Behind the collaboration with Ollie Edwards: B&PCo. x Coco Republic
This summer, we’ve partnered with Coco Republic to celebrate the art of outdoor living with our limited edition resort collection Malibu to Manly, blending coastal charm with timeless design. We sat down with our co-founder, Ollie Edwards, to discuss the inspiration behind the collection, our Australian roots, and his tips for creating your dream outdoor oasis.
B&PCo. Founders Ollie Edwards (left) & Lachlan Leckie (right)
Q. What inspired you to create B&P Co.?
A: In its infancy, Business & Pleasure Co. was very beach-focused. We knew we could add some beauty and taste to a category that was traditionally very poor quality and ugly. We also knew there was a huge opportunity for a lifestyle brand specializing in hard goods for the beach and beyond. The poorly made products we saw on the beach before launching the company were really the ‘light bulb’ moment for us. The feeling of knowing you can do it better is always inspiring in any sense.
Q. How does your Australian heritage influence the designs and values of B&P Co.?
A: Coming from Australia, you have no option but to ensure you have good shade coverage at the beach; the sun’s harshness is like nowhere else. Umbrellas are the hero of the Business & Pleasure Co. business, and we believe it all starts with selecting your shade option first when building your dream outdoor ensemble.
Q. How do you balance aesthetics and functionality in the B&P Co. designs?
A: A writer in New York once summed up our products perfectly: ‘A little Coney Island in the 1950s meets modern ease-of-use’. We’ve leaned heavily into this concept throughout the years, always maintaining aesthetics while not over-designing on the technical elements. This is a very fine line in our book. I’m very lucky to have a business partner (Lachlan Leckie) with such a good eye for both aesthetics and functionality. I might be biased but he’s really a genius in my opinion.
Q. What excites you most about partnering with Coco Republic on this collection?
A: I’ve grown up knowing Coco Republic, so we were thrilled when they reached out to collaborate (thanks Pete Fowler, you legend!). We believe both brands have let each other produce their expertise: Coco Republic came to Business & Pleasure Co. for the fun prints and fabrics, while Business & Pleasure Co. is so proud to put our fabric over the world-class furniture produced by Coco. We’re very proud of this one!
What are your top three tips for creating a luxurious outdoor space?
A:
1. Keep it cohesive. Don’t be afraid of ‘matchy-matchy’ – it’s a serious vibe!
2. Add extra shade. The more shade you have, the more time you’ll spend outside making the most of your setup. If you are thinking about adding an extra umbrella, it’s always a good idea!
3. Enjoy it! Buy quality items with good fabric that can be left outside while creating an inviting place to hang out. Good wine and company also help!
Q. What’s your favorite piece from this collection, and why?
A: For me, it’s the Coral Natural colorway – this fabric and trim are so special. My summer is going to be spent in the occasional chairs with the matching umbrellas overhead!
Interview courtesy of Coco Republic.
This summer, we’ve partnered with Coco Republic to celebrate the art of outdoor living with our limited edition resort collection Malibu to Manly, blending coastal charm with timeless design. We sat down with our co-founder, Ollie Edwards, to discuss the inspiration behind the collection, our Australian roots, and his tips for creating your dream outdoor oasis.
B&PCo. Founders Ollie Edwards (left) & Lachlan Leckie (right)
Q. What inspired you to create B&P Co.?
A: In its infancy, Business & Pleasure Co. was very beach-focused. We knew we could add some beauty and taste to a category that was traditionally very poor quality and ugly. We also knew there was a huge opportunity for a lifestyle brand specializing in hard goods for the beach and beyond. The poorly made products we saw on the beach before launching the company were really the ‘light bulb’ moment for us. The feeling of knowing you can do it better is always inspiring in any sense.
Q. How does your Australian heritage influence the designs and values of B&P Co.?
A: Coming from Australia, you have no option but to ensure you have good shade coverage at the beach; the sun’s harshness is like nowhere else. Umbrellas are the hero of the Business & Pleasure Co. business, and we believe it all starts with selecting your shade option first when building your dream outdoor ensemble.
Q. How do you balance aesthetics and functionality in the B&P Co. designs?
A: A writer in New York once summed up our products perfectly: ‘A little Coney Island in the 1950s meets modern ease-of-use’. We’ve leaned heavily into this concept throughout the years, always maintaining aesthetics while not over-designing on the technical elements. This is a very fine line in our book. I’m very lucky to have a business partner (Lachlan Leckie) with such a good eye for both aesthetics and functionality. I might be biased but he’s really a genius in my opinion.
Q. What excites you most about partnering with Coco Republic on this collection?
A: I’ve grown up knowing Coco Republic, so we were thrilled when they reached out to collaborate (thanks Pete Fowler, you legend!). We believe both brands have let each other produce their expertise: Coco Republic came to Business & Pleasure Co. for the fun prints and fabrics, while Business & Pleasure Co. is so proud to put our fabric over the world-class furniture produced by Coco. We’re very proud of this one!
What are your top three tips for creating a luxurious outdoor space?
A:
1. Keep it cohesive. Don’t be afraid of ‘matchy-matchy’ – it’s a serious vibe!
2. Add extra shade. The more shade you have, the more time you’ll spend outside making the most of your setup. If you are thinking about adding an extra umbrella, it’s always a good idea!
3. Enjoy it! Buy quality items with good fabric that can be left outside while creating an inviting place to hang out. Good wine and company also help!
Q. What’s your favorite piece from this collection, and why?
A: For me, it’s the Coral Natural colorway – this fabric and trim are so special. My summer is going to be spent in the occasional chairs with the matching umbrellas overhead!
Interview courtesy of Coco Republic.
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Coco Republic x Business & Pleasure Co.
Two luxury outdoor brands. One limited edition resort collection. Business & Pleasure Co. proudly presents Malibu to Manly, an exclusive collaboration with Coco Republic. Drawing inspiration f...
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