Lauren Boyce is one half of the very clever luxury sun umbrella company Basil Bangs. Along with business partner Mike Durante, she’ll be bringing Basil and his bangin’ beach brollies to Life Instyle Melbourne 2011, where they’ll be launching their entire Summer 11/12 Collection and revealing an exciting collaboration! We caught up with Lauren recently to find out how Basil was born and how he’s growing up…
Tell us about your products:
Our products, luxury sun umbrellas suitable for the outdoor area, pool and beach side, are a nod to the vintage designs of yesteryear. A modern take on the beautiful classic sun umbrella that featured heavily throughout the summers of the sixties and seventies. Think – Poolside with Slim Aarons…
What’s behind the name?
Basil Bangs is kind of like a combined alter ego of the two of us and is always present. In everything that we create and all decisions that we make, we consider whether it’s something Basil Bangs would be in to. This one question really helps us in making all the big decisions because Basil knows best.
How did you end up where you are today?
I think a big part of developing a brand is being willing to take a chance. Our business was started by old friends who were willing to take that chance and combine their skills and knowledge to form Basil Bangs.
We had very different careers and backgrounds, mine in Digital Advertising and Mike, the other half of Basil Bangs and also the clever Design Director, was an Industrial Designer so it was a good combination. We were both in a position whereby we were able to sit down and agree that we wanted to design a range of class leading products. We had discussed over the years an admiration for the beach umbrella of years gone by, the type found in the back of many garages and old vintage markets. We knew there were a handful of brands out there doing umbrellas but we wanted to create our version of the perfect sun umbrella. So we started the process and it all happened pretty quickly from there.
What’s the best thing about what you do?
I like the possibilities that come with developing each collection & one of my favourite moments is receiving the sample and seeing how the design has translated from concept to prototype. No matter what the outcome, it just feels good to see it all come to life. The other thing is the ongoing challenge that comes with running a business. You never know what the day might bring and there is certainly no routine to it all so it constantly keeps you on your toes and there is never a dull moment with loads to learn.
Why do you decide to start exhibiting at Life Instyle?
From the day we decided to start Basil Bangs we knew we wanted to exhibit at Life InStyle eventually. We had both been to the tradeshow for one reason or another in previous years and were impressed with the high level of design and overall quality of the show. We saw it as an opportunity to showcase our products in a unique setting amongst fellow designers while directly reaching our target audience. It was a no brainer really! We’re both really looking forward to all the possibilities that goes with exhibiting at an event such as this.
What can we expect from you at the show?
We’ll be expanding our collection and this is the first time we’ll be showcasing it all together, so it will be the launch of the complete Summer 11/12 Collection. This year there are some beautiful woven fabrics from Germany and Italy and we’ve also got an exciting collaboration up our sleeve so there is much to reveal come August.
Right now I’m:
Eating…. Lots of fresh produce and treats from the new farmers market that just started up every Saturday morning at the local school grounds just down the road. It’s a good Saturday morning sampling all the goodness, catching up with friends and stocking up for the weekends festivities.
Drinking… Coffee from my favourite coffee shop in Bondi, Bru, and the occasional glass of red, warms the soul!
Reading… I have recently being splurging on interior & renovation magazines of all kinds because we’re planning a solid home renovation later this year. My absolute favourites at the moment are Inside Out and Real Living. Lots of inspiration in there for both the home and Basil. I also read Sarah Wilson’s and Table Tonic’s blog daily, such ideas and wisdom to be had from these two ladies.
Hearing… Lately I have been listening to Stereomood. It’s a cool little website offering a whole bunch of superbly curated playlists that you can play to suit whatever activity or mood you’re in. My favourite playlists are titled Dinner with Friends and Summer. The categories are endless and it features some amazing artists including lots from one of my faves Serge Gainsbourg. It’s a good mix for the office.
Planning… On the work front it’s all about our new summer collection, product shoots and of course, Life InStyle planning. On the home front..my wedding : )
Buying… I am in the market for a good quality stove top espresso maker. I have been doing my research and I am just about the make the purchase. I always like to look at all the options first.
Enjoying… All of the food & wining with friends that Winter brings, weekend getaways down the South Coast & my morning walks with my little dog, Alfie…he is the best.
For more information visit: www.basilbangs.com or register to see meet Lauren in person at Life Instyle Melbourne, August 2011.
