New Zealand wholesaler, Follow Design, will exhibit at Life Instyle Melbourne for the first time this August to launch three brands to the Australian market.
“Many Kiwis love Follow Design’s product ranges – and because our Aussie cousins are a lot like us, I figured they would love them too – only there are a lot more of you and generally you’re slightly more adventurous and stylish in what you wear,” says Victoria Lang, Follow Design director. “So obviously this is going to be a good marketplace to launch Shoelicks, Wooden Bowties and Origami Jewellery.”
Shoelicks are waterproof adhesive stickers for the soles of high heels that individualise shoes and make outfits unique. Wooden bowties are from Two Guys Bowties and feature handmade craftsmanship while origami necklaces and brooches are from Singapore based Hug a Porcupine.
“I used to have a little retail store myself – called Follow The White Rabbit – which specialised in vintage and handmade items. Unfortunately it was destroyed in the Christchurch earthquake, a harrowing experience, but it was during this time of running a shop that I discovered I had ‘the eye’ for finding cool things and my customers loved my finds. Now that we are getting more established as distributors we are starting to be approached by creatives wanting to be represented by us, which is awesome.”
Follow Design selected Life Instyle because the Australian brands it represents in New Zealand – such as LoveHate – exhibit there.
“Having experienced Life Instyle as a buyer, it seemed the right fit for Follow Design – there is no ‘junk’, ‘rip-offs’ or ‘same old-same old’ at this exhibit, just good design, quality objects and fresh new ideas.”
