Designer Mariska Meijers introduced her latest collection at Maison&Objet in Paris this month including trays, cushions and linens.
Netherlands-based Meijers, who used to have a successful corporate career before starting her own business five years ago, designs all the items herself which then get digitally printed and manufactured in various countries.
“For example, the trays are handmade in Scandinavia out of birchwood, while the cushions are made in the Netherlands and the linen in the UK—we like to keep it close to home,” she says.
An artist at heart, Meijers follows her instinct, not theory when painting. “I stir a cocktail of objects, patterns and colours in my thoughts which I translate straight onto my canvas. Accuracy is never achieved in my paintings and rarely even attempted. Instead I keep a free interpretation of the objects through emphasis on colour and pattern.”
Meijers’ first designer pillow line launched in May 2009 and new collections are created each year.
“My products are available in more than 30 countries, including Australia, from both independent small retailers as well as big department stores such as Barneys and Selfridges. Actually, this morning Selfridges placed a huge order, so the fair has got off to a great start,” she adds.
Her products are stocked in independent retail stores such as Frith in Victoria, however, she is looking to expand her reach.
“I’m quite happy with the exposure I have had so far, but it might be an idea to look for an agent to increase my profile and get my products into more stores Australia-wide.”
By Marion Gerritsen
