In a recent essay inside Isabelle Ducrot Stoffe's new book, the writer offers an interesting notion, that collecting is different to gathering. Collecting, meaning one has to have a specific end result in mind, while gathering, meaning one brings objects together for pleasure or stimulation. We liked this idea of 'the gatherer' and it instantly had us thinking of our Nodi Founder Olivia Moon, who has a keen eye for interesting and beautiful pairings. 

 

Opening up her private home-office, Olivia reveals oodles of stored fabric remnants and ribbons found on her travels. She admits to her passion for gift wrapping and stationary, and her love of books. Punctuated with notable artworks, and softened with a Fog Grey Bamboo Silk + Wool Blend Rug, the office space is light-filled, inspiring, and reflective of Olivia's deep knowledge of textile design. 

 

 

 

 

What is a significant piece of textile that you can remember from your travels, either stores visited, something seen or touched?

This is a hard one as there are a few! I have always been drawn to textiles, particularly irregular textiles where colour is a draw card. The first time I visited India, I found this richly-coloured ancient textile - a piece of a traditional Tibetan dress, which I found in a market. I was drawn to the women selling them. There were so many colours with very intricate hand embroidery, it takes me back to that first trip, which is really where Nodi was born. And the most treasured and important piece is a quilt that my grandmother hand-quilted for my childhood bed. She is a very talented and patient quilter, who I totally admire and adore.

 

 

 

 

 

I recently came across Hans Kunitzberger and am totally taken by his ethereal and mesmerising works. His use of colour and texture is so beautiful. I love what Emily Bode makes using vintage textiles, what she is creating is so unique in the fashion industry. There is a store called Paula Rubinstein in New York City, where she sources the most unique antiques and textiles. I have found amazing textiles and ribbons there.

 

 

 

 

I failed all of my weaving and knitting courses, which is ironic now, having a rug and carpet company where we only make things by hand. So I guess it really taught me a deep appreciation for the patience and attention to detail required when making textiles. But it also taught me about the power of colour and how this has an emotional impact on how someone responds to a textile.

 

 

 

 

I have loved stationery since I was a little girl. I have always collected ribbon, paper and pens on my travels around the world. I have a stash of postcards that I have collected throughout Europe that are waiting for me to frame and hang. I love receiving letters and cards and feel a handwritten note usually touches someone in a way a text or email can not. I have  many special letters and cards from the treasured people in my life that feel too special to throw away. I think I most enjoy that a letter can capture a feeling and a moment in time, and when I reread them years later it has the ability to take you right back to the moment it was written.

 

 

 

What is a must in your office space?

Wild flowers and books!

 

 

Can you tell us about the art in your space? 

 

The floral painting I found on a trip to NYC at BDDW. It’s an important piece for me as I found it when I was in a creative rut with myself and with Nodi. I was so drawn to the form, colour and energy in it. It takes me right back to that moment in New York when I look up at it, and reminds me to push things creatively and stay true to my own point of view. 

 

The piece on the left is by Cindy Leong which I stumbled across at Public Record around the corner from our showroom. I love the rich and unique textures the marks have made, and how still and calm it is in contrast to the flower work. 

 

The hanging textile is a fragment from a 17th century Aubusson tapestry. To be able to visit the place in which it once hung! I am drawn to the rich colours and ample history that this piece holds.