WANDER OFTEN, WANDER WIDE

FOR THOSE WHO WANDER

PREMIUM PICNIC ESSENTIALS, CRAFTED FOR YOUR EVERYDAY ADVENTURES

WRITTEN BY: KYLIE MITCHELL-SMITH

Wandering Folk is all about the journey, dreamy days spent wandering the world, picnic rug in hand. Born by the sea, imbued in nature, a reflection of that quintessential nomadic lifestyle - each handcrafted rug tells its own story.

A tale of an artist who grew up in the Northern Rivers, living a life of adventure with her family, from sunlit mornings by the beach to starry nights spent by the campfire. A romantic in love with the great outdoors, but with a hankering for some creature comforts too, she drew inspiration from the natural surrounds to create otherworldly designs. After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Textile Design at RMIT in 2011, Sharnee Thorpe began designing as a freelancer for various well-known Australian fashion and homewares labels (you’ll still find many of her hand drawn creations patterning the frocks and fashion of local fashionistas like Nine Lives Bazaar), but it was ultimately a rainy camping trip in 2015 that inspired her to produce a designer rug that would be pretty and practical at the same time. A piece of art that would travel with you wherever you may roam. Fusing whimsical patterns with vintage florals Wandering Folk was born and has since become the go to brand for hand painted rugs as well as a bespoke collection of picnic essentials such as the stunning cushion range, adorned with Sharnee’s signature prints. The design process from start to finish is a journey that begins with something that catches Sharnee’s eye – vintage prints, a piece of art from a bygone era, trinkets and artifacts collected along the way. Sharnee is ever inspired by friendships, tales told and exploring lands far and wide. A mood board evolves as the story unfolds and the artist weaves her magic on her hand-painted designs. It is this collection of curiosities and experiences that is the heart and soul of Wandering Folk. What began as a one woman show, Wandering Folk has grown with each year’s success and now employs a small team of enthusiastic wanderers who, together, have created a local company with a global conscience. Committed to being part of the solution not the problem, their motto is ‘Buy less, Choose Well, Make it Last’ - helping to preserve the natural environment by using sustainable fabrics like recycled cotton and hemp. As a conscientious local company Wandering Folk also supported the recent floods by raising $100,000 to donate to the GIVIT Floodraiser campaign and are a proud 1% for the Planet partner, who regularly donate to rainforest rescue. A natural collaborator, Sharnee shares her creations with her small team - which includes her partner Arthur in the role of Operations Manager - for their valuable input, and once the designs are agreed upon, suppliers are engaged in the process and high quality and durable fabrics are sourced.

Wandering Folk are unique in design and stand the test of time. Like a magic carpet ride, the rugs take on a life of their own, evoking an opulent world of beauty, destined to become a cherished item for all those with gypsy souls. The Wandering Folk range of bespoke products includes hand painted picnic rugs, woven throws, cooler bags, and drinkware for all your picnic needs - with a full range of colours to reflect the outdoors. Ideal for adding flair to the indoors as well, throw a rug over the couch or as a hanging artwork on your bedroom wall. The latest collection ‘Wonderland’ is exactly that - a whimsical, magical tale of otherworldly designs that come alive in a wonderland of dreamy colours and distinct vintage florals. Other campaigns include Desert Trails, Dusty Skies, Topanga Oak and Native Wildflower, and collaborations with the likes of Spell, Adairs, Kip & Co and more recently Will & Bear. Wandering Folk have just celebrated their 8th birthday along with the birth of Sharnee and Arthur’s second child - as natural storytellers and wanderers they still make time to roll out a picnic rug and dream of their next adventure.

Sharnee Thorpe

Check out their user-friendly website for some truly gorgeous gift ideas which - along with vouchers, gift-wrapping and cards – make festive season shopping easy and dreamy!

4A/11 Banksia Dr, Byron Bay NSW 2481 wanderingfolk.com

Shelley Simpson, Mud Australia Founder and Creative Director and James Kirton, Mud Australia Executive Director

THE INTUITIVE BEAUTY OF MUD

Mud Australia brings beautiful handcrafted porcelain homewares to the Northern Rivers, with its bright and expansive new store in the leafy creative hub of Habitat Byron Bay.

With its minimalist yet elegant handcrafted porcelain homewares, Mud Australia has built a cult following both here and abroad and is a firm favourite with food stylists and everyday design lovers the world over. “Inspired by the beauty of the region, and by so many people doing great things around design and environment, the team felt a really strong connection to the Northern Rivers,” says Mud Australia founder Shelley Simpson. “Habitat, with its sustainability ethos that aligns so closely with our own business values, made it the right place to open our 10th store,” she adds. Noticing a gap in the market for timeless, durable homewares, Shelley founded Mud in 1994, creating her first pieces in her garage. The brand has come a long way since then, but each piece – now made with Limoges porcelain clay – is still handcrafted, using a highly nuanced and hands-on process, as well as hand-mixed quality pigments and glaze. “The beauty of our pieces can be attributed to the human touch which combines experience with intuition,” says Shelley. “There is an honesty to our creations, that you can’t replicate with machines.” Mud Australia homewares make a stunning addition to any table, but unlike some handcrafted ceramics, they are also lightweight yet robust, and designed for everyday use so you can pop them in the dishwasher too. Clear glaze is applied to the interior of each piece, leaving the exterior with a vitrified stone-like surface that becomes smooth with handling, while palettes vary from brilliantly bold to muted neutrals.

Handmade in Australia, all production happens in the purpose-built Sydney studio to maintain consistency and high quality. “We believe in conscious and responsible consumption, and this starts with good design,” explains Shelley. “Sustainability is in our DNA, our products eschew seasonality, complement any interior and are made to last, with new additions designed to complement existing designs,” she adds. Proudly carbon neutral, Mud also works closely with local producers, incorporates rescued clay, and uses solar panels, composting and strict water filtration at its headquarters. Passionate about the growth of emerging and established artists, Mud was the major sponsor of the 2022 North Coast Mud Trail – an initiative that supports the community of professional ceramic artists who live and work in the region. While the Shelley Simpson Ceramics Prize (SSCP) awards a mentorship and cash prize of $10,000 to an emerging artist each year, so they can further pursue their ceramics career.

“Byron Bay is a special place for my family and I always open stores in places I love to visit,” Shelley says. “This is our first regional store, and we are grateful for the support from the local community.” So, if you are in the area, drop by the store to browse the extensive range of porcelain homewares and lighting alongside a curated selection of cutlery, glassware and linens from likeminded brands

Habitat - Shop 11 / 5 Easy Street Byron Bay | mudaustralia.com

Golden Breed

SUMMER IN STYLE

WRITTEN BY: KATELYN REW

The relaxed lifestyle of the Northern Rivers often calls for transitional fashion pieces that can carry you from the beach to the café to your favourite dinner spot. Denim, linens, and statement tees complimented by salty beach hair and bare feet on long lazy summer days. Or perhaps you prefer a soft, flowy silhouette as you sip on cool beverages and watch the world go by? Whatever your aesthetic, there are so many talented local designers and accomplished brands in the area that we really are spoilt for choice. Here we’ve highlighted four labels which caught our eye for different reasons: historical significance, iconic status, eco-consciousness, and pure engineering perfection. We’re excited for you to discover - or perhaps rediscover - these inspiring local brands.

A name synonymous with surf culture, the Golden Breed label is one of the last remaining 100% Australian-owned surf companies. Proudly calling Byron Bay home, the brand’s journey began in California in the 1960s when beach culture was taking off. Virile young board riders, illuminated in a golden hue by the Californian late afternoon sun, were known as the ‘golden breed’. Everything about this label captures the good vibes and vintage nostalgia of bygone days. Think classic surf wear and relaxed, casual ‘fits best worn with no shoes as you stroll along sandy beaches or check the surf from the headland. A historical icon, not just in the waves, but also a global influencer in the Skate and Motocross scenes. This pioneering brand covers all the summer essentials, from clothing and accessories to board hire, purchase or repair - everything you need to get outdoors and amongst the waves.

goldenbreed.com.au | @goldenbreedsurf

Thrills

Thrills was born on the open road, a child of motorcycle culture, underground music and vintage aesthetics. Originally hailing from the USA, founders Brooke, Tabitha, and Ryan – a trio who shared a mutual love of vintage motorcycles - relocated to the Northern Rivers in search of a simple life. Stepping foot on Aussie shores and finding that their beloved bikes weren’t readily available in this part of the world, prompted the friends to consider importing them from the USA and Japan, and thus began their business idea. To accompany this venture, a small t-shirt collection was also created and, proving successful, led to the birth of a clothing line. Fast forward a decade, and Thrills has practically become an unofficial uniform in the Northern Rivers, a tribute to this iconic brand’s impact on local fashion. They make a real effort to manufacture their garments sustainably and are a proud 1% for the Planet partner. So why not grab a few Thrills pieces, and who knows, maybe it’s time to get behind the wheel of your very own customised Harley. Hang ten easy riders.

thrills.co | @thrillsco

Afends

Afends is less a brand and more a way of life that calls people to think outside the box and question everything. With the punk and hardcore movements at its core, founders Declan and Jonathan’s original creative endeavour was a screen-printing business that made band merch. Surf and skate culture was injected into the movement in the 2000s, and the designs evolved to showcase this inception. Opening their first concept store in Byron Bay back in 2009, Afends is now a major player not just in the Northern Rivers but also globally. Impassioned by social impact, their vision for a sustainable future is backed by eco-friendly practices. Receipts are emailed, paper bags are recyclable, and you won’t find any single-use plastic in any of their stores. They also ensure that the retailers they work with share these commendable values. It is a breath of fresh air to find a company living up to its own inspiring brand philosophy, ‘Sustainability through innovation, action, and positive change. Be defined by what you create. Not what you destroy.’

afends.com | @afends

Epøkhe

Founded in 2012 by a filmmaker and two professional surfers, it’s no wonder Epøkhe is the epitome of cool. The trio loved the outdoors but could never find premium eyewear that felt comfortable and provided adequate sun protection, so they designed their own. Epøkhe has been revolutionising the eyewear industry for over a decade with each new campaign video reminiscent of arthouse cinema. Established with no investors and no one to answer to apart from themselves, the brand continues to act as a platform to support the team’s surf, design, art, and film endeavours. Unparalleled in style, all frames are handcrafted and ethically produced with the finest sustainable materials, ensuring each design is engineered to perfection. Through their world travels and influential network of friends and peers – all creatives and progressive surfers – Kai, Dion and Mitch have a constant source of inspiration for new designs that are sure to entice customers for many years to come.

epokhe.co | @epokhe

Golden Breed

Thrills

Epøkhe

must-have!

Open the windows, let the breeze blow and the sun shine in - it’s a summer of sky blues and citrus tones, fresh Australian botanicals, salty-girl jewels and pieces of art fused with everyday essentials. Here’s a few we must have this season…

WATER JUG IN YELLOW

With its narrow opening, was specifically designed to ensure sparkling water retains its fizz for as long as possible. The jug works beautifully as a stand alone sculptural piece. RRP from $216 mudaustralia.com

WINE CUPS IN CITRUS

Mud’s stemless Wine Cup has been designed with enjoyment in mind - perfectly proportioned and handmade with care. RRP $65ea mudaustralia.com

TURQUOISE OCEAN DAYS RING by One Sixteenth features a decorative split bead shank and bezel set Nevada Turquoise. Turquoise connects to the throat chakra allowing you to speak your truth, and ensure that your inner critic stays shushed. This ring can be recreated in your desired size and hand picked stone. Just touch base with Amy at One Sixteenth in Cabarita Beach. onesixteenth.com.au

THE TOPANGA PICNIC RUG is a luscious remix of the iconic 60s paisley print and an earthy 70s colour palette, inspired by the hippy mecca of bygone eras, Topanga Canyon. Featuring a new shape with rounded corners and a fringe trim which give this rug a laid back vintage flair. $190 RRP wanderingfolk.com

MARGARITA GLASS SET OF 2 - AMBER

The stunning Margi glass set of two are made from a durable, thick glass that features a beautiful embossed design, available in three colours. A bold and fun addition to your next happy hour! $59 RRP wanderingfolk.com

JAYA MIDI DRESS - JUNIPER Fall in love with the heavenly Jaya Midi Dress in Juniper handmade by skilled artisans in Jaipur, India. A dreamy blue hand block printed palette featuring a contrasting front and back yoke of exquisite pink flower detailing and a blue skirt underlining. Material ~ 100% Cotton. RRP $189 daughtersofindia.net MUKTI SKIN KITS - New sustainable packaging. The bag is made from a cellulose fibre that is regenerated from bamboo plant. The bamboo plant is made into chips, then pulp which creates a bamboo fibre. The fibre is turned into bamboo yarn and then transformed into sustainable re-useable bags. RRP from $195 muktiorganics.com

AGELESS AHA GLOW CONCENTRATE

The Ageless AHA Glow Concentrate is a daily exfoliating essence. With a feather-light liquid consistency, it’s a skin super-hydrator and is rich in Lactic Acid, Niacinamide, Tasmanian Blue gum & Native River Mint. RRP $64.00 retreatmentbotanics.com

JENN JOHNSTON CERAMICS A love for Japanese aesthetics and mid-century modern design is evident in Jenn Johnston’s new planterART range. Handmade in Mullumbimby, the planters are slab built and high-fired to ensure durability. RRP from $140 jennjohnstonceramics.com

THE BEATING HEART OF BYRON BAY

In the heart of Byron’s buzzing industrial Estate, you’ll find Habitat, a thriving oasis for locals and visitors alike. As you explore this uniquely designed village, you’ll come across quirky stores, delectable drinks, fine food and nooks to recharge and relax, all in one place. So why not spend a day browsing their flagship boutiques, grabbing a bite to eat, visiting one of their health and wellness studios, or just kicking back in the sunny courtyard?

Like every great village, Habitat is centred around yummy cafes and restaurants, so it’s the perfect meet-up spot for friends and family to share a drink and meal, day or night. There’s local fave Barrio, who deliver the sophisticated flavours of a woodfired grill to Byron, not to mention epic coffee. And the much-loved Vagabond and Providore, who serve up a delicious array of plant-based eats and treats, and the best smoothies around town.

It’s no accident people who love a bespoke shopping experience are drawn to Habitat. They’ve carefully curated every homeware store, independent boutique and fashion label, so you can find the iconic style you’d expect from Byron without the hassle of going into town. It really does feel like your very own personal shopping experience, where you can peruse at your own pace, knowing everything you need is right at your fingertips. Habitat also knows life is all about balance, so why not try their extensive range of exclusive fitness and beauty facilities? Opt for a rejuvenating facial, relaxing massage, or recharging yoga class to keep you looking and feeling your best. With fully equipped gyms, Pilates studios and luxury hair and beauty salons, you can ensure you’re taking time for yourself while nurturing your mind and body. For decades, Byron has been a place people have visited to recalibrate their lives and enjoy a dose of the good life. The locals have long understood that to get the most from each day you need to nourish yourself, feel inspired by your environment and make things with intent and purpose. Habitat was created with all this in mind.

Located in North Beach, Habitat is only a short stroll from the world’s first solar train located across the road. This train adventure is a must for adults and children alike and is only a short journey into the heart of Byron. There’s also plenty of free parking if you’re driving from out of town. We think Habitat is Byron’s most exciting neighbourhood, and we can’t wait for you to experience the myriad of sights, culinary delights and experiences it has to offer.