TRANSIT: Italian Hearts and Entrepreneurial Spirits

Born from a creative fusion of Scandinavian design and Italian workmanship, Transit transforms natural materials into magnificent objects designed for every day. They create products built on passion, pride, a clear vision and tireless experimentation.

It all began on a night out in the winding streets of the Marais in the 1980s. Among the bright lights and tables of a bar, two Danish designers were picturing their future. There was an illuminated sign above the till and they noticed that the last letter was written by hand. The sign said “Transit”.

As decades have gone by, the two Danish designers have been replaced by Italian creative talents. They have faced numerous challenges and adapted accordingly, keeping the vibrant, lively spirit of those early days alive. The symbolism of that last letter continues to be infused into the brand — refusing to remain confined within the font, disregarding the rules of symmetry in graphic design and playing freely.

“How do you transform a thread of cotton, linen or silk into something magnificent?”

Transit’s collections stem from an exceptional vision. They are devoted to their work, learn from mistakes and bravely break new ground. Each piece is the result of creative research, the art of introducing new details and finishes, expertly blending refined minimalism with the energy of dynamic garments. Every result is a step forward in the direction of the perfection that they offer season after season.

Transit preserves their human touch, along with a fondness for the homeland and a sense of belonging that urges them to ensure that every stage in the product process is completed under their roof. “The hands touching the raw materials are the tangible symbol of our artisanal commitment. Transit celebrates the essence of craftsmanship in every collection.”

Far from following fads, their garments span the seasons and are suitable for everything from sitting on the sofa and working in the office to travelling and shopping. With meticulous research of fabrics and yarn, they select only the finest raw materials that capture the unique essence of each season. Their signature clean-cut lines and unfailingly astonishing blends of materials are cliché-free, but their character is plain to see in every single detail.

“We like to go against the trend. We are bored by banality and prefer to be curious.”

Transit’s experimental approach enables the discovery of new combinations and possibilities, pushing beyond the permitted boundaries so that they are easily recognisable at all times. The Transit style is one that never forgets its roots and the value of being timeless. Transit collections are like the story of someone who lives and adapts to every situation while remaining true to themselves.

We invite you to discover Transit AW24, now available for the first time at Manon bis. Shop our beautiful collection in-store in Hawksburn or online!

Images and text sourced from Transit Official.

Aiayu

The story of aiayu can only be fully unfolded by including the story of Bolivia and the skilled handknitting community that aiayu have been so priviliged to get to know and work with intensively over the years.

Working with their Bolivian production partner continuously for the last 18 years - it’s one of their most important relationships, making hand-finished, machine knitted items and highly artisanal, entirely hand-knit products from top-quality llama fibre sourced locally. Rarities in an industry where exploitation is the norm, aiayu provide fair wages, good working conditions and stable jobs to their communities.

Not only are these knits beautiful, durable and timeless – their production supports Bolivia’s growing textile economy, the country’s long tradition of handknit craftsmanship and traditional, small-scale llama producers.

Meet Marcelina

Marcelina is a part of the handknitting community aiayu proudly work with in Bolivia. At 68 years old she’s been knitting for Aiayu for 18 years, embellishing her work with the initials ‘MQ’- for Marcelina Quispe. Marcelina is Aymara – the indigenous people of the Bolivian highlands. She was born in La Paz, and is a single mother of one child. When she isn’t knitting for Aiayu, she sells fresh fruit and vegetables at her stand at the local market.

The word ‘Aiayu’ stems from the Aymara language and translates to spirit or soul. The brand was named as a tribute to the women in Bolivia, who put their heart and soul into making their garments. All aiayu handknitted llama products carry their spirit and traditional craftsmanship – elements that are the heart of aiayu.

Nothing says colour and elegance like Sophie Delaporte’s enchanting series, Postmodern Mysteries

Born in Paris in 1971, Sophie Delaporte is an artist and photographer known for her use of colour, staging, gestures and fantastical storytelling.  Created with a theatrical eye, Delaporte's series of work Postmodern Mysteries was made with long-term and enduring collaborators, Ivan Pericoli and Benoît Astier de Villatte of French creators Astier de Villatte.

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First premiering in Tokyo in 2010, and more recently coming together as a solo exhibition in 2016 at Sous Les Etoiles Gallery in down-town New York, Delaporte’s Postmodern Mysteries is an enchanting and meditative exploration into the realm of surrealism.

As noted photography critic Vicki Goldberg writes “Sophie Delaporte’s photographs for Astier de Villatte are as full of mystery as a collection of Simenon stories, as charged with ambiguity as a painting by Dali, and as partial to whimsy as a song by Noel Coward. The mysteries are decidedly post-modern; consisting of inexplicable actions, they involve no crime and have no solution other than anyone’s guess. The ambiguity is immutable, six centimetres of uncertainty evidently being preferable to a metre of clarity. The whimsy is one facet of an off-beat sense of humour that manages to combine melancholy, portents, and absurdity; cherishes fantasy; and relishes the odd and the almost ridiculous.

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In short her art is a perfect fit for the furniture, the white ceramics, and the candles designed by Astier de Villatte, the firm founded by two men whose products include a hand-crafted ceramic copy of a Louis XVI-era cake mould fished from the trash, and a candle that gives off the scent of a haunted castle in Scotland, an ambiguous odour if ever there was one. 

Our favourite home stylists - Oliver Gustav Studio

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We love everything that comes out of the Oliver Gustav studio which is located in Copenhagen, Denmark. 

Oliver Gustav is a creative consultant whose focus is on "artisanal and holistic interiors", known especially for sourcing one-of-a-kind pieces. The rooms he curates are often textural and calming, with simple and clean lines, punctuated with gorgeous one off pieces made of wood, stone, linen and ceramic. Oliver Gustav's incredibly stylish signature look is a Manon bis favourite. 

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Our favourite home stylists - Carolyn Quartermaine

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One of Europe’s great talents, Carolyn Quartermaine is a multidisciplinary artist with work in painting, interior design, textiles, styling and curation. There is such beauty in Carolyn’s work and style and her home truly reflects her art. Soft pastels and watercolors, beaded chandeliers, concrete and epoxy floors and rusty metals, and always this signature boho-chic style from the much-lauded designer.

We revel in her superb, timeless and classical designs, whether it's in her home in the south of France, in London's Sketch restaurant or as the artist-in-residence at the Musée Fragonard in Grasse on the French Riviera.

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I am a painter. The fabrics and designs are all distillations of the paintings and marks and explorations I make as an artist. – Carolyn Quartermaine
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Our favourite home stylists - Jacqueline Morabito

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Between architecture, design, decoration, silverware, sculpture and topiary art, Jacqueline Morabito is a prime example of the creative soul. 

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So clean and spare, yet warm and welcoming, these interiors highlight how individual and inspiring decorating with white can be!! They are all done by the wonderful French designer Jacqueline Morabito who is known for her minimalist interiors. 

Her favourite materials are wood, stone, concrete, whitewash, plaster, terracotta, fabrics, earthenware, blown glass, plant-life… 

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Her range of furnishings is recognizable for its signature dimensions (7 and multiples of 7) and its clean lines. Her choice of colours, white and shades of white, offers enchanting plays of light while underscoring her taste for simplicity and serenity.

This original designer is constantly on the move.
For Jacqueline freedom is the very essence of creativity. She couldn’t live without it.

Thats why Jacqueline is one of our favourite souces of inspiration at Manon bis!

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Travel the world with Bird and Knoll at Manon bis

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Wanderlust is the driving force and inspiration behind our newest addition to Manon bis,  Bird and Knoll. With a focus on luxury and quality fabrics and finishes, their thoughtful attention to detail and function create timeless and effortless pieces for any journey and any occasion – a tactile touching point between you and your adventures – pure escapism. 

Enjoy some armchair travel with the glorious scarves by Bird and Knoll 

BONDI BEACH - SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

BONDI BEACH - SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

 Where to stay: Park Hyatt                         Where to eat: The Apollo                           Where to shop: 23 Albert                         

THE PARTHENON - ATHENS, GREECE

THE PARTHENON - ATHENS, GREECE

Where to stay: Fresh Hotel                            Where to eat: Kuzina                                  Where to shop: Luisa

JASPER NATIONAL PARK - CANADA

JASPER NATIONAL PARK - CANADA

Where to stay: Fairmont Chateau                  Where to eat: Bearfoot Bistro                    Where to shop: Leone

GRAZ - AUSTRIA 

GRAZ - AUSTRIA 

Where to stay: Arthotel Blaue Gans          Where to eat: Kristian’s Monastiri              Where to shop: Park                                     

BOBOLI GARDENS - FLORENCE, ITALY

BOBOLI GARDENS - FLORENCE, ITALY

Where to stay: J.k. Place Firenze                  Where to eat: Gurdulù                               Where to shop: Luisa via Roma

MARRAKECH - MOROCCO

MARRAKECH - MOROCCO

Where to stay: L’hôtel                              Where to eat: Latitude 31                                Where to shop: The Souks

Manon bis Inspiration - Call Me by Your Name

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If there’s an air of timeless sophistication about Luca Guadagnino’s swooning coming-of-age romance, Call Me by Your Name, it surely stems from the grand 17th-century mansion where the majority of the story unfolds.

The film is both a faithful adaptation of André Aciman’s 2007 novel and a personal love letter to the Lombardian countryside where the Italian filmmaker lives. 

We love everything about this film; the music, the performances, the story and of course the absurdly gorgeous Villa Albergoni where the majority of the film is set. 

To celebrate Guadagnino's instant classic, we thought we would share our favourite spaces in Villa Albergoni and pair them with a selection Manon bis' favourite Italian summer and designer pieces.

Manon bis goes green!

This Christmas Manon Bis is going green! 🎄But with a difference!

We're now stocking a selection of lush leafy creations of indoor & outdoor plants in gorgeous colour combinations. Naturally they're green and beautiful AND you'll also find them planted in our favourite vintage pots or tubs.

Whether you’re living in an apartment or a house potted plants are a fantastic addition to any home and decor. Not only will they add to the aesthetic of your space, by softening furnishing and adding splashes of colour to your decor but pot plants have also been proven to increase oxygen levels, reduce dust, keep the temperature down and improve your focus. 

So drop by to see our latest green creations and treat yourself or someone special to a truly unique Christmas gift, and enjoy a cool, green summer ahead. 

To inspire you in going green too, we thought we'd post some of our favourite green inspired interiors and courtyards. Have a happy green Christmas 🎄

We also have a great home styling service, if you would like to inquire about our award-winning DIA interior designer coming and styling your home, please give us a call on  03 9521 1866 or fill out an enquiry form below.

Aesop

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Melbourne-based company Aesop has strived to create luxurious products for the skin, hair and body since 1987, recently celebrating their 30th birthday.

Founded out of a small Armadale salon Aesop has redefined the way we think about luxury skin, body and hair-care and defied common business wisdom to become an inimitable global player.

Although Aesop started from humble beginnings today their stores are at the forefront of international retail design, both locally and internationally. To help celebrate Aesop turning 30, we thought we'd show some of our favourite Aesop store interiors from around the world. 

With much excitement Aesop launched its Aromatique Room Sprays with three extraordinary scents. The sprays, which were developed over two years, use high-quality botanical extracts that ensure the fragrance, once sprayed, is enduring and rich. 

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Istros - A union of enlivening florals and Tobacco, Istros stimulates the atmosphere with aromas of the bazaar

Olous - A blend of citrus botanicals, balanced by breaking waves of Cedar and the refreshing spice of Cardamom.

Cythera - A veil of Geranium and Incense, lent symmetry by woody Patchouli and the warmth of Myrrh.

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Aesop has also launched Toothpaste Dentrifice which is a plant-based, fluoride-free toothpaste, delicately flavored with sea buckthorn, cardamom, sea salt, anise fruit, tea tree, clove flower oil, and even wasabi…to reinvigorate and refresh your mouth.

 

We're thrilled to announce that Manon bis is now stocking these glorious new products in-store. Drop by to experience more of the wonderful world of Aesop. 

Astier De Villatte’s Marvellous Olfactory Journey

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It was a meeting with Françoise Caron, a superstar in the world of perfume, that launched this fantastic odyssey into aromatic cities and convinced Ivan Pericoli, Benoît Astier de Villatte and their associate Emilie Mazeaud to begin creating luxury perfumed products.

Thus, since 2008, beauty products, colognes, incense and a whole collection of perfumed candles have been created, on the unique theme of an olfactory world tour. It’s quite a challenge: capturing the real or imagined perfume of iconic locations in candles made from the best raw materials. For example, the biting freshness of the stall of green herbs in Mantes-La-Jolie, the delectable breath of wild breath of wild jasmine in Algiers, the fragrance of lemon tree leaves mixed with the woody note of the great cedars in the garden of the Villa Medici, all of which are bestsellers.

Today, the fortunate team – on one side the Astier de Villatte group, Benoît, Ivan and Emilie, and on the other the Takasago perfumes and, new to the adventure, Christophe Raynaud, the renowned Firmenich perfumer – are already leading us towards new and enchanting destinations. 

Take a tour with us of some of the exotic and marvellous world that is Astier de Villatte.

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Rue Saint Honoré. Late afternoon. The boutique door opens on to the asphalt of Old Paris. An enticing scent immediately floods the premises. A powdery cloud, a few delicate green notes and a jasmine rose accord merge deliciously with the amber and leather atmosphere.                                                                                                                

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Commune de Paris. Gusts of citrus fruit, sharp and alive; lemons from Italy, bergamot and scented geranium all invade the air. Suddenly it’s the calm after the storm. A delicious, warm, sweet and slightly powdery mist rises from the cobblestones. Suave styrax resin and nutmeg are joined by the scent of green almonds from coumarin, the celebrated molecule of the age.                                          

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Hollywood. A new mythical fragrance rises over Sunset Boulevard: a delicate dusting of iris and patchouli leads us down the yellow brick road of Hollywood studios, blending with the sunny cedarwood, eucalyptus and vetiver scents of Southern California’s luxuriant vegetation.                                                                                                        

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Provincetown. Endless sandy beaches and wild vegetation surround the New England artist enclave of Provincetown. Intoxicating fresh air and sea mist combine with the scents of wild berries, beach grass, wintergreen and cedar that have grown for millennia around the dunes and salty marshlands.

Grand Chalet. Lost in Swiss Alpine pastures, at the heart of a small and peaceful village, stands the imposing and magnificent wooden structure of the Grand Chalet. It was here, in this unique landscape with its healing climate, that the painte…

Grand Chalet. Lost in Swiss Alpine pastures, at the heart of a small and peaceful village, stands the imposing and magnificent wooden structure of the Grand Chalet. It was here, in this unique landscape with its healing climate, that the painter Balthus made his home, enchanted by the fragrances of milk, honey and hints of citrus from the ancient lime trees that surrounded his studio. Today, like a wonderful memory, his favourite perfume fills this place once again.                          

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Cabourg. It was here, under the flowering arbors of the gardens of the Grand Hôtel, in the heart of this elegant seaside resort on the Normandy coast, that Marcel Proust wrote Within a Budding Grove. A delectable aroma of wisteria and a whiff of creamy jasmine accented by the freshness of ocean spray permeate this timeless vacation spot.

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Villa Médicis. Along the length of the artists’ workshops, with their large windows opening over the rooftops of Rome, run the majestic gardens of the Villa. A centre for encounters and for meditation, the residents delight in the subtle fragrances of lemon tree leaves, lavender and oregano flowers. The air thrills with the woody aroma of the tall cedars nearby, and the inexpressible fragrance of the ancient stones in the heat of the sun.

Alger. A North African city with Parisian overtones. Whitewashed Haussmanian facades, Persian blinds painted blue, overwhelming heat, a touch ofsulphur in the air. From trembling arcades rise delicious perfumes of white campion, privet flowers,…

Alger. A North African city with Parisian overtones. Whitewashed Haussmanian facades, Persian blinds painted blue, overwhelming heat, a touch of sulphur in the air. From trembling arcades rise delicious perfumes of white campion, privet flowers, wild jasmine, and bitter orange with its acidic notes spiced with a hint of chilli.

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Namche Bazar. Black tea with a touch of tobacco, dry hay, slightly smoky. Patchouli, South American maté and musk can also be identified. The incense vapours mix with the soft, fresh verbena and aromatic lavandin.                                                                                                                                         

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Stromboli. An enchanting stop ashore a legendary island: Stromboli, with its rivers of lava and fire, tufts of white smoke and black sand beaches. From the sunny alleys of Ginostra, a small fishing town with dazzling white houses, take a walk uphill towards the volcano, among the lemon, bigarade orange and olive trees: their smell is intoxicating, an intense mix of citrus fruits mixed with warm thyme, coriander, and jasmine, vibrating together in the scorching air.                                                   

 

All handmade and celebrating the beauty of imperfection, Astier de Villatte's collections are something truly special to have in your home. Visit us in-store to experience this most extraordinary world.

A very Happy Birthday to Tsé & Tsé's April Vase

The iconic Tsé & Tsé April Vase was designed by Sigolène Prébois and Catherine Lévy in 1991. Made up of 21 tubes, this distinctive vase is inspired by Japanese ikebana. Its shape is adaptable and enables each flower to be isolated and therefore glorified, with metallic rings slotting together providing infinite flexibility of flower arrangements. An immediate success in France, the United States, and Japan, it joined the permanent collection of the Centre Pompidou in 1997. The April Vase remains one of the era’s most enduring icons.  

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To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the April Vase, founders Sigolène Prébois and Catherine Lévy invited a group of artists to make a series of works inspired by their iconic vase. With over thirty artists involved in the project from painters to photographers, potters, writers and sculptors, the end result is an eclectic and beautiful exhibition with wonderful interpretations of the vase. The exhibition opened last month at Merci Merci in Paris, and will soon head to Tokyo, Los Angeles and Dubai. If you're travelling to any of these cities over the next few months make sure to see this extraordinary collection.

Below are some of our personal favorites from this inspiring and heartfelt exhibition.

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We Love Loom!

We love Loom Towels, not only are they stunning, using incredible colours and beautiful textures, they are 100% GOTS certified Organic, meaning they are sustainable, ethical and fair-trade from start to end.

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Founder Mikala James designs all her collections in Melbourne, creating exclusive small editions of 75-150 pieces in each. She has spent the past 5 years working with one of the last remaining family-run workshops in Southern Turkey, who still practice traditional hand-looming. Every loop that is stitched into these towels embeds hundreds of years of tradition, keeping alive historic and time-honoured techniques while breathing new life into them.

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The end result is incredibly soft and effortlessly striking and best of all is that Loom Towels are maintaining traditional practices while using exciting contemporary designs. As you can probably tell we're obsessed with these divine creations - and hope you will love them just as much as we do!

This season's collection is now available at Manon bis, drop in and we'd love to help you make your selection from this glorious range, or shop online here.

 

Manufacture de Digoin

We’re over the moon to receive a beautiful range of stoneware from Manufacture de Digoin. The company has been crafting traditional stoneware at their factory in the Burgundy region since 1875, and recently has been revived by Corinne Jordan Gros. 

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When Manufacture de Digoin’s wheels stopped spinning, Corinne Jordan Gros, fascinated by the traditional French brand, took the leap to purchase the business and restore the ovens and production facilities.

Corinne’s mission is to approach traditional production in a creative contemporary manner, introducing new colours and more refined shapes - but still keeping the heritage and aesthetic of the brand.

We have a stunning array of colours here at Manon bis. The colours have been designed to sit harmoniously with each other as a set. Choose from blue, yellow, white and black.

Just perfect!

Ceramic pieces by Brickett Davda

A beautiful, simple collection of hand-made tableware.

Inspired by a very English palette Brickett Davda's colours reflect the grey and blue tones of the British coast and countryside. Every piece is hand crafted, pressed into a mould by hand rather than thrown on a wheel, so within each item there are singular variations resulting in a unique piece to cherish. With its natural earthenware base and soft, subtle glazes mix the colours together to create a work of art for your home.


Spoil yourself or loved ones this Christmas with some of the worlds best ceramics! 

To secure your favourite piece, please call 03 9521 1866 - these will be flying out the door!

Eau de Parfum by Maison Louis Marie

The subtly scented and tastefully designed collection of Maison Louis Marie continues to draw us in with their distinguished scents!

In our new arrivals is their fabulous new Eau de Parfum collection including the much sought after Bois de Balincourt fragrance!

“Each scent from my collection represents a person, place or memory of my family and childhood that is created through blends of notes that utilise vast arrays of the botanical world”. 

Shop these divine scents in our candles, perfume oil and now their Eaux de Parfum in-store and online at www.manonbis.com.au

Murano, the home of Nason Moretti

The renowned Venetian glass maker Nason Moretti was founded in 1923. Aiming to create elegant, refined and enduring design, they are one of the most important and sought-after heirs to craftwork traditions, developed on the island of Murano many centuries ago where their master craftsmen still make their glass today.

You can see the source of their inspiration when visiting the exquisite island of Murano, with its picturesque streets and canals of colourful architecture. 

Nason Moretti create pure, clean forms enhanced by contrasting white and coloured surfaces, which in turn introduce an original touch of cool elegance in virtually any environment.

We've just received some beautiful new glassware in a spectacular selection of colours. Come by Manon bis and see these glorious masterpieces and take a little piece of Italy home with you. 

Apuntob

We received an extremely exciting delivery today! Introducing Apuntob. With the belief that clothing is a way of life, a true representation of self; Apuntob creates timeless pieces that embrace simplicity. Effortless forms and rich textures define this collection. Apuntob stitches thought and care into every detail, creating a brand that is distinctive and full of life. “The goal is not to dress, but to live.” - A.B

Come by the store and feel these amazing fabrics. A really fantastic brand.

Manon bis Edit: The Basket

There’s just something romantic about a basket! We can't get enough of them!!!

The weaving of baskets is as old as the history of man. Traces of baskets have been found in the Egyptian pyramids, and woven basket liners have left their impressions inside the fragments of ancient pottery.

What we love about the beautiful basket ... the look and texture add so much to a room ... Use them as storage solutions in any room. Simply stunning!

Take a look at our basket page on Pinterest. Or shop our range in-store & online.