Fashion & Furniture Collide
Lucianne Tonti and Erna Walsh Propel Fashion and Furniture into a Sustainable Future at Swensk, Melbourne
Date: May 25, 2023
Lucianne Tonti & Erna Walsh, Photo by Matthew Walsh
Swensk Melbourne, hosted an exceptional event last night that brought together renowned author Lucianne Tonti, journalist and author and Erna Walsh, CEO and founder of KFive Furniture. The rich conversation between Lucianne and Erna explored the future of fashion and furniture, shedding light on regenerative farming, plastic recycling, and the exploration of innovative and emerging materials.
Erna Walsh, K5 CEO, brought her expertise in furniture design, craft and sustainability to the conversation. She explored sustainable materials in furniture design and the extension of plastic life cycles in products such the brand Ecobirdy, which rescues old and unused plastic toys from becoming landfill. Ecobirdy's innovative process involves recycling these toys and transforming them into beautifully designed pieces of furniture. The collection of kids' furniture from Ecobirdy is entirely made from recycled plastic waste sourced from Europe, demonstrating a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Additionally, Walsh highlighted KFive's design collaboration with Monash University, focusing on the exploration of mycelium (fungi) as a foundational material for design and furniture—an exciting shift towards a circular economy.
ecoBirdy Charlie chair & Luisa Table Photo by Matthew Walsh
With her extensive experience as a regenerative fashion consultant, Tonti shared valuable insights into the origins of our garments, interweaving personal anecdotes from her fashion career spanning Europe, America, and Australia. Her expertise as the fashion editor of The Saturday Paper, a regular contributor to The Guardian's weekly series "Closet Clinic," and her contributions to Australian Vogue have established her as a respected voice in the industry. Lucianne Tonti's book Sundressed delves into the opportunities and challenges of regenerative farming practices for natural fibers.
Lucianne Tonti's book Sundressed, Photo by Matthew Walsh
The event not only provided insights into the future of fashion and furniture but also encouraged attendees to envision a more sustainable and responsible industry.
The intimate setting at Swensk fostered an atmosphere of community and inspiration, allowing participants to network and exchange ideas with like-minded individuals who share a passion for sustainable practices and design innovation. Jane Matthews of Swensk hosted a thought-provoking and enlightening evening that pushed the boundaries of creative thinking.
Dinner at Swensk with guests, Photo by Matthew Walsh