Ivy & Gus
The ‘bush’ to me is freedom. Where the sound of the wind, birds and glimpse of the sunlight can reach you without any restriction.
MEET LILY SCOLARI
Background
My name is Lily Scolari and I grew up in central NSW on a sheep and cropping property. I love all things design and have almost completed a Bachelor in Product Design. I also have a passion for agriculture and have pursued this through working on cattle stations in northern Queensland and the Northern Territory. In 2020, while working at Rocklands Station, just north of Camooweal on the QLD and NT border, I started IVY&GUS for three main reasons.
1.
To create a design brand-something that I have wanted to do since I was young. I have always loved creating and find so much joy in designing, particularly when it brings a smile to someone else’s face. In 2019 I had the opportunity to work for Belinda Rasheed, owner and designer of Longrass style, who operated from outside of Kununurra in the NT. I was inspired to see that her brand was not limited to her isolated location and decided this was something I wanted to do also.
2.
To celebrate the beauty, passion and dedication that is Australian Agriculture. There is something special about living rurally- the landscape, the adventure, the work and the people. I think that it is important, particularly with the environmental challenges that our society is facing, to illuminate the overwhelming dedication and passion for the land that is held by so many producers. I think it is essential to highlight that so many producers do not associate or condemn the neglectful and unethical behaviour that has dominated the portrayal of agriculture by the media recently and has consequently left the reputation tarnished. I believe balancing the narrative is necessary to gain the support, interest and inspiration needed to develop and improve our practices to make them sustainable and therefore viable into the future.
3.
For some extra cash to fund my newfound horse habit - particularly while I was studying. And as a reminder to keep going through challenging times and to work hard, I named the business after two awesome horses that I got the privilege of riding and who I had a lot of fun on, Ivanhoe and Gus.
"There is a greater benefit gained from removing ourselves from the sterile hustle and bustle that has been created in the built-up areas"
- LILY SCOLARI
We chat with Creator, Lily Scolari
HOW YOUR BACKGROUND LED YOU TO WHAT YOU ARE CREATING
IVY&GUS is a custom-made leather product business. I purchase tanned and coloured hides and turn them into durable, gracefully wearing products that are made to be used and loved. I design my range to celebrate the natural materials that are produced through Australian agriculture. I aim to embody the motto “Buy once, buy well” and consequently minimise the impact that buying multiple, fast fashion, synthetic items have on the environment and the bank account. I also love the idea of collecting experiences rather than things, and so want to be able to provide products that not only can be used in these adventures, though also mark and wear to tell the tale.
WHY YOU LOVE CREATING YOUR PRODUCTS
I love being able to create something that makes someone else happy. There is nothing more exciting than receiving a beautiful message from a satisfied customer or seeing IVY&GUS being worn and used. It is also rewarding to see how the IVY&GUS community style their pieces adding their own personality to interact with the designs.
WHAT IS YOUR MISSION, VISION & VALUES
My goal for IVY&GUS is to become GUCCI and RM Williams’ love child. I’d love to extend my range to other natural materials and products, maintaining the core values of durability, customisability and slow fashion. I think if you love something, you will care for it and about it. Each IVY&GUS product is made to order and designed by the customer. The hide, style, dimensions and stamping customised to ensure that it is cherished. It leaves the studio stamped with a unique number to remind customers that it truly is one of a kind.
WHAT IS THE BUSH TO YOU?
The ‘bush’ to me is freedom. Where the sound of the wind, birds and glimpse of the sunlight can reach you without any restriction. Where constant change and subtle beauties emerge without demanding attention. It’s where being your authentic self is accepted and having a go is valued.
HOW DOES THE BUSH MAKE YOU FEEL?
I feel inspired,
I feel fortunate,
I feel energised,
I feel at home.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE BUSH?
I don’t know if I could pick one place in the bush that is my favourite. Though I feel like my favourite moments have been at sunrise and sunset, admiring the light bouncing off the landscape riding, running, skiing or with family and friends.
Why do you think it’s important that people connect to the bush?
Connecting to the bush will mean different things to different people. From my experience, most of my great adventures to date have originated in the bush. There is so much to see, do and learn. The opportunities to experience the heart of Australia have inspired me, challenged me and ultimately have made me who I am today. I think as an Australian, it is important to understand where our food and our clothing comes from and develop a genuine appreciation of what our land provides for us. I also think that there is a greater benefit gained from removing ourselves from the sterile hustle and bustle that has been created in the built-up areas.