You’re now based in California but were born and raised in Australia. How does your Australian heritage influence your design philosophy and product offering?
Coming from Australia, you have no option but to ensure you have good shade coverage at the beach; the sun’s harshness is like nowhere else. Umbrellas are the hero of the Business & Pleasure Co. business, and we believe it all starts with selecting your shade option first when building your dream outdoor ensemble.
Business & Pleasure Co. creates pieces that are perfect for the backyard or beach. How do you balance aesthetics and functionality in your designs?
A writer in New York once summed up our products perfectly: ‘A little Coney Island in the 1950s meets modern ease-of-use’. We’ve leaned heavily into this concept throughout the years, always maintaining aesthetics while not over-designing on the technical elements. This is a very fine line in our book. I’m very lucky to have a business partner (Lachlan Leckie) with such a good eye for both aesthetics and functionality. I might be biased but he’s really a genius in my opinion.
What excites you the most about collaborating with Coco Republic for the Malibu to Manly collection?
I’ve grown up knowing Coco Republic, so we were thrilled when they reached out to collaborate (thanks Pete Fowler, you legend!). We believe both brands have let each other produce their expertise: Coco Republic came to Business & Pleasure Co. for the fun prints and fabrics, while Business & Pleasure Co. is so proud to put our fabric over the world-class furniture produced by Coco. We’re very proud of this one!
What are your top three tips for creating a luxurious outdoor atmosphere?
1. Keep it cohesive. Don’t be afraid of ‘matchy-matchy’ – it’s a serious vibe!
2. Add extra shade – the more shade you have, the more time you’ll spend outside making the most of your setup. If you are thinking about adding an extra umbrella, it’s always a good idea!
3. Enjoy it! Buy quality items with good fabric that can be left outside while creating an inviting place to hang out. Good wine and company also help!
What is your favourite piece from the Malibu to Manly collection, and what makes it special to you?
For me, it’s the Capella collection – this fabric and trim are so special. My summer is going to be spent in the occasional chairs with the matching umbrellas overhead!