Eschewing a Trend

Images have never been so abundant with the rise of social media – with many filtering down to the choices we make. In the last few years, there have been distinctive looks that seem to take hold, from arches to pale pink walls and curvaceous lounge suites. Throw in a bit of 1980s post modernism, some pastel colours and a geometric rug and you have a look for ‘now’. While this combo can be seen in numerous magazines, both in print and online publications, it certainly doesn’t hold much sway for those creatives who don’t follow a transitory look – be this architecture, furniture or fashion.

Interior designer Sioux Clark, co-director of Multiplicity, has never been one to follow the latest trend, whether it takes the form of interiors or furniture selection. She, along with her life and business partner, architect Tim O’Sullivan, have been using recycled materials since the early 1990s when they established their practice. “It’s the context and the client that directs the design outcomes,” says Clark, who sees the plethora of images now coming across our screens at a ‘thick and fast pace’. “You start to get bored with all that. Rather than following a trend, we prefer to test new ideas and find solutions to the way people choose to live. We’re certainly not interested in creating a ‘look’. That look generally disappears after five years, or even less,” she adds.

There are some things that will not feature in a Multiplicity project - including home theatres, arched entrances (new, that is) or underground garages the size of a public carpark. “When it comes to theatres, the idea should be to get out of the house to see films in a public arena. And why should kitchens be so over-scaled if the owners rarely, if ever, cook,” says Clark, who sees the importance of need rather than simply fulfilling an endless wish-list. Although there are the aspirational clients keen to have the look for now, according to Clark there has been a strong shift to more pressing issues, including sustainability and bespoke interiors that capture the client’s personality.

Furniture designer and maker Ross Didier sees furniture design as being driven by trends, often following directions in fashion and interiors. “Features such the colours of a chair or the smaller details tend to be picked out rather than taking a more holistic approach,” says Didier, who sees the problem of style over function being particularly frustrating for a designer with over 20 years’ experience. Coming from a fine arts background, Didier also has a different perspective when it comes to designing furniture. His Vue de Monde Chair, conceived in 2010 for restaurant Vue de Monde and now made in limited numbers, is as relevant today as when it was first designed. Made from discarded kangaroo pelts, the materials are locally sourced and a result of the by-product from meat. “Everything is sourced locally,” says Didier, who sees this shift towards the local being of more concern now than in the past. “Years ago, people wanted everything to come from Europe. Now, it’s about local and having your own ‘voice’ when it comes to design,” says Didier.

Fashion designer Hoshika Kawabata, owner of ESS Laboratory, has never followed a fashion or a trend. Her clothing doesn’t have a use by date, with clients adding to their wardrobes and wearing items designed by Kawabata 20 years ago. “I’m still inspired by the transition of fashion worn in Japan in the Victorian period – with the fusion of traditional clothing meeting with Western-style dress,” says Kawabata, whose colour palette is generally quite sombre, using Japanese textiles. “My clients say that my designs don’t date and are still as wearable now as when they were first designed. Everyone has their own personal style. It’s not about following trends. These just come and go in a few months,” she says.