COOL…FLORENCE BROADHURST FOR KATE SPADE NYC

I was so excited to see the posters going up at the bus stops around Hong Kong for the collaboration of Florence Broadhurst and Kate Spade.   Known for her colourful life, moving around the world from Shanghai to Sydney, Broadhurst’s graphics are bold, bright and truly original- just like the Aussie herself!  Unfortunately, her life ended tragically.  Her unsolved murder is still a subject for some discussion in Sydney.

Signature Prints owns her whole catalogue of designs and Kate Spade has reinterpreted the graphics: applying them to everything from iPhone covers to the linings inside jackets.   Her interior design was a breath of originality in the Australia from the 50s to the 60s. Extremely well connected, she was able to use her social mobility to design for the scions of Sydney society.   I remember as a child seeing some of her wallpapers in design showrooms. Using metallics and flocks, they certainly made an impression on me as a six year old.  I really wanted a peacock design for my bedroom, but my mother thought it a bit excessive for someone under 10!

I’d love to pick up some of the dinnerware myself and maybe a iPhone cover…I’m heading off to Kate Spade now…..