SEVENTHIRTYAM WITH CHRISTINE RICHARD
Published
Focusing on brands that deliver something fresh to the Hong Kong landscape, we meet with Christine Richard, Co-Owner of SevenThirtyAM, who shares her innovation for design.
Established by Christine Richard and Rochelle Le Pine, Seventhirtyam was born to promote and offer new-scene brands to the Hong Kong market. Using their expertise and networks throughout Asia, these two driven design entrepreneurs have a long-term vision to build regional brand awareness.
Indesignlive.hk: Why have you selected the name ‘Seventhirtyam?’
Christine Richard: Our name is inspired by the most beautiful time of the day when world is at our fingertips and anything is possible – 7:30-am.
David Trubridge
IDLHK: What does Seventhirtyam offer to Hong Kong and greater China?
CR: We focus on beautiful design brands that deliver something fresh to the Hong Kong design landscape.
Nookha
IDLHK: Your business model promotes several international brands – can you list some? And what is special about them?
CR: We promote brands from Europe, New Zealand and Australia that each share a genuine and novel approach to design while keeping the heart at heart. Some of which include, David Trubridge, Tim Webber Design, Nookha, Latitude 22 and Baobab Collection. We handpick niche and out of the box brands from emerging designers that we believe in. It is a labour of love because some of these brands are are not yet as well-known within the region – it takes passion and patience!
David Trubridge
IDLHK: What attracts you to a new brand?
CR: I am attracted to brands that are fresh, genuine and possess a strong design identity – I also rely on natural and beautiful materials and quality craftsmanship. I like the simplicity of lines, natural elegance and a fresh feel.
David Trubridge
IDLHK: Elaborate on your style?
CR: For furniture, I’m sensitive to materials and attention to detail. I like the story behind a piece that makes a furniture piece soulful. I will always be attracted by warm natural materials and artisan-design which is making a big comeback in the Asia Pacific and Europe.
Nookha
IDLHK: What are your three top influences?
CR: I’m drawn by the pure lines and simplicity of elegance in the new-scene designers such as Constance Guisset, Benjamin Hubert, the Bourroulec brothers, Konstantin Grcic and Tim Webber. I also love the ethno-chic explosion of colours of Paola Navone, or the tribal designs of Natanel Gluska.
IDLHK: What is your best selling design range and why?
CR: David Trubridge is widely recognised for his work. He’s already exhibited in museums and stores within Europe and is currently working on many leading projects. We are starting to introduce his work to the Hong Kong and China market and the result is very positive.
David Trubridge
IDLHK: Do you work on a commercial or residential level?
CR: We have a balanced portfolio of clients however we mostly work on boutique hotels and projects.
IDLHK: Tell me about your plans for Seventhirtyam in the future?
CR: We’re enriching our portfolio of brands and widening our market. We’d like to be recognised for our consistent dedication to authentic and unique design in Hong Kong.
Seventhirtyam
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