Fenton & Fenton and Antipodean Label’s capsule collection is an ode to the beauty found in imperfection

“Individuality, artistry and the nostalgic beauty of yesteryear.”

In a world obsessed with the shiny veneer of social media, the Japanese principal of Wabi Sabi is a reminder to look for beauty in our flaws. Instead of chasing an unreachable idea of perfection, Wabi Sabi encourages us to slow down, let go and focus on finding simplicity, calmness and warmth.

The concept also served as the inspiration behind the latest collaboration between the homewares label Fenton & Fenton and the womenswear brand, Antipodean Label. With a shared goal of celebrating “individuality, artistry and the nostalgic beauty of yesteryear”, Lucy Fenton, Creative Director at Fenton & Fenton and Dani Milojevic, Founder and Designer of Antipodean Label recently launched their capsule collection, Wabi Sabi.

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Wabi Sabi isn’t the first time the Australian labels have partnered up. “We had worked together on the print design for our Life In Colour collection and we instantly had a connection,” Lucy says. “It just felt really good from the outset, which is so important when collaborating with another brand.”

But what makes this collection special is the convergence of art, homewares and fashion. Tied together aesthetically by details like considered fabrication compositions, mismatched motifs and softly-coloured prints, Wabi Sabi is furniture, home accessories and ready-to-wear.

After working with Dani on Life In Colour, Lucy invited her to create another collaborative print, which became the foundation of the capsule Wabi Sabi collection. The clothing can be purchased through the Antipodean Label site, while homewares can be purchased through Fenton & Fenton.

Photography by Jedd Cooney

Designed to be cherished for years to come, the Wabi Sabi range encourages you to look closer. “I discovered the phrase ‘Wabi Sabi’… and was mesmerised with it,” Dani says. “I embraced ‘Wabi Sabi’ at every touch point of the design process, whether it was in my hand-drawn artworks, GOTS dyed fabrications, hand embroideries or colour palettes… you will find subtle tiny details like patchworks with delicately frayed edges and hand-crochet belts with lurex thread.”

Honing in on the Wabi Sabi principle of ‘beauty in the imperfection’, the homewares are made to be mixed and matched, to “honour the rhythm of the seasons” and create a warm, welcoming space. Standout pieces include the vintage-esque Betsy Chair, inspired by prolific Dutch designer Gerrit Thomas Rietveld, and the Wabi Sabi Quilt, which features a patchwork digital print on one side and soft velvet on the other.

Photography by Arjun Sohal

For both designers, a favourite from the apparel collection is the Wabi Sabi Kimono. “I just love the top stitch detailing and shoulder extensions on this piece,” Dani says. I love the versatility of the garment as you can wear it as a dress or style back like a robe.”

Photography by Arjun Sohal

In celebration of the collaboration, Fenton & Fenton and Antipodean invited friends of the brands for a fashionable Melbourne night in to kick off the launch. Last Friday, guests enjoyed fruity cocktails (named the Wabi Sabi by Saint Felix Distillery, naturally), fresh Future Future appetisers and a very danceable DJ set. Key attendees were dressed in pieces from the Antipodean collection, with the event officially kicking off the colourful season of Wabi Sabi. 

Browse the Wabi Sabi collection of homewares here and apparel here.