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So the processes are a mix of practical,
disciplined - ‘gotta get the job done days’ mixed with days of experimentation and the
fun of being my own boss; getting to bring my
ideas to life.
What inspires you in your designs?
I love the industrial, I love architecture and
I love the earthy – so stone, glass, wood,
metals – the hard shapes, striking contrasts
with a bit of colour and flora thrown in. I tend
to start with the material first and then the
ideas, rather than the other way round.
I’d love to build my own house one day, and
be featured on Grand Designs (don’t we all?),
but I suspect that may never happen - so for
now I get to build my own mini grand designs
through my product range.
What do you love the most about having
your own label?
I answer to no one, I make the decisions and
I set the deadlines…..and then get to break
them!
Who are some of your favourite designers?
That’s a toughy. I devour all areas of design
and am in awe of so many people.
Marc Newson has always been a favourite, his
ability to design anything and everything blows
my mind. I once read an interview with him
where he explained that at art college he didn’t
want to paint, he didn’t want to sculpt – he
wanted to know ‘how to make stuff’. I relate to
that completely.
Tadao Ando and Frank Gehry – iconic work.
I love the work of Anish Kapoor and Antony
Gormley and I can’t get enough of the land art
of Andy Goldsworthy.
In the world of Floral Design, Gregor Lersch,
Moniek Vanden Berghe and Australians Bart
Hassam and Mark Pampling create absolute
masterpieces.
What is your favourite item in your store
right now and why?
My Bottle Gardens will always have a special
place - so much goes into every single garden,
there are nine steps from beginning to end, all
done by hand, so you grow pretty attached to
the little guys. I’m also a little bit in love with
the new range of concrete jewellery that’s
about to hit the store!
What has been your biggest highlight?
I still pinch myself when I see my product in a
sho [