Hello Island Lovelies,
Today we have found a fantastic new company via Remodelista called Atea Oceanie.
This boutique shop is based in London’s Knightsbridge and is the enterprise of Laura Meyer, a native New Zealander.
Her love and experience of growing up in the South Pacific has led her to introduce to the world, Artisan pieces crafted across the South Pacific islands. These exotic items have been lovingly made by hand using natural materials and skillful traditional methods mixed with luxury European savior faire.
Meyer spent many summers as a child in Tahiti and it’s these precious memories that have sparked a passion for the South Pacific, and a deep appreciation for the unique crafts and skills the islanders possess.
How fantastic of Laura to help keep the islanders skills alive and promote their gorgeous hand crafted items, because I’m sure not a lot of people will be familiar with Pacific Islander arts and crafts.
‘Atea is the sacred place between the sea and the sky. Draws together the raw sensuality of the South Pacific with the subtle refinement of European luxury.’ How utterly gorgeous a notion.
I have always spoken about the deep magic of the South Pacific, it is one of the last special places on earth because many of the islands are untouched and therefore a real paradise to be hold.
The elegance of the homewares and fashion accessories at Atea Oceania is their evocative essence of an unhurried way of life, that is synonymous with the South Seas and Laura has captured this so elegantly.
I adore Laura’s sensibility, by capturing and elevating the South Pacific through beautiful fashion and homewares and adding that touch of European craftsmanship is genius. Supporting the islanders and bringing this region to the world’s attention has been long overdue.
Her pieces sit happily in an urban environment as well as an exotic holiday destination, their relaxed island elegance enhances and statementises the individualism of each piece.
The hand-woven hats and bags are made in The Cook Islands from Rito, young baby coconut shoots and the baskets are made from Pandanus leaves also in The Cooks.
Pearl lariats made with The Cook Island black pearls and Italian leather sit near hand carved items from New Zealand and neighbouring islands.
Tapa cloths from Fiji, Tonga and Samoa are all traditionally made from the bark of the Mulberry tree and have unique patterns native to each island painted on them.
Each of the Atea Oceanie pieces are unique. Their luxury Artisan qualities speak for themselves as real and individual statement items. They have been designed and made with real skill and passion so are investment pieces as well as fashionable pieces.
For me, the homewares would quite happily sit displayed in any coastal island home as a decorative bohemian/tribal/native element to add real interest and depth to a room. I love the neutral colours, the natural textures and the raw, native elegance they possess in their designs.
The fashion items are true classics, I adore the hats and large satchel bags (see the pic above). These pieces take the boho look a step further and would easily mix with different styles for an eclectic take.
For more information visit www.ateaoceanie.com
Happy Island Styling.
Images: Christine Hanway
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