Meeting ten years ago while studying at RMIT, product designer Nick Rennie and stylist Nina Provan had always shared very similar views on design. Often brainstorming ideas and collaborating on projects, it wasn’t until early this year they decided to turn those late night discussions and fervent design sessions into a business, ni.ni.creative.
“We provide products for today’s lifestyle – objects that are luxurious, have quality and a touch of detail for home and the discerning design lover,” explains Nick. “Our initial collection consists of our Cross leather bags and the Kumo and Tab cushions, and while at the moment the range is small, there are plans to increase the offering in the very near future.”
With the duo having designed their Cross leather bag some years ago, it was the compliments from friends and family that saw them bring the bags into production. Clean and simple, with leather that softens beautifully over time, they’re just as comfortable used at the gym or on a night out.
These, coupled with the Tab cushions, made from leather and fabric with a cute little tab on the side and the Kumo cushions, which feature beautiful 3D woven fabrics by Dutch and Danish companies, Febrik and Kvadrat, make up their debut collection. “Our range is all about designs that are sleek and contemporary, tactile and timeless,” says Nick. “Importantly, all our products are handmade in Melbourne, something we are really proud to achieve.”
Aside from working on their own businesses, Nick and Nina are currently developing a number of new ni.ni.creative products, these include some more bags as well as homewares and lighting. And if their debut collection is anything to go by, we can’t wait to see what’s next.
Photography by Derek Swalwell