shapes & Faces, Billabong Friends and Hide & Seek. All the themes were quite different and explored various facets of my work, and could also translate well to a variety of products. Then, I designed different elements and prints based on each theme, which the Myer design team then broke down into products.
Talk us through the designs…
Hide & Seek is based on the mixed media collages I’ve been making using found objects, photographed craft projects, scanned elements and illustrations.
Shapes & Faces is based around my love of creating strange and cute characters and geometric shapes, (I love the almost primary colour palette in this one).
Billabong friends is our ode to Australia’s indigenous native flora and fauna, which is hugely important to this land and was present long before colonial settlement. I hand-painted all the elements in this one and used a more subdued palette too, so it has a softer feel.
What’s your favourite piece in the collection?
I love the Sun rug! So much! I think it’s a really fun, versatile piece (for adults and kids!). Plus, I love seeing my work at large scale, and on something that is practical.
What were the challenges in designing this collection?
Although I have experience with a wide range of clients and markets, I found the large-scale commercial aspect of this collaboration quite daunting (it’s going into every Myer store across the country!), so I relied on Myer’s knowledge in this area to be guided by the product range and scope.
After the products were finalised, I got to art direct my own photoshoot. It was great to show the products in a way that was quite me! I am so thrilled with the result.
