Corban and Blair create lifestyle items you simply must view. We were most lucky to have a chat with Gillian Corban, one half of the highly established brand. Read on below to learn more about the current range ‘Billie’ and to see how the clever pair work sustainability into their brand.
(Amanda and Gillian)
How did Corban and Blair come to be?
We were experimenting with making journals and one thing lead to another. There was no interesting Australian designer stationery. We saw a gap in the market and created product collections to fill it. We were very keen to work with environmentally friendly materials and with local artists. We still do this today even tough products have changes.
What makes your range stand out from other lifestyle brands?
We have always had an authentic and intuitive approach. We have been doing this a long time and have evolved as times have changed. We have probably designed 60 product collections and 100s of individual products. What we design has depended on what customers are interested in and inspired by. This has change a lot of 26 years.
You have such beautiful products; what inspired the current range?
The current range was inspired by wanting to work with soft flexible materials. We started with the materials and a range of colours and then added the twist (interesting detail). The range is called Billie.
How do you include sustainability in your work?
Yes we do. It is a guiding principle. Most materials we use can be recycled, many of the base materials are recycled. Our frames are plantation grown in New Zealand and we pay the carbon credits on them. We also recycle materials within the business, use green lighting as well as compost. We are aware of waste, excess power use and reusing items. We are very keen about reusing materials and renovating items to have a new life.
Can you tell us about a typical day in the office?
We start coming in from 7.30 in the morning and the last person probably leaves by 6.30. Although Amanda and I will keep checking emails until we go to bed (we exist in a global market place). We are all focused on our particular roles. There are meetings for product development, marketing campaigns, sales as well as communication catch up meetings so that we all know what is going on. We could have customers in for meetings or we may go out to see customers. As we have a shop at out studio in Lewisham we do have customers dropping in all day. Especially students buying portfolios.
What are your must-have items?
Walls of frames- frame collages and items for travel- journals, luggage tags and travel wallets are favourites at the moment
Do you have any advice for readers wishing to start their own business?
Do a business plan so you can see if your business model will work. Have a passion for what you do as it is hard, intelligent work that requires leadership, ideas, constant learning and working with other people. All great but can have its less attractive moments.
What are your future goals for Corban and Blair?
We are working on collaborating with other creative and makers to create a more Australian style brand that clusters lots of different skills and ideas together. As we have a small market in Australia we need to look to the global market. This is best approached as a like-minded team.
We thank Gillian very much for her time. For more information or to purchase online, visit http://www.corbanblair.com.au
A lady with a love for words and all things bright, sweet and wonderful.