Australian online retail platform the Independent Designers Emporium (IDE) has gained a new lease on life with a new owner and an influx of high profile designers.
IDE is an innovative take on retailing, featuring gifts, homewares, artwork, jewellery and accessories which customers can by directly from the designers. The site’s mission is to provide a platform for independent designers to showcase their unique product ranges and to encourage Australian shoppers to support the creative industries.
“IDE is a really beautiful site that needs to be seen by the world,” says new owner Maxine Parfitt. “What we want to develop is a beautiful universal feel where designers here get publicity overseas and conversely we can help overseas creators break into the Australian market.”
The designers who have recently joined IDE include Australian brands Lisa Payton and Tread and Pedals, the UK’s Beulah-Home, Alchemy Loop from South Africa and Altuntas Vintage Rugs from Istanbul. They join existing artists such as Lennie Moe, Fenton Art Design from the UK and Australia’s Retro Print Revival.
“It can be hard to find unique decorator items here in Australia and we want to create a beautiful selection of our favourites,” says Parfitt. “At all times we want to focus our efforts into promoting the individual designers.”
