Featuring strong graphics, quirky phrases and refreshingly devoid of pretension, Sydney-based boutique homewares brand Pony Rider was founded by New Zealander Kelly Searle. The designer, having previously worked at fashion houses designing fabrics, wished to put her energy into a venture she could call her own.
Here we speak with Kelly about her label, and the design ethos that backs it:
1. How did the Pony Rider brand first come into fruition?
Originally I saw a gap in the market about a year before I had my first child, however it wasn't until after my second child was born that I decided it would be more flexible if I had my own business with my own deadlines. How naive I was!
2. What do you think are your key strengths in so far as the Pony Rider brand?
While I had another business partner initially, I now deal with practically all of the tasks Pony Rider brings with it. That said, design, branding and marketing are my biggest strengths. However seeing as I run the business, that must be in there somewhere by default.
3. How would you describe the Pony Rider aesthetic?
The Pony Rider look is old and modern all in the same blast. There's a distinct hand made feel to each piece. Essentially, we celebrate the beauty in the ordinary, those everyday things that can often be forgotten. We really consider how people will use our pieces. Pony Rider's look is slightly raw - an Americana-Nordic-Australian mash up, if you like. Somehow it works!
3. What or who inspires your designs?
Seasonally, I find new inspiration for each collection. I do however have a special love of old objects, 50s design, typography & photography.
4. If you could buy one thing for your home tomorrow, what would it be?
I rarely have any particular object in mind that I wish for, however I do like finding one off vintage items that make a space feel like home. Otherwise, my dream would be to have an incredible artist come into my home to paint on my walls.
Shop the Pony Rider brand on Mildred&Co
here.
