I am incredibly excited to be kicking off the new week with a recent shoot I did with Penney + Bennett. Since launching in 2014, the NZ-based homeware brand has gone from strength to strength and this year is proving to be the biggest yet for founders Loren Marks and Sarah Carson. The immensely talented and hard-working duo have not only released their third collection Guardian, they are now producing their own range of fabrics and are getting ready to launch their debut Pyjama Collection later this week. One of my favourite brands to work with, I am always blown away by their unique and beautiful products which are crafted by hand in New Zealand. Using only the highest quality natural cloth sourced internationally, these form the base for experimental prints consisting of a range of traditional painting, drawing, photography and digital techniques. The Guardian Collection comprises luxurious natural linen cushions, GOTS certified organic cotton bedding and gorgeous gold gilded art prints.
Discussing the inspiration behind the Guardian collection, Loren says “The aesthetic elements of Guardian were collected during our long tramps in national parks throughout New Zealand. Guardian embodies the perfect imperfection of the natural world and highlights the subtleties in tones, textures, colours and shapes found in these ethereal locations. We wanted Guardian to celebrate the contemplative, meditative qualities surrounding these places that have been enjoyed by generations for centuries. According to ancient myth, the Guardians are the fauna that protect the laws of the forest.”
The theme of the collection lends itself beautifully to the bedroom with pieces that be combined in many different ways to create a relaxing haven.
With the exciting expansion into the production of fabrics, Sarah says “It has always been a dream of ours to expand our range into fabrics so our customer can customise any of our designs their own way. We have always wanted to do a collection based on New Zealand, we take a lot of inspiration from nature and the environment around us. We are now exporting internationally so it is exciting to be able to show our New Zealand perspective. We have taken a different direction whilst maintaining the same principles and voice as our previous collections.”
Penney + Bennett's latest move into Pyjamas has been a natural progression. Noticing it was difficult to find beautiful sleepwear made from quality natural fabrics in modern silhouettes, Loren and Sarah decided to take matters into their own hands. Applying their knowledge and thoughtful approach, they have created a sleepwear collection with relaxed tailoring to ensure these can effortlessly transition from sleepwear to daywear.
Made in New Zealand, the range consists of long and short sleeve sleep shirts with drawstring pocket shorts and long pants, all available in a luxurious organic cotton twill or textured linen. The sleep shirts feature a boyfriend style button-up shirt with twin stitching, a generous side split, extra length at the back and a pleated yoke to ensure a flattering fit and unrestricted movement. Both the pocket short and pant have been perfectly designed for lounging. With an elasticated waistband and side pockets, they can be worn high or low.
Available in short and full length, the robe is a Japanese style tie up robe in a luxurious organic cotton twill. Featuring wide sleeves, invisible side pockets and a loop for hanging, these can be worn undone for an easy extra layer.
Organic Cotton Zinc Bed Cover, Sheets and Cushion in Zinc, Rau Linen Pillowslips, Ara I Linen Pillowslips, Ara I Large Linen Cushion, Olive Sleep Shirt, Olive Pocket Pant, Zinc Lounge Robe and Olive Slippers
Officially launching in just a few days time, the Pyjama collection will be available online at Penney + Bennett and at selected retailers in New Zealand and international stockists on 24th August 2017.
Thank you to the following suppliers (including stockists of Penney + Bennett), for the additional pieces:
Nodi Rug, Mantis Table Lamp, Leaf Stool, Wundaire Terrazzo Stoneware Bowl, Bodha Ritual Incense Holder, Bodha Ritual Oil Diffuser - Tessuti
Side Table, Wonki Ware Ceramic Bowl, Zakkia Clay Bowl - Indie Home Collective
Flos IC F2 Floor Lamp, Pulpo Oda Small Floor Lamp - ECC
Dyson Latte Cup (used as a vase), Stelton Theo Teapot - Paper Plane
Normann Copenhagen Toj Clothes Rack - Design Denmark
'Nostalgia' Photographic Print by Reuben James - Duett Design
Styling and photography by Michelle Halford for TDC