Tag: hunt & bow

Ivy Muse release second limited edition range of plant stands

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date March 11, 2015
No Comments on Ivy Muse release second limited edition range of plant stands

Melbourne-based botanical wares studio IVY MUSE today launched Nightshade, their second collection of limited edition plant stands, and here’s a first look at them. To celebrate the follow-up to their inaugural collection in October, they commissioned renowned local ceramicist Ingrid Tufts to produce an exclusive range of pots to complement them.

Nightshade draws its inspiration from the simplicity of a winter sunset, with a pared back aesthetic and focus on intense colour. Each design is available in black and white, plus a limited edition colour unique to that design; Navy (Quay), Electric Blue (Arrow), Blush Clay (Empire) and Frost (Chrysalis).

Nightshade includes two smaller stands (Chrysalis and Quay) for pots to sit on (and in the Chrysalis) as well as two taller stands (Empire and Arrow). As with the previous collection, each IVY MUSE stand was designed to allow the customer maximum flexibility and creativity in the many ways they can house plants, and are suitable for a variety of pot sizes and shapes.

Tufts’ handmade limited edition pots are wheel-thrown from beautiful iron-bearing stoneware, then combined with soft pastel glazes to allow the clay to gently reveal its natural character. The pots are available in one size with three colour options (Marshmallow, Peach and Ice Blue).

IVY MUSE is the brainchild of longtime friends Jacqui Vidal and Alana Langan. Jacqui, founder of art retailer Signed & Numbered, together with Alana, interior stylist and owner of online boutique Hunt & Bow, launched the business with a mission to produce beautiful, functional stands that encourage people to get creative with their greenery.

Designed by Jacqui and Alana, the stands are made from steel — for durability and strength — then powder-coated to add beautiful colour and a perfect finish. They are made from start to finish in Melbourne.

The stands retail for $170 and can be purchased online or from over 20 stockists across Australia. The pots are also available online. International shipping also available.

Photography: Annette O’Brien | Styling: Alana Langan

Tags alana langan, ceramicist, ceramics, greenery, house plants, hunt & bow, indoor plants, ingrid tufts, ivy muse, jacqui vidal, melbourne, plant stands, pot plants, stylist

Interviews Styling

How to become an interior stylist: advice from Alana Langan

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date April 15, 2014
3 Comments on How to become an interior stylist: advice from Alana Langan

Following six months of assisting with Greenhouse Interiors’ Julia Green, Alana Langan is now happily running her own styling business and online homewares store, HUNT & BOW. Here’s how she did it…

Alana Langan (Photography by Annette O'Brien) — Alana Langan (Photography by Annette O’Brien)

Alana studied an interior styling short course at Central Saint Martins in London in 2011 and then spent six months assisting Julia Green in 2013. “For me, hands on experience was a priority rather than qualifications; I think you can learn a lot about a profession by jumping in head first and learning on the job, ideally in an assistant role. I think it also depends on your career direction. I always had the intention to have my own business so gaining this experience was a priority.”

She started Hunt & Bow, originally as an interior styling business, in 2012. Last year she added the online store string to her (pardon the pun) bow. “I’d always wanted to have my own business doing something creative, so I took the opportunity to develop the business plan during my maternity leave and then went for it. In early 2013, I was lucky enough to secure an assisting position with Julia Green which was instrumental in my career. Not only did I learn the art of styling, but also important business and industry aspects that go hand-in-hand with it.” After six months, Alana felt ready to venture out on her own, and she’s loved every minute.

Alana’s own apartment, as featured on The Glitter Guide. Styling by Alana, photography by Annette O’Brien

“My days are often varied, which I love. They can include sourcing vintage or modern products for the online shop, photographing stock and updating the website or working on creative ideas for upcoming shoots, running around town collecting props or meeting with clients. It’s a complete mixed bag!”

Alana’s interest in interiors started early. “I grew up in a home that always had some kind of renovation happening and was encouraged from a young age to get involved. When I was 12, I painted my bedroom and refurbished my first piece of furniture (a Queen Anne side table I decoupaged!) so it’s always been a part of my life and something I’ve loved doing. It wasn’t until I reached my 20s that I discovered being a stylist could actually be something I got paid to do!”

Alana's own home as featured on The Glitter Guide. Styling by Alana, photography by Annette O'Brien — Alana’s own home as featured on The Glitter Guide. Styling by Alana, photography by Annette O’Brien

Goo Collection Spring/Summer '13. Styling by Alana Langan, photography by Robert Earp — Goo Collection Spring/Summer ’13. Styling by Alana Langan, photography by Robert Earp

The best part of the job is getting hands on at a shoot. “Being on set and in the flow of the scene you’re creating is just so much fun. Plus, it’s great being part of a creative collaboration with the team (photographer, client, assistants etc.). It’s a real group effort and when things are working well, you can really feel the energy buzzing around. There’s nothing like it!”

Working for herself however is sometimes quiet and a little lonely. “Thankfully though, I’ve built a great network who are really supportive and are always there whenever I need to bounce ideas around or just have a chat.”

Jacqui Vidal's apartment as featured on The Design Files. Styling by Alana Langan, photography by Annette O'Brien — Jacqui Vidal’s apartment as featured on The Design Files. Styling by Alana Langan, photography by Annette O’Brien

Great as the job is though, if you think it’s glamorous, think again! “There’s lots of furniture re-shuffling, running props back and forth around town and heavy lifting! Plus, a reality for me is being wiped out at the end of a long shoot. It’s non-stop work on set and it can be physically and mentally exhausting come wrap time.”

Alana’s top advice for getting into the industry is:

Get an assistant role to really learn about the job and the industry
Get yourself on Instagram and start practising your styling
Make a career plan of action and stick to it.

In five years’ time she’d love to still be doing what she’s doing, but perhaps with the addition of a bricks and mortar store in Melbourne. As a working mum, she continues to be inspired by women who run their own businesses and juggle the demands of motherhood. “They’re both the toughest jobs in the world.”

Visit HUNT & BOW online.