Sarah & Brooke of Follow

Who:Sarah & Brooke
What: Follow, 380 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills T: 8068 2813
Must See: Me & Oli blouses, Puddin' Head tea towels & Sian Thomas ceramic colanders

Out of planetary happenstance Sarah & Brooke of The Finders Keepers Markets have found a new place in space to realize a long-term vision. A 1890s pharmacy formerly home to Bird Textiles on Cleveland Street has become their permanent address and forum for emerging and independent design, entitled Follow.

As their lovechild, the shop concept will continue to grow and evolve by instinct, like a living organism. Its values are linked with the Finders Keepers, which means at Follow you can navigate an adventure through to the hearts of 40 independent crafters and artists. It’s a personal edit with a focus on quality, innovation and workmanship.

Employing the natural talents of Sarah’s fashion background and Brooke’s jewellery skills, a small in-house range will keep an ear open to the needs and desires of the local community. So to make good art accessible outside the gallery context, there’s an exciting spread of canvases, photo blocks and $40 prints of anthropomorphic squirrels. There are lovebird rings by Naomi Murrel that celebrate spring, and mushroom mandala tees for new age men by Das Monk.

Future focused, interactive and intimate, Follow is assisting to shift the paradigm and erase beliefs that Australian design is ‘behind’. Sarah & Brooke are proud supporters of Australian-made and are part of a growing network who support local economies. Their shop is full of leaders to follow who believe the nature of good design is a beautiful relationship between object and the hands of human beings.

How do you balance being creators yourselves as well as a facilitator for other creators?
It's something we have always done, balancing being creative vs working part time jobs and running the markets. We just don't really sit still and always being around creative people inspires and motivates us. Now having the shop means we can fill certain niches that we discover as managers and designers.

You mention a respect for the founders of Frankie Magazine Louise Bannister & Lara Burke. What have you learned from these women?
They built the magazine from a grass roots level and it was completely different to anything on the market at the time. They helped us way back in 2007 when we did our very first market, we instantly connected and have so much admiration for what they did, as well as them remaining humble and completely hands on with the craft/design community. You don't often come across people like that, and we think that has definitely added to their success.

How has the digital era impacted consumer desire for local and handmade?
In ways it has helped a lot, the internet, blogging and social media has brought everyone closer. It has meant that people are constantly connected and brought together, and there is less isolation for designers in remote areas. We have seen a complete shift in people wanting to purchase handmade and items that are made in limited runs and by local designers. It is nice to be able to step away again from buying online and having a place where people can look, touch and feel products themselves.

Are you observing a greater sense of responsibility in designers and buyers?
Yes there is a bigger shift towards this, people are now thinking more about what they consume and investing in more locally made and ethical products. More fabrics are being recycled, more people are using materials wisely and looking at what is already around them before buying materials that are completely new. It makes for more innovative and exciting designs. More people are thinking outside the square and it's something that we love. We definitely have a hand in helping aid this, by being thoughtful about what we offer in store and always encouraging independent designers.

Where is contemporary design heading and can you name an Australian leading the way?
That is a tough one! We definitely see trends in the marketplace emerge all the time. At the same time people aren't following trends, they are investing in classic design that lasts a life time. People are looking at the past and vintage has a big influence on contemporary design.

How can emerging designers get involved?
We would recommend them coming to the shop first, or looking online to see if their product is the right fit for Follow. If they are then willing to contact us, our preferred method is email with info about them, their products, where and how it's made along with product images and a price list. We currently only take new designers on consignment.

380 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills T: 8068 2813
Follow Store