Simple Form | Launch + Interview

Today I am thrilled to announce the launch of SIMPLE FORM, a brand new lifestyle webstore based in Melbourne, founded by Anne Nguyen. Created from a love of simple designs, the store carries a carefully curated, hard-to-find edit of stylish and limited edition interiors, homewares, accessories and apparel for the little and big kids at heart. 

When Anne first approached me about a launch collaboration and giveaway, I jumped on board despite the fact that her website was still under construction. I loved her branding and logo, and I could see from the minimalist Scandi-inspired images on her Instagram feed and Pinterest page that this was a girl after my own heart. When she told me the brands she would be stocking such as Playtype, BatisRike, Therese Sennerholt Design, and Snug Studio (to name just a few), my heart started racing and I wanted to find out more about how SIMPLE FORM came about. As it turns out, Anne's story is one that many of us can relate to. Naturally creative, she decided to turn her back on the corporate world after having her two daughters and is now excited about her new venture. I'll let Anne tell you the rest... 

Tell us about your background and where your love of minimalist, Scandinavian style comes from? 

I am of Asian decent, but born in Australia. Vietnamese to be precise. My Parents are the reason I have a love for Scandinavian design. We come from humble beginnings and as a result I was always been surrounded by simple objects that made life a happier place. They were not expensive things, they were just simple, functional and high quality.

Have you always been creative?

Yes! I can remember always wanting to make something or taking my projects in high school to an 'out-of-this-artistic-world' level of creativity, beyond what was required by my teachers. I always thought I'd go on to create something, or be artistic in some form or another. However, my parents were traditional Asian parents and pushed me down the path of science, maths and medicine etc. I went to university, finished a Biomedical Science Degree and hated the job descriptions that came with the job offerings after I graduated. So, I went back to uni and finished a Commerce Degree and became an accountant (BORING!). Nine years total in university! Being an accountant was not inspiring but a job was a job and it fed my frivolous shopping addiction.

How has becoming a Mother changed your perspective and course of direction?

Soon after getting married in 2011, I became a mum to little Audrey in 2012 and she was the reason why we bought a run down art deco house in inner city Melbourne and started renovating. This is where my love for Scandinavian and minimalist design was reborn, and took me back to my childhood. I spent countless amounts of hours, scouring the internet for products and inspiration, looking at mid-century designs and reading about modern Danish designers. I felt like I was in my own element again, being able to design and style my home, finding products that were just WOW! I was supposed to return back to work in 2013 however, I fell pregnant with little Chloe before I got the chance to and my maternity leave was extended for another year. So I have had a lot of time being busy with my two little girls, to think about what it is that brings a sparkle to my eye and what it is I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

At what point did the dream start becoming a reality?

I think the defining moment for me was when I purchased a dowdy mid-century rocket lamp from a second-hand store and refurbished it into a gorgeous modern version of its past. I received quite a number of compliments from friends and their friends and random people, asking me where I got the lamp from and receiving requests about creating these lamp for order. I was also complimented on 'my eye for these things' and it really ignited that flame of creativity in me. 'Perhaps I can make things, or perhaps I can buy and sell things instead of going back to work.' Those were my thoughts for almost two whole years.

In July this year, one month before my maternity leave expired, I made the ultimate decision to resign from being an accountant and focus on opening an online store where I can curate and share my finds of stylish and simple designs whilst also creating a collection of my own designs. The modern rocket lamp is currently a work in progress, as is a number of other products, but the website is my priority. Once it is running on autopilot, I will be able to continue with my lamp project but it has been put on hold for the time-being.

So now, it has been a whirlwind of excitement, busy days, late nights, sleep deprivation and buckets of Allpress coffee. I spend my day working on the business/website when I can, being a mum, a wife, a cook, a cleaner, a referee and bedtime comforter the rest of the time.

Clearly a hard-working and talented lady with an amazing eye for all things beautiful, we thank you Anne for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your story.

Now for the fun part! If you love what you see in the collage above, look out for a SIMPLE FORM giveaway over on Instagram today! One lucky follower will win a gorgeous selection of products from the store, handpicked by Anne. Good luck!!

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Pampa Hand-Made Rugs + Photography | Interview

Pampa was launched last year, by Victoria Aguirre and Carlyon Wilson. Capturing their stories through photography, the Argentinean and Australian couple are passionate about fair trade, uniting territories and connecting cultures through art, in the form of traditional woven rugs and tapestries. Working with artists in rural communities, Victoria and Carl help to preserve the heritage of these people who use techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. They do this by rescuing their art works that are fading away, and bringing them to the Australian (and soon New Zealand) markets. "We believe in a world of trading fairly, that’s the way we work with our artists, so you know your rug is not only improving your home, but improving theirs as well."

When Victoria first got in touch, she sent me through some imagery of the rugs, and one of their photography series the Pampa Horses. To say I was amazed is an understatement. In addition to picking out some favourites to share with you today, I'm excited to be sharing my interview with Victoria, who very kindly took the time to answer these questions for us.

Tell us about your backgrounds…. where you grew up, where you met, and the path that led to starting Pampa?

I grew up between the city of Buenos Aires and the farmland to the South. My family owns a beautiful farm in a province of Argentina called “La Pampa”. So I guess it all started with a healthy fusion of the cultural/artistic Buenos Aires and the natural, simple and earthy Pampa. I finished a degree in advertising, and then studied photography in a creative space in Buenos Aires, where I learnt that “THE” photo of your life is in your own backyard. Then I completed my photography studies in New York (in ICP), where I lived one of the most inspiring chapters of my life (so far). After travelling and working for adventures magazines as a photojournalist, I ended up where I am today, falling in love with an Australian and starting Pampa, a dream come true. Since then we have been living our own stories together, a mixture of interests with one same passion: EXPLORING.

Carl is an air-conditioning technician by trade. Nothing to do with rugs or design, I know. But when you’re in and out of people’s homes and commercial spaces for 10 years everyday, and have an interest what people do with their surroundings, you tend to pick up an eye for what aesthetically works. He has also had the chance to experience many native cultures through his extensive travels and picked up a photographic eye during these times. So I guess Pampa was a result of my story, Carl’s story and now the story we are building together.

Carl and I met in Chile in 2011. I was with two Argentinean brothers whom were surfing their way back to Argentina from San Diego over 12 months. I was undertaking a photography assignment for an Argentinean Adventure magazine. They happened to have an Aussie guy on board for a few weeks whom was towards the end of a similar solo journey. This Aussie guy was Carl, we soon took a liking to each other, so I thought it was a good idea to extend my assignment. It was only a few months later and Carl and I were living together in Australia.

Where does the name Pampa come from and what does it mean to you?

Pampa means the fertile lowlands in South America. It also represents nature in a general manner. Therefore Pampa is a commonly used word in South America. All our products come from Pampa, they come from the earth in such a natural and magical process.

Pampa unites territories through art. Pampa traces heritage, as to return to simple basics. Pampa connects culture by memories and creations. That’s why we think Pampa is more than just a brand that sells hand-woven rugs. In essence, we rescue what is ours, that with which we identify, in order to trace the clues that lead us to understand and become aware of our identity. For me Pampa represents a lifestyle, a way of seeing and given certain values to things, moments, ways. Ideally Pampa will become a brand that represents creative art in different forms. We are always based on the fact that we want to Explore&Preserve&Empower, at the moment we are doing it by three products, rugs, the little things and our photography.

You launched last year with an incredible collection of artwork, in the form of rugs and tapestries handpicked from Argentina. Can you tell us a bit about the artists who make them, the process by which they are made, and what it is that makes them so unique?

The people that make these rugs are generally women. These weavers are ARTISTS in all forms of living, how they manage themselves to live everyday life in connection with nature. They have that simple beauty of being who they are (and they don’t want to become anything else), they are so proud of their own traditions. They live simply and wisely. It is a world of older times, filled with identity and truth. Truth, is what you see in these peoples' eyes. The first two feelings we had when we met them was of admiration and recognition. We couldn’t talk much, just contemplate their art, their ways, their life. Admire their hands, those silent hands that spun, twisted, dyed and wove in their looms, everyday, under the shade of a tree. Those looms that have lived in their backyards for longer than memory can recall.

These rugs are made out of those hands, so they become woven art pieces with such a special energy. It is a very lengthy process, which takes a great deal of knowledge and patience. Starting with caring for their own sheep on their pieces of land, removing the wool and then hand spinning it, (this is one of the most time consuming parts of the whole process), to dyeing the wool using extracts from plants and insects amongst other organic matter from their environment, and then they weave the piece on loom, which is the final step. These rugs were being woven hundreds and hundreds years ago, by mothers for their children when they left the house. They were used as bed coverings. These rugs are still given to the children when they finally leave the family house; they are scared offerings that will protect them throughout their lives.

What I can say about the specific places where these weavers live is that you get lost, physically lost, mentally lost… it’s so simple and so vast, so pure in it itself, that you try to find the answers… How? Why? Where? It’s like they live in immense regions that seem to be undiscovered. Trails that lead to nowhere. Fences are not yet born, land belongs to no-one. Houses made of adobe (mud bricks) with no flooring, just earth. No pure water, no electricity, no cars…

So, our products are uniquely special because they carry love, effort, heritage, culture and they come from natural vast regions.

Your 2014 collection is made up of several ranges. Do you have a favourite range or piece in the collection?

We have four range of Pampa rugs: Monte, Puna, Andes and Vintage Awayos. All of our pieces are one of a kind and 100% handmade. In most cases we purchase these rugs directly from the weavers themselves in Argentina, so we know the money is going to the people and their families who need and deserve it most.

The rugs in the Monte collection are our favourite, closely followed by the Puna. The Monte’s are of the highest quality and are the largest of our pieces, they are very unique and to our knowledge are not available anywhere else in Australia. They are the heaviest of all of our rugs, so they sit so nicely on a floor.

Probably our favourite piece is Monte #62 (see below) but the truth is we love them all, as we handpick every single rug and we know where they come from, and who made them. It is like we start developing a relationship with each piece. It is hard to choose one, especially the ones from the Monte and Puna that are so unique.

How would you describe your own personal interior styles?

Eclectic, with a lot of heritage in the art pieces we have around the house. We also have a couple of walls full of photography art works. We do have a few styles crossing over each other, but that keeps it interesting.

Pampa founders Victoria Aguirre and Carlyon Wilson

Capturing your stories through photography is a powerful tool that has become your voice. What are some of your most memorable photography projects to date?
Well… it’s been almost a year since we started Pampa and the truth is we wouldn’t be where we are now without our photography. It is our voice 100% and the most powerful tool we have to express what Pampa is and represents. The most memorable photography projects would be the ones we shoot during our travels through Argentina, sourcing our rugs. We love getting lost in the forest and mountains. We love those silent moments where we just take photos and contemplate the solitude of nature.

You also sell your photography for decoration purposes, with the most popular series being the Pampa Horses. Can you tell us about this series?

Pampa Horses, this is the only series out of all Pampa Photography that is done only by myself. The rest we shoot together, so there are some photos that belong to Carl, and some that are mine throughout the other projects.

Pampa Horses started 15 years ago when I decided I wanted to become a photographer as to express my passion for horses through a creative path/road. These are the horses I grew up with on my family farm in Argentina, as I mentioned named PAMPA. I know the name and personalities of each single horse in the photos, I feel in tune with their ways of being… I could start talking about each one for hours, about their mothers and grandmothers, etc. I love going back home and getting my camera out amongst them. Even though I took photos of them a million times I always find something new, new relationships between them and the environment. The series Pampa Horses represents home, beauty, solitude, freedom, heritage and nature.

Aren't these images breathtaking? I hope you've enjoyed reading through Victoria's answers as much as I have. What she and Carl have achieved so far with Pampa is admirable, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the journey continues. Huge thanks to Vicky for sharing their story so far. You can read and see more on their comprehensive website, where you will also find links to their social media and be able to sign up to their newsletter.  

Pampa is available from Koksela in Australia, and I'm also very happy to report that a selection of the Pampa Horses photography prints and rugs will soon be available in NZ from Indie Home Collective. See the full list of current stockists here. 

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Interview | Paper Plane

If I happened to reside in the gorgeous NZ town of Mount Maunganui I'd be feeling pretty happy right now, thanks to the recent opening of the new design store Paper Plane. Instead I'm a tad envious, especially after looking through photos of the amazing interior and range of products sent to me by co-owner Krista. 

Luckily for us, Krista very kindly agreed to be interviewed along with her husband and business partner Timothy John. In case you missed my last post on the creative couple, Krista is an interior designer and Timothy is a talented NZ furniture designer and creator of the fabulous Sidekick Collection of furniture. In addition to Timothy's own designs, Paper Plane stocks an exciting range of homewares and furniture from NZ and around the world. Hotly anticipated, I'm very excited to be able to share these photos and the story behind the new store with you today.  

Timothy and Krista in their new store, Paper Plane

Gorgeous products on offer. Loving the custom made shelving


Aahh.. so much eyecandy 

Have you always lived at Mount Maunganui? What do you love about living there?

We’re the new kids on the Mount block! We moved here from Whakatane back in May this year and are loving it. Timothy grew up in Whakatane but spent a lot of time in the Mount over the years, camping at the base of the hill, and surfing off Matakana island. I grew up in Vancouver, Canada. A beautiful coastal city but a far cry from the world class subtropic climate and coastline we’re spoiled with here.

The Mount has a great vibe all year round. There’s a fascinating melting pot of travellers, good cafes and a seriously talented group of young local creatives we’re getting to know like the Y.S. Collective, George & Willy, the crew from You Know We Ain’t Limited (who are behind the fashion brands Lower, Five Each, Now & Then etc), Chaos & Harmony and so many more.

Our favourite Mount pastimes definitely revolve around the beach and activities that don’t require shoes. We play in a beach volleyball league most of the year which I’m shamelessly obsessed with and Timothy spends a lot of time on his surfboard.

Can you tell us a bit about your backgrounds and how you came to launch Paper Plane?

I did an Interior Architectural Design degree in Calgary, Canada then worked in the industry for seven years before meeting Timothy while he was peddle biking across the country, training for Ironman. We moved back to NZ and I did a six year detour into Regional Council IT and Civil Defence, oddly enough.

Timothy is a builder by trade, but when we met in 2006 he became interested in furniture design and studied pretty intensively for a couple of years, then launched his first collection at the MOAD exhibition in Auckland. The work was very experimental and art based which was a fun period governed by nothing but imagination.

We’d been toying with the idea of opening a design store for years and in 2012 we decided to actually bring Paper Plane to life. I was ready to get back into the design industry and we’d taken a turn with the Timothy John design brand to a more accessible direction. Paper Plane is a lifestyle choice for us professionally and as a couple. I love business and product sourcing, and Timothy now has a platform and specific target market to design for. When the perfect location on mainstreet Mount Maunganui opened up, we sold our house, packed our bags and moved up the coast without any hesitation.

What can people expect to see on offer at your store, and where are the products sourced from?

Paper Plane is all about thoughtfully curating products with a point of difference but at an accessible price point. That’s a huge challenge in itself, but a welcome one. Rather than clutter and knick-knacks, I appreciate and want to offer practical every day items with a twist. There is a heavy focus on quality materials.

When sourcing, we start in our own backyard, Mount Maunganui, then branch out to the rest of NZ and then globally. I do a little victory dance when finding new independent creatives to work with or when Timothy comes back from the workshop with something spectacular for the store.

Beautifully presented, design goodness at its best

Do you have any favourite products from the store?

Timothy’s top three are the woven Palm Leaf & Leather Bags from France, the Hand Made Slingshots from Fallen Trees in San Francisco and Cork and Ceramic Range from Portugal.

My favourites are the Washable Paper Bags from Tuscany, Timothy’s hand carved solid ash Cutting Boards and the range of beautiful Soft Leather Goods. Oh, and the Sidekick Stools. I better include those, right?

The clear public favourites at this early stage are the Art Prints. NZ artists such as Evie Kemp, Birdinabunnysuit and Endemic World are making a well deserved splash.

Some of the gorgeous leather products on offer. The soft Leather Clutch and Leather Bin are both calling my name

Hand carved Wood Boards, Washable Bags and Slingshots - oh how my boys would love those! The ceramic & cork Tea Pot which also makes a great vase is definitely on my wishlist

The famous Sidekick Collection

Always a winner, Paper Plane has a fantastic range of Art Prints on offer 

How would you describe your personal styles and how does this reflect in the store aesthetic, interiors and fitout?

We both verge on being minimalists but with different flares. Timothy loves extreme contrast and the contradiction of a modern fitout in a raw industrial space. My aesthetic is a little more subtle, with a focus on quality materials and architectural details. We definitely agree that less is more.

If Paper Plane was in the middle of Amsterdam you’d see a much bolder space and product range. Here in Mount Maunganui we have applied the needed restraint to relate to and transport our customers, just the right amount.

What inspires you - other creatives, travel, the web etc?

The vast potential of raw materials, young creatives who love what they do and do it well (like Polka Chocolate growing the roses they put in their bars), the beauty in simplicity, our flawless local beach, and enthusiasm in general.

Retail therapy and chocolate. What more could you ask for? 

Timothy, you've had amazing success with your Sidekick Range of stools and tables. Are there any new designs in the works?

At this stage, all my new work is designed exclusively for Paper Plane. We just launched the Nordic Chair with every single piece being meticulously hand turned. I hand carve our Kitchen Boards and oversized Wall Hooks from solid American ash which is a fun way to offer something a little more personal to the public. We’re also just finalising a table and floor lamp design.


Closeups of the stunning products in store, including Timothy's Nordic Chair and hand crafted Hooks, hand carved Wood Boards and Ash Houses 

Luckily for those outside of Mount Manganui, Paper Plane has a webshop which is now up and running. Yeehaa! You can also follow Paper Plane on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Huge thanks to Krista and Timothy for both the interview and images.

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