A WODONGA lifestyle brand is officially one of the most stylish in the country.
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Kat & Fox claimed the Home, Furniture and Interiors section at the national Gift and Life In Style Awards (GALA) 2017 in Sydney.
Kat & Fox founder Kat Rattray was thrilled with the result from her first entry in the awards.
“I was in Sydney for the awards and I was completely blown away,” she said.
“David Campbell hosted the awards and it was all a bit surreal.”
Since exhibiting at the Melbourne trade show, Life In Style, in August, Kat produced her first full collection of children’s bed linen and homewares inspired by her own picture book characters Bird Boy and Wren.
Her product range included baby and children’s bed linen and room decor.
“It’s been a rollercoaster ride and I almost missed the truck to even enter the GALA awards,” she said.
Branding the business, Kat & Fox, pays homage to Kat’s father, George Patrick Fox, who encouraged her to pursue her passion.
Together with husband Matt, Kat’s children, Will, 15, Joe, 11, and Emily, 4, have each inspired their mum’s creative journey.
“When my son Joe was seven, he used to do these funny, little impressions of birds,” she said.
“The character in the book is based on Joe.
“The idea for the bedding came when I walked into Emi’s room and she was on her bed nestled among the cushions and soft bed covers, lost in the pages of her favourite picture book.”
Ms Rattray said Kat & Fox designs were now stocked by more than 20 retailers up from the original four.
“Once a week I plan to be on the road, taking my designs around NSW and Victoria,” she said.
“The awards have given me a great profile.”
The annual GALA awards recognised Australia’s most stylish products on Saturday night when the interior design, children’s and homeware sectors came together.
Hosted by TV personality David Campbell and featuring aerial entertainment, GALA recognised and celebrated the diversity and excellence across design-led industries in the categories of Eco, Ethical and Australian Made.
Short Story won the Fashion, Accessories and Apparel product award for their Sushi Socks while Pouch Australia won the Kids and Games Product award for their Play Pouch.