My Story
I have always been intrigued by balconies. A balcony is a little platform from which the world around you can be quietly observed and enjoyed.
It is from balconies around the world that I have observed the sights, sounds and scents that have influenced my creations.
Studying social anthropology and later focusing on craft and how it represents deeper cultural identity led me to Balcony Boutique. This of course would not be possible without the very deep and profound influence my mother has had on every level of the way I see the world, its people, their stories, nature, different places, different cultures and the style I have created for my brand.
My World In Colour
I had the privilege and pleasure of growing up in South Africa in a household full of love and laugher.
The afternoon summer storms, the scent of nourished earth after the downpour of rain, the birdsong in the early mornings, eating pomegranates from our tree and thinking they were precious jewels. Picking grapes from the vine and relishing their sweetness. The row of tall almond trees with their spring white blossoms which showered our driveway like confetti when the wind blew. The wave of purple wisteria over our roof, which as children reminded us of magical sweeties. Our perfect shade of pink pride of India tree. Dark nights with bright stars, the enchanting scent of night jasmine.
My beautiful mother gently whistling a tune while tending to her exquisite roses. Some bright pink, some pastel, some sunset coral in colour and some canary yellow. The delicate crystal vase with the sweet scent of one of these roses placed lovingly next to our beds are all beautiful memories of childhood and beyond. The love that went in to our mother’s cooking and baking. We would learn so much from her in the kitchen. The wonderful recipe books she would make for us all, her beautiful hand written notes filled with such love. Her piano playing was simply mesmerising. Such beauty and precision with which she played filtered in to our hearts and souls.
"The True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul "
~ Audrey Hepburn
The sound of classical music permeating throughout our home as she would sew at our dining room table. The gentle sound of her sewing machine as she made dresses from exquisite fabrics collected on her travels.
The curtains in our lounge will forever impact my love of colour and pattern. Their earthy clay coloured background with aqua and terracotta urns. They felt magical to me as a child and the memory of them still lives deep within me.
These are the memories that form my love of dreaming designs and colours.
Lots of chatting and laughter with my parents and siblings, reminiscing about fascinating places visited.
Our father was an airline captain. He captivated us with his wonderful stories of travel and of life well lived. He was an amazing character. He and our mother would bring us back such exciting gifts from places such as Paris, Lisbon and Sorrento. Beautifully packaged soaps, rolls of exotic sweets like violettas from Portugal, hand made pottery with bright hand painted patterns, representing each place visited.
Balcony Boutique offers an air of nostalgia yet feels fresh and relevant in the now.
A Tribute To My Beloved Mother
In loving memory of my Mother, Anne (1933-2022).
I have created this concept as a tribute to my beloved late mother, Anne, who’s beauty, grace, dignity and deep sense of style has been the most significant influence on my life, my style and my designs. Her beautiful Pucci patterned dresses, her brightly coloured straw handbags brought back from Italy. Her raffia hats. I will never forget the fuscia pink hat trimmed with hints of off white she wore with such panache. Her turquoise beaded necklace which matched perfectly with her gentle blue eyes.
"Peace begins with a smile"
~ Mother Teresa