In The Beginning

‘I grew up in Auckland and it was instilled in me to invest in quality and enjoy looking after it. My mother was an entrepreneur having started her own business, HouseHold Linens, in the late 1960’. And my father was a yacht designer, they were both interested in design and business.

In my school holidays when my mother was manufacturing, I use to work for her sewing and packing product in my school holidays.

Having a number of careers over the years in teaching, finance and retail, and gaining my marketing degree, I joined the family business HouseHold Linens. In 2000 I set up the Australian business. This role grew to become CEO of New Zealand and Australia after my mother suffered a stroke.’

Collections And Inspirations

What is at the heart of the collections? ‘Premium construction finely woven to create a beautiful foundation to a high-quality collection. Timeless style with a simple and sophisticated palette to create a classic, comfortable and charming home.’

Your first design inspiration? ‘My inspiration first came from clients from HouseHold Linens where they wanted to purchase the same high quality and design and could not find it elsewhere, since our family business closed.’

What do you love about what you do?‘ The relationships that have been made with my lovely clients and suppliers. I love, being able to travel and visit the mills where I learn so much about the heritage of the industry and companies that we work with.’

A Classic Style

Where do you call home? Sydney, Australia.

Which designer most influences you? ‘My style is classic and timeless. I am influenced by Ralph Lauren. Other designers are Drienne Winkelmann, Burberry for coats, GSTAR for jeans, Jac + Jack, Petit Bateau and Lorna Jane for activewear.’

What are some of your most treasured pieces?‘ Quality collection of pieces from over the years that are clean and comfortable and have stood the test of time. I am influenced by Ralph Lauren and their Madison Avenue store, for both service and style. For home pieces I covet a Kelly Weastler lamp and Bouillotte tables from Lydie Du Bray Antiques.’

Beauty And Life

Your beauty philosophy? ‘I believe beauty comes from within therefore what I drink and eat is important having a mainly plant based diet, and rosemary or mint tea fresh from the garden. A good night’s sleep is also important for beauty. My favourite skincare brand alternates between Sukin and Rodan + Fields.’

What helps you achieve a balanced life? ‘Doing different things from art to exercise to dining out to gardening… saying yes to different experiences with friends and family. I walk most days for an hour … depending on the day whether I chat on the phone, listen to a podcast or listen to music … all three things motivate me.’

A Life To Love

Ideal moments and dreams in life?‘ ‘Brunch and time spent with friends, time in the garden, or playing in the park with three special children in my life. For me it’s not about things it’s about people … my Mum as she is a great support to me, my hairdresser Glenn at Mr O and my friends. I am dreaming of Greece; this is on my list along with San Sebastian in Spain. I love being at the beach, in or on the water, and having a swim.’

What are your next hopes for Blanche Rose? ‘To grow and expand both the Blanche Rose collection and our clients.’

What are you most proud of? ‘I am proud of feedback received from my clients like ‘exquisite’ and the collaborations with stylists and designers such as Steve Cordony and Justin Bishop.’