Another clever initiative by the Social Outfit

A Sustainable Fashion Story about Chatcha

Chatcha is one of The Social Outfit’s talented Sewing technicians and artists. She uses fabric which she machine stitches and paints to create incredible pieces of Art.

When they saw her work, the craftmanship and meaning behind her pieces, they had to explore the opportunity to develop her artwork into a print.  The original ‘Li Phay’ artwork, which depicts a series of refugee faces, is masterfully sewn and embroidered onto a quilt. lt was developed into a digital print by Chatcha and Sonya Price-Kelly in collaboration with The Social Outfit.

The screen printed, fabric was sewn locally by their team of sewers in Marrickville, Sydney into a brand-new collection inspired by Chatcha’s unique style.

For more information visit the Social Outfit.

Unveiling of the new Perfect Match Street Artwork, Yarrin

Last Saturday, the local community gathered together to celebrate the launch of the first Perfect Match of the year at Corban & Blair. We feel privileged to have the talented artist Lucy Simpson’s artwork on our building – a beautiful piece of art for the community to enjoy.

The artwork, titled ‘Yarrin’, was designed by Lucy Simpson (@gmiyay) and painted by Meg Minkley (@adrawingaday). It incorporates local narratives of water, time, memory, and sites of convergence. The artwork draws inspiration from the story of Long Cove Creek in Gadigal, which is known today as Hawthorne Canal. It pays homage to the local ecology and our many forgotten waterways.

Through this work, Lucy has combined the lines and colors of place – both of her own Yuwaalaraay/Gamilaraay ngurrambaa (homelands) and that which flows underfoot in Gadigal. As a result, she has created a unique story that weaves its way across plains, from deep underground, around mountain ranges, through stone, and across city landscapes. This brings a message of energy, connection, and life to eyes, lives, and minds.

We would like to thank everyone involved, including @innerwestcouncil Arts Team, for implementing the Perfect Match program.

Before

After

A5 Aus Made Recycled Leather Journal, Yarrin – Lucy Simpson Collaboration

This journal was created in collaboration with Indigenous artist Lucy Simpson. The design was used for a mural outside the Corban & Blair building with the help of mural painter Meg Minkley and the Inner West Council. The YARRIN mural was commissioned through the Perfect Match program by the Inner West Council, recognizing the importance of preserving and celebrating the unique stories embedded in the city’s landscapes. It also aims to honour the many places from which these stories have originated.

This artwork incorporates local narratives of water, time, memory, and sites of convergence, and draws inspiration from the story of Long Cove Creek in Gadigal (known today as Hawthorne Canal) to pay homage to the local ecology and our many forgotten waterways. Through this work Lucy has combined the lines and colours of place – both of her own Yuwaalaraay / Gamilaraay ngurrambaa (homelands) and that which flows underfoot in Gadigal — creating a unique story that weaves its way across plains, from deep underground, around mountain ranges, through stone and across city landscapes, bringing a message of energy, connection and life to eyes, lives and minds.

The journal can be purchased through this link.

Reflecting on 2023

The year that was

As we approach the end of the year, we find ourselves reflecting on a year full of uncertainty, disappointments and challenges to our imagination and values. A year where we all had to focus and work together – as a team to share the load. 

Embracing Change and Innovation

In the dynamic landscape of business, adaptability is key. This year, as usual we embraced change, while navigating challenges and turning them into opportunities. Our team’s commitment to innovation has been inspiring, leading to the development of exciting new products and enhancing of our existing offerings.

Celebrating Milestones

2023 has been filled with significant milestones for Corban & Blair. From launching new eco-friendly product lines, to expanding our presence in new markets. Each achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our incredible team. Together, we work on new exciting product solutions.

Caring for Our Community

Corban & Blair is part of the creative community. We want to express our thanks to our customers, partners, collaborators and supporters who have been an integral part of our journey. Such trust and loyalty drive us to continually raise the bar and deliver products that resonate with your values.

Sustainable Practices and Social Responsibility

In a world that demands corporate responsibility, we remain committed to sustainable practices. Our initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint and contribute to social causes reflect our dedication to creating a positive impact. A future where business and sustainability go hand in hand.

Thank you from all of us at Corban & Blair, your support fuels our passion, and we look forward to creating more memories and accomplishments in the new year.

New Thomas Avery Range: WOOLOGANGII

Woologangii : River in Gamilaroi Country

The Woologangii River is represented with curved lines to show the flow of the river through the landscape. The circles on either side of the river symbolise different aspects of the country with varying colours.

Made in collaboration with First Nations artist Thomas Avery, the Woologangii range includes an A5 journal and a travel wallet. The A5  journal features a curved inner pocket with two slits for business cards, refillable A5 notepad, a pen loop and elastic closure. The travel wallet features multiple pockets for holding a passport, boarding pass and other cards. All products are made from recycled leather.

Thomas ‘Bagaay’ Avery is a descendant of the Gamilaroi tribe in northern NSW. His personal totem is the blue tongue lizard. Thomas’s ancestors were born at Bohena Creek Aboriginal Reserve, Narrabri. Thomas is a painter, designer and filmmaker using his unique insights to communicate his culture.

Corban & Blair Hunt Leather Product Launch at The Rocks

Collaborations are creatively Inspiring and Good for Business

Collaboration is the key to innovation and success in today’s competitive business landscape. When two like-minded companies come together, magic happens. It’s not just about combining resources and expertise; it’s about creating something new and exciting that resonates with customers.

Recently, Corban & Blair and Hunt Leather joined forces to hold an event at 140 George Street, the location of Hunt Leather’s new Sydney CBD store. This collaboration was born out of the challenges posed by COVID-19, as both companies saw an opportunity to create Australian-made, sustainable products using recycled leathers and offcuts.

The event was a celebration of craftsmanship, style, and the power of collaboration.

Moreover, collaborations can also be a powerful marketing tool. By partnering with another brand, companies can create buzz and generate excitement around their products or services.

The event at 140 George Street was a prime example of this. By bringing together customers, colleagues, family, and friends, Corban & Blair and Hunt Leather created a memorable experience that not only showcased their collaborative products but also generated positive word-of-mouth and media coverage.

This kind of organic marketing can be invaluable in today’s crowded marketplace.

Our latest collection includes a genuine leather envelope, a recycled leather travel wallet, and coasters which you can purchase through our online store.

Window Gallery this week: Cupco!? 

Step into the whimsical and thought-provoking world of Cupco!?

Cupco!? is the animation, illustration and doll-making brainchild of Luke Temby (from Summer Hill!!). Born on the streets of Tokyo on skateboards and mass sticker pasting, and subsequently transplanted to Sydney, Australia. Cupco!? both appreciates and satirises the ludicrous and ridiculous nature of modern society!

Cupco!? has made a name for himself over the last decade for his prolific output of multi- disciplinary pop art. He became infamous for his machine like output, blurring the lines between traditional art and mass culture items. Looking through his body of work can often seem like stepping into a bizarro version of Japanese knick knack shop Daiso. Instead of $2.80 (¥200) back scratchers and umbrellas you’ll find plush toys of suicide bombers, demon heads, hyper sexual cartoons and even sponges and rugs with Bart Simpson hand sewn into them (not to mention his prints, key chains, apparel etc).

Cupco animated cartoons have appeared on Yo Gabba Gabba, and handmade original pieces have been sold at Christie’s Pop Culture auctions in New York.
Other clients include Converse, Uniqlo, Nickelodeon and Mambo.

All artworks on display are for sale. Contact us or the artist, Luke Temby, for a pricelist and to make a purchase.

How to recycle with Recycle Smart

How does RecycleSmart work?

RecycleSmart pickup hard-to-recycle things from your doorstep and drop them off to be recycled. They collect soft plastics, clothes, shoes, e-waste, batteries and so much more! They partner with vetted recyclers to find the best solution for your valuable resources. For example, soft plastics are processed by APR Plastics, wearable clothes are donated to local charities, like Australian Red Cross, etc. At Corban & Blair, we have been collecting soft plastics from our home and office and sending them to Recycle Smart. For more information about how collection works, check out the link here.

Window Gallery this week: Stephen Schafer

Seeing Things

What do you see when you see something?

Local artist Stephen Schafer’s intriguing images explore this fascinating question. Snapped while he treks through the inner suburb of Sydney and beyond, these objects trouvés, unremarkable in themselves but contextualised and often digitally manipulated, occupy a liminal zone between representation and abstraction. What they “are” matters much less than what you make of them.

Linger over their symmetries and irregularities, wander across their textures and patterns, feast on their colours and contrasts. Let your eyes chew slowly and savour each encounter. Ultimately, it’s all about visual pleasure, making connections, engaging with the little unnoticed things all around us and their infinite aesthetic possibilities. Take time to contemplate the ephemeral.

And if you accept this ope invitation to your imagination, you may start seeing things, and perhaps also yourself, anew.

Framed prints are all individually printed on acid-free paper. To see more of Stephen’s work visit his Instagram page, visit @seeingthings.prints, or contact Stephen to purchase his prints [email protected].

 

Wondering what you can do after watching War on Waste? 

The Corban & Blair team has been watching the War on Waste, an eye-opening documentary series by ABC. Hosted by journalist Craig Reucassel, the series reveals how much waste our world produces today. It shows how this waste harms the environment and encourages people to think about their daily choices.

Through captivating storytelling and compelling statistics, War on Waste challenges society’s complacency towards waste management and prompts a critical reevaluation of consumer habits. By delving into the realms of single-use plastics, food waste, and more, the series not only raises awareness about the pressing issues at hand but also empowers individuals to become agents of change in the ongoing battle for a more sustainable future.

Some of the things we are doing together as an office to reduce our waste:
  • Using reusable cups, containers and utensils
  • Printing Mindfully – Only printing when necessary and using recycled paper
  • Recycling stations set up around the office
  • Electronic Waste Recycling 
  • Use energy generated by Solar   
  • Turn off lights, computers, and other electronic devices when not in use
  • Using the offcuts we generate in the manufacturing process to make new products
  • Support repair and recycling programs
  • Choose loose fruit and veg and take reusable produce bags 
  • Shopping at the market and opting for items in paper or glass
  • Composting
  • Reduce Food Waste – Plan meals, store food properly and eat up leftovers 

Support the BYO Friday initiative:

If you’re heading to the office on Friday, remember your reusables and don’t be shy! Spread the word and let everyone in your office know that you’ve joined the #BYOFriday movement to ditch single use every Friday! Find out more here.
As product designers, we place a high importance on both the products we design and the waste they might generate. We pay close attention to the products we create, how long they last, and what happens to them after their usefulness ends. These factors are at the core of our design philosophy.

Our objective is to choose materials that have a minimal impact on the environment. We aim to create items that are adaptable, can be used again, and have multiple purposes. Additionally, we make an effort to use as little packaging as possible, opting for pre-used boxes and packing materials.

Catch up on the War on Waste on ABC iView here.

Designing for minimal impact

At Corban & Blair, we’re all about designing for minimal impact. We use recycled and carbon-neutral materials and design for use and relevance. We encourage our clients to think sustainably when considering their product solutions, rather than opt for a ‘use once and throw away’ product. After all, we’re not just designing for today, but for future generations to come.

When it comes to manufacturing, Corban & Blair support local businesses and work with a network of local manufacturers, printers, and artisans. Our carbon-neutral frames are New Zealand made, but we don’t limit ourselves to just Australia and New Zealand.

There are some items that just can’t be made here. For those, we’ve built a strong partnership with a family business in China. We have vetted our supply chain, this wasn’t just a business decision, but a response to our clients’ growing desire for locally sourced, authentic, and eco- friendly products that speak volumes about their company’s values and commitment to the planet.

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