Meet New Zealand design duo Loren Marks and Sarah Carson, friends and founders of Penney + Bennett. Devoted to creating contemporary textiles with simplicity and materiality, while questioning the conventional, the designers’ have drawn on their fine arts backgrounds to produce an exquisite collection of bedlinen, cushions and blankets. We speak to the pair to delve further in to the inspiration behind the brand its unique aesthetic.
How you do know each other and what led you to create the Penney + Bennett brand?
We were studio mates at art school. Although we used different media we began collaborating and found we shared similar ideas.
How would you describe the brand and its aesthetic?
Our aesthetic is clean, androgynous, minimal, and expressive. We celebrate the beauty and imperfection of nature. We mainly select muted and monochromatic tones with unexpected pops of color.
How would you describe your own style?
We both have a very similar approach to style in every aspect of our lives. We try to pare back anything unnecessary. We like to select fewer, quality items that are designed carefully and for longevity, and are made ethically with high quality materials
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What is important to you when sourcing fabrics for your designs?
We try to get them as natural as possible. We prefer an imperfect texture, high quality natural threads with slubs and irregularities that are expertly woven by artisans.
How do you combine your fine arts experience into creating each collection?
Similar to a curated exhibition, we come up with a concept that informs our designs. We make art in our studio using varying media then translate them onto fabric.
Where do you see Penney + Bennett heading in the future?
We would like to look at expanding our product range. We are currently exporting and are working on accessing all parts of the world.
To shop the look, click
here.
