In a partnership with her sister Georgie, Lizzie Renkert started fashion label We Are Kindred in 2013.
With a business focus on ethical design, the sisters have created pieces in beautiful soft flowing fabrics that often feature florals and lace and are made with the Australian climate in mind.
Having come from a magazine background that involved a lot of travel, Renkert is inspired by artists, art, fashion and interior design from across the world.
Get a glimpse of Lizzie’s international inspiration here, along with some of her favourite pieces on Collecte.
Describe your style in 6 words or less.
Lizzie: Modern, Timeless, Feminine, Classic.
Which architects/designers/artists most inspire you?
Lizzie: I can find inspiration in a number of different places, for example, recently our We Are Kindred collection which was presented at Australian Fashion Week drew inspiration from the photographic portraits by Slim Aarons of the mid-20th century elegant, garden parties, with prints which referenced the way Claude Monet would interpret and play with colours in his paintings.
From a more modern perspective, Kelly Wearstler does a fantastic job of interpreting and reinterpreting vintage references with a contemporary viewpoint – both her furniture and her interior design work is gorgeous and I adore her Beverly Hills home. Locally, I really appreciate the work of interior designers like Tamsin Johnson and Lucy Montgomery and architecture studios like Flack Studio, Blainey North and Brooke Aitken Design.
Sim Aarons photographic portraits were a source of inspiration for the latest We Are Kindred collection.
What is your most cherished piece at home? (furniture, art, lighting or decorative)
Lizzie: I have sentimental pieces passed down from my grandmothers that are my most cherished possessions, such as crockery and jade candlesticks.
In my previous life as a magazine editor, I used to travel a lot and always brought something home with me to remind me of those wonderful experiences. One of these pieces is a beautiful bone-inlay chest from Morocco that I adore.
Best piece of career advice you have ever received?
Lizzie: To work as hard as you can, to learn from your mistakes and not to take anything too seriously.
What are you favourites:
Favourite Instagram account/s you follow?
Lizzie: I love architecture and design, so accounts like @yellowtrace, @thedesignfiles and @australian_architecture are constant sources of inspiration. Elsewhere, accounts for institutions like @artgalleryofnsw and @ausballet are fabulous to see what inspiring exhibitions and shows are happening in Sydney and for a bit of wanderlust inspiration, @thethinkingtraveller and @best_airbnb are great.
Favourite galleries or museums?
Lizzie: In Australia, I love the Art Gallery of NSW, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra. Internationally, I always love Musée d’Orsay and Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris – they’re a must-see and so close to The Louvre, so it’s easy to make a day of seeing some of the most amazing pieces of art in Paris.
Favourite way to unwind at home?
Lizzie: I love to binge TV shows. Current obsession is The Good Wife. I’d never watched it in its entirety when it first came out and now I can’t wait for the end of the day so I can get my fix.
Also, Normal People and The Queen’s Gambit were highlights of 2020.
Favourite restaurant?
Lizzie: I have a few favourites in Sydney. Totti’s in Bondi is always lovely for a weekend lunch in summer. Closer to home, Bather’s Pavilion in Balmoral is always amazing and nearer to the office, Fred’s in Paddington’s farm-to-table approach to dining is spot on. And then Mimi’s in Coogee and Mr Wong’s in the city are both amazing.
One of Lizzie's favourite restaurants is Fred's in Paddington.
Favourite podcast?
Lizzie: Anything crime related… The Teacher’s Pet, The Clearing, The Night Driver.
And Sibling Rivalry – listening to Kate Hudson and her brother Oliver always makes me laugh.
Favourite piece on Collécte right now?
Lizzie: It’s difficult to choose just one! I think for me, it would be between the Ligne Roset Curule Chair or the Dedon Bonneville Bar Wagon.
Lizzie Renkert www.wearekindred.com.au, Instagram @lizzierenkert and @wearekindred
Main image - supplied by Lizzie Renkert
