D
esign is in the DNA of Anthony
Spon-Smith, creative director at
Australian furniture company Coco
Republic. Sleekly groomed and sipping
a coffee at his instore cafe in Sydney’s
Alexandria, Spon-Smith effusively describes his
lifelong obsession with design and the consequent
launch of Coco Republic’s Studio Mr Smith.
Named after his father’s original business, MrSmith Interiors, the studio satisfies Spon-Smith’s
long-held wish to expand into product design. He
was, after all, born into a family business that
specialised in furniture. This might be the last
frontier for a company already offering interior
design services and a popular design school along
with its 16 stores nationwide.
“Studio Mr Smith’s ethos is based on heritage and
rebirth,” says Spon-Smith. “It’s a throwback to the
family history. The new designs for the debut
collection draw from my father’s 40 years in the
business, and the 20 years I’ve been involved. It’s
important to have provenance in design.”
It’s this experience and enthusiasm — Spon-
Smith studied industrial design “just for fun” after
completing an economics degree — combined with
a deep understanding of the industry that has led
him to focus on luxury outdoor furniture.
“Outdoor areas used to be an afterthought,” says
Spon-Smith. “But this is changing. People are
spending more time outside and we now want our
outdoor spaces to look as good as our interiors.” This
rising demand for stylish exteriors is one of the
biggest changes to everyday living Spon-Smith says
he’s witnessed in recent years, which made Studio
Mr Smith’s outdoor range a no-brainer.
Inspired by Californian modernism and
contemporary Italian design, the debutcollection is named Riviera L’Americano and
comprises more than 200 pieces, including
statement stools, concrete planters, dining tables
and chairs, and outdoor cushions and rugs. Its low,
modular teak lounges are reminiscent, says
Spon-Smith, of Californian coastal living.
“California and Italy are two of my favourite places
and design-wise I wanted to take the best from both
these worlds to create a relaxed, comfortable linewith contemporary styling,” he says. “It’s all about
American comfort with Italian silhouettes and an
international flavour.” Spon-Smith intends to follow
the debut collection with more interior pieces,
starting with a focus on dining. And in the not-too-
distant future he wants to see it expand
internationally. “I’m open-minded about
collaborations, especially with international
designers,” he says. “I want to introduce a global
influence and interpret it for the Australian lifestyle.
I also want to design product that is sold around the
world and design for my contemporaries in Europe
and America.
“I think we have a great way of living in Australia
that’s reflected in our designs,” he continues. “I’d
like to bottle that up and sell it overseas... And I’d
love to be designing when I retire. For me it’s a long
journey. It’s what I really love doing.” VL
cocorepublic.com.au @cocorepublicStudio Mr Smith
DESIGN
The debut collection from Coco Republic’s new design offshoot is an
international cocktail of coastal Californian living and Italian style.By Verity Magdalino Photographed by Anson Smart
THIS PAGE, FROM FAR LEFT
Architect lounge chair in
white; Milton modular sofa;
Celine concrete stool; and
Breu lounge chair, all from
Coco Republic’s Studio Mr
Smith outdoor collection.
OPPOSITE PAGE Coco
Republic creative director
Anthony Spon-Smith,
beside the Poho outdoor
occasional chair.“I want to introduce a global INFLUENCE and
interpret it for the Australian LIFESTYLE”
64 vogueliving.com.au
VLife