November, 2011

In Style: Ingrid Heintz, Kiekaboo

Monday, November 28th, 2011

Ingrid Heintz is clearly a multi tasking genius. After having her third child in three years, she was wanting to do more than change nappies. So she started Kiekaboo, and began importing and distributing stylish and innovative kids products from Europe and America. Kiekaboo is now the exclusive Australian distributor of Minimonkey, Wallaboo and HiLo chairs by Age design.

products

How did you end up where you are today?
Back in 2008 the idea of starting my own business was considered a little crazy. As having 3 kids in 3 years, the days were already crazy enough. But as I wanted to do more than changing nappies and feeding babies, I started to supply Australian retailers out of my garage with the Minimonkey baby slings, which is designed by a very close friend in the Netherlands. And then a new baby was born (my husband always wanted 4 children well there it was). Now after having the business for 2.5 years we supply over 350 stores (not out of the garage anymore) within Australia, New Zealand and Singapore and we are very proud of it. We thank all our customers for their fantastic support!

minimonkey

What’s the best thing about what you do?
Being able to combine work with the children.

When did you start exhibiting at LIS/KIS?
In 2009, to launch Minimonkey

What has been your LIS/KIS highlight?
Being able meet the store owners who stock our brands.

highlo

What can we expect from you at the next show?
The introduction of our beautiful new European brand Wallaboo. Wallaboo celebrates new life with beautiful soft baby products for going out with your baby.

- They have a passion for combining beauty with practical use
- All products have functional elements which makes the parent feel safe
- Perfect for going out with a baby
- Warm range of plain colours

Wallaboo’s collection includes hats, bibs, soft toys, foot muffs, security blankets, shoes and baby slings ranging from $15.95 to $99.95

bib

shoes

Right now I’m:
Eating… Cookies
Drinking… Tea
Reading… I don’t know how she does it
Hearing… The washing machine
Planning… Christmas
Buying… Christmas gifts
Enjoying… Work, kids, family life and the beginning of the summer

Ingrid

For more information, visit www.kiekaboo.com.au

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Posted in Kids Clothing & Fashion, Kids Furniture, Kids Lifestyle | No Comments »

In Style: Keren Brown, The Brown Trading Co

Monday, November 21st, 2011

Keren Brown found her way into her own business via teaching and PR. And her brother joined her side after putting down his butchery tools. This siblings now run The Brown Trading Co, bringing their unique range of skills to four textile brands: Elephant & Tiger, Keren Brown, Jessie Steele and Bungalow

website

The Brown Trading Co design, manufacture, distribute gorgeous fabric, cushions, quilts, tablecloths, napkins, tea towels and aprons.

table

The designs feature traditional Indian motifs with a very clean and modern feel. Keren and Gavin we have a strong sense of ethics and work directly with Indian artisans to produce each collections. By dealing directly with the villages, Keren is able to give back to those communities and assist with health, education and living standards for those communities.

How did you end up where you are today?
Our family has been in retail in various forms for 40 years, however my background is in PR and I am also a primary teacher by profession. Gavin my brother and business partner is a butcher by trade so we are quite an eclectic combination. He is the business/financial whizz of the family. Together we decided to build a business from scratch that started in our garage – a vision, some creativity, sacrifices on many levels, hard work and determination has got us to where we are today.

aprons2

What’s the best thing about what you do?
We love to see our products selling in gorgeous stores across Australia, that’s very thrilling for us. The freedom of working for ourselves and the benefits that come with that are great!

When did you start exhibiting at Life Instyle?
We have exhibited at Reed events in previous years and moved to Life Instyle in August 2011.

aprons
Why do you exhibit at Life Instyle?
For us the mix is perfect – building relationships with current and new customers, exposure to high quality buyers, excellent return of investment, exposure to the broader industry including media, it’s also great to stand alongside fellow exhibitors who produce beautiful quality products.

What has been your Life Instyle highlight?
The thing we enjoy the most is building relationships with our customers and making connections with new ones Life Instyle is a great platform for this. We also love catching up with other exhibitors and getting to share our experiences with like minded business people. We are also rather noisy and you will always hear lots of laughter and frivolity on our stand! Amidst all the hard work we always manage to have a great time.

green-tablecloth

What can we expect from you at the next show?
We will be launching new designs across our entire range in February including hand block prints, screen printed textiles and some gorgeous new Jessie Steele aprons!

Right now I’m:
Eating… sushi
Drinking… pink grapefruit mineral water
Reading… All That I Am by Anna Funder – she’s a brilliant Australian author
Hearing… Adele
Planning… our Christmas Warehouse Sale and our new collections for launch at Life Instyle February
Buying… pretty shoes for a wedding next month and books, I can’t live without them
Enjoying… dreaming of my beach holiday at Christmas, the first one in 3 years

Keren

For more information visit: www.browntradingco.com.au

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Posted in In Style, Kitchenware, Tableware, Textiles | No Comments »

In Style: Kate Zarboch, Escargot

Saturday, November 19th, 2011

Last year Kate Zarboch made the jump from designing for other brands, to creating one herself. Launching for Summer 2011, Escargot is a kids wear brand specialising in cotton baby suits, kids swimwear and clothing.

baby

Kate explains “Escargot works hard to nurture our suppliers, customers and the environment during every step from concept to the end consumer. And we strive to use Australian fabrics (like the amazing milk cotton) where ever possible.”

tshirt

“Most importantly Escargot is all about letting kids be kids, creating great quality designs cute enough for any adventure.”

girlwings

How did you end up where you are today?
I have always had a love of fabric and design from an early age, my dad is an interior designer and mum loves sewing so I guess I was always meant to be a designer.

After an amazing career designing ranges for some of Australia’s leading companies including Speedo Bonds and Berlei the time was right for me to follow my dream and start my own kids wear brand, which launched for Summer 2011.

Craig my husband has joined me in creating Escargot. He brings an amazingly calm, planned, balance to the business from his back ground in the army and marine engineering.

kate

What’s the best thing about what you do?
The best thing is being inspired to create something wonderful and seeing our little customers enjoying our clothing and swimwear. Having Escargot allows Craig and I to nurture the brand from concept to store and beyond. There is no better feeling that the great feedback we have had from our stockists (like when a store sold out of a style in the first week!) and the amazing response from our consumers in our very first season.

girl

When did you start exhibiting at Kids Instyle?
Our first Kids instyle was Melbourne this year – it was amazing.

Why do you exhibit at Kids Instyle?
Kids Instyle we believe is the best kids and gift trade fair in Australia. The quality of the exhibitors and buyers is fantastic and makes it a very stylish and fun event.

What has been your Kids Instyle highlight?
Our highlight at Kids Instyle was taking direct to our wholesale customers and seeing their excitement at the very first Escargot collection.

What can we expect from you at the next show?
Escargot are very excited to be showing at the SS12 show, we will have an amazingly bright swimwear range for SS12 for baby’s to size 7 and for the first time will also include 8-14 girls as requested by so many customers this year.

girlhat

To complement this will be adorable apparel co-ordinates including kaftans, t-shirts, dresses and boards shorts.

Our best-selling Baby Milk Cotton Suits will also be back in new super cute prints in lovely new style. They are packaged in Milk Cartons making them perfect for both kids boutiques and gift stores.

milkcarton

Right now I’m: Spending the day designing down in the country at our farm where I feel most inspired.
Eating… Fresh farm eggs for breakkie – laid by Ailas our fabulous hen.
Drinking… Illy Coffee
Reading… The Design Files blog each morning for inspiration.
Hearing… sounds of the bush… lovely birds…. Pesky flies!
Planning… Escargot’s Christmas Party
Buying… an iphone…. As my old phone vibrated off the window sill into the washing up last week!
Enjoying… The warmer weather and seeing kids at the beach in Escargot… Also enjoying our new puppy Jack the border collie – so cute!

boy

For more information, visit Escargotkids.com.au

Craig and Kate – photo by David Oliver
All Product Shots – Photos by Nica Photography

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Posted in In Style, Kids Clothing & Fashion | No Comments »

In Style: Tess Lloyd and Maja Rose, Polli

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

Tess Lloyd and Maja Rose have a thriving creative partnership in their business Polli. A long time exhibitor at Life Instyle, these crafty, clever ladies have created, built and grown a dynamic Australian business, and will be featured in the upcoming book Conversations with Creative Women, which we’ve blogged about here.

Balloons

Polli creates sustainable jewellery, homewares and decorations, all of which are designed and made locally. Passionate about sustainability, Polli is a low CO2 company reducing their environmental footprint wherever possible. Their general practice includes extensive studio based recycling; using and specifying recycled products where possible; using natural light or energy efficient globes; using natural airflow and cooling rather than air-conditioning; and walking or cycling locally where possible. As a team they share a communal lunch, cooked in house from local organic ingredients; reducing packaging and waste, keeping the team healthy and happy.

bear

Manufacturing products locally supports communities and reduces carbon emissions in freight. Offcuts from the production processes are collected and reused where possible or donated to local schools and artists, minimizing landfill. They also have a collection policy on reusable Polli packaging by encouraging customers to retain packaging for return and reuse.

box

The Stainless Steel using in our jewellery is 75% recycled and the new wooden range is made from sustainable plantation hoop ply.

But perhaps the most sustainable practice of all is design excellence. As Tess explains “Good design should never be disposed of.”

wod

How did you end up where you are today?
We both studied industrial design together and after graduating into professional consulting roles we sought the fulfillment of making our own products. After years testing products at local markets we refined our collection and entered the wholesale market through Life Instyle which has resulted in us stocking some 400 stores across the globe.

What’s the best thing about what you do?
Working with your best friend, we’ve created a fun company and it’s great to get out of bed and want to go to work each day!

Maja-and-Tess-in-Studio_crop

When did you start exhibiting at Life Instyle?
We started at Life instyle in 2004.

Why do you exhibit at Life Instyle?
Being Australian made we need a tradeshow that is selective and boutique, attracting the right kind of buyer. We’ve exhibited in New York, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Zurich and London and Life Instyle is still the best looking show!

What has been your Life Instyle highlight?
Catching up with our buyers and fellow exhibitors from around Australia, there’s a great community feel!

What can we expect from you at the next show?
We’re really excited to be launching a new range of sustainable wooden jewellery and to be working with an exciting new colour palette. We’re also launching ‘Sweet Polli’ a collection just for little people!

Right now I’m:
Eating… mangoes, it’s a little taste of early summer.
Drinking… single origin coffee
Reading… Bosypants by Tina Fey
Hearing… Aloe Blacc
Planning… our next collection
Buying… cloth nappies for our kids
Enjoying… warm weekends with our little ones – Maja’s son Jasper (1) and Tess’ daughter India (2) and son Will (2 months)

For more information visit: www.polli.com.au

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Posted in Gifts, In Style, Jewellery | No Comments »

Top Pick: Kas Baby

Monday, November 14th, 2011

After starting out life 35 years ago, Kas bed linens has given birth to a whole new collection… Baby Kas, a fresh and contemporary collection comprising sheet sets made of 100% cotton, beautifully soft blankets and cute cuddly cotton jersey wraps.

website

“The new baby range was just a natural progression for the Kas brand”, says Allison Minni, Brand Manager for Baby Kas, who, through her own experiences, found there was definitely a spot in the market for something special and distinctive.

“I really wanted my son’s room to be fun and playful, while keeping a simple, fashionable look. When we decorate our homes we look for the latest fashions and ideas from our favourite magazines. I think every expecting parent wants this sense of accomplishment in their baby’s room too these days – it should be a space to be proud of!”

There are six different stories in Baby Kas Edition 1; three styles for girls, ‘Milla’, ‘Summerfolk’ and ‘Twitta Twoo’ and three styles for boys, ‘Ted’, ‘Whale’ and ‘Wildside’; and they all tell a different tale.

‘Milla’ is bold and pretty with a bright pink/red ground and big, happy flowers accompanied by fun stripes. ‘Summerfolk’ has, as the name suggests, more of a folky feel. Baby rabbits and cuddly lambs jump around the bedlinen; a soft design on a pale pink ground. ‘Twitta Twoo’ is all about nature with trees, friendly owls and spotty mushrooms – reminiscent of a far away land.

milla-bed

‘Wildside’, part of the baby boy range, is made up of the cutest animals playing cheerfully across colourful blankets and amongst delightful patterns. ‘Ted’ is bright and spritely with smiling teddy bears, rabbits and cats, seemingly meandering around. Classic stripes finish off the red, white and blue design. ‘Whale’ is an adorable design about a very cheery bright blue whale that swims amongst big blue stripes.

Go online to view the range in full at www.kasaustralia.com.au.

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Posted in Kids Lifestyle, Top Pick | No Comments »

Updated: The Design Files Open House, Stockists Announced

Sunday, November 13th, 2011

tdfoh

A few weeks back we got wind of The Design Files new Open House project, and blogged about it here. Due to open in a few weeks, Lucy has now published a list of suppliers participating in the project and we’re delighted to see many Life Instylers are involved!

View suppliers here.
Download directory here.

Good luck for the opening on 1 December Lucy and TDFOH team!

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Maison Instyle Launches to the Australian Interiors Market

Wednesday, November 9th, 2011

maison instyle

Reed Exhibitions is excited to announce its newest concept, Maison Instyle, which will take place at the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne, 13-15 July 2012.

Part of the renowned Instyle brand, Maison Instyle will showcase design focused furniture, home accessories, home textiles, interior surfaces, kitchen & bath and emerging sectors in a beautiful and pleasurable environment.

Alongside this ethos of great design run the principles from the Instyle brand that currently includes the successful Life Instyle event, which features impressive venues, an inspiring ambiance, amazing exhibitors and a hub of creative talent.  Maison Instyle will share those principles and provide the design and interiors industry with a world class event dedicated to creative excellence.

Exhibition Manager Amelia Coote-Harris, says the event is born from necessity. “There are very few opportunities in Australia where the creative interiors industry can come together to show and source the latest and best products and where the main focus is on great design.”

From the same family that brings you 100% Design in London and Maison + Objet in Paris, Maison Instyle will help set the bar for Australian interiors, build a strong design community and bring together the most selective and sought after brands, designers and interior products in Australia.

“Not only is there a need within the industry but we love that people actually want to come our Instyle events – they feel genuinely excited and inspired when they walk through the door,” says Amelia.  “This is an event that the industry has been calling out for and along with maintaining a high standard of brands and products that Maison Instyle will showcase, we also want to create an environment that is absolutely conducive to creativity, ideas and imagination.”

Maison Instyle will be held at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton from 13 -15 July.  The event is trade only, however will open its doors to the public on Sunday, 15 July.

For further information or images, please call Jaclyn Carlson on (02) 9422 2544 or via email at jaclyn.carlson@reedexhibitions.com.au

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Posted in Lifestyle, Top Pick | No Comments »

Top Pick: Love Mae Melamine. Simply delicious!

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011

You may know Love Mae for their totally gorgeous kids fabric wall decals and wrapping paper… well now you need to know them for their deliciously cute children’s melamine dinnerware!

eatlikeabird

Love Mae dinnerware is durable enough to with stand many nights of mashed pumpkin, crashes from great heights and improvised percussion sessions. Features include:

- 100% melamine
- Smooth matte exterior, glossy interior
- Non toxic & BPA free
- Dishwasher safe up to 55°C

dinosaur

Dinner sets (4 piece set) $54.95 AUD
Single items starting from $11.95 AUD

For more information www.lovemae.com.au

Yum!

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Posted in Kids Lifestyle, Kitchenware, Tableware | No Comments »

Top Pick: Conversations with Creative Women Book Launch

Monday, November 7th, 2011

Invitation530

If you’re involved with Life Instyle, Kids Instyle or First Instyle either as an exhibitor or a buyer, you’re very likely to going to be interested in this terrific new book.

Conversations with Creative Women is a collection of 14 exclusive interviews with some of Australia’s most talented female creatives, from industries as varied as millinery, textile design, blogging, architecture, retail, writing, weaving and fashion design.

Tess McCabe, Creative Women’s Circle organiser and book author explains “the women interviewed in this book are at different stages in their careers, with varying responsibilities at home, as an employee, as a self-employed freelancer or as a business owner. They talk about their careers and creative lives with insight and generosity.”

Some of the women featured in the book are:

Kristen Doran one of Australia’s most well-known boutique fabric designers; Lucy Feagins of The Design Files, one of the most popular design blogs in Australia; jeweller, silversmith and educator Marian Hosking; Women in Business blogger Clare Lancaster, Cristina Re and her internationally successful stationery and papergoods brand; dogstar founder Masayo Yasuki; Serena Lindeman creator of stylish and surprising designer bridal, racing millinery, and seasonal headwear; Life Instyle exhibitors Tess Lloyd and Maja Rose of Polli and prolific blogger, crafter and author Pip Lincolne.

To RSVP for the book launch on Friday 25 November or pre-order the book (discount available for pre-orders) visit www.creativewomenscircle.com.au. What a gorgeous Christmas gift idea for like minded creative souls!

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