Maker: Rose Madden x Ink Gin

We love playing with colour just as much as our friends at Nine Lives Bazaar. We spoke to Co-Founder of Nine Lives Bazaar, Rose about her creative world. Let’s dive in!

Nine Lives Bazaar founders and co-owners, Rose Madden and Vanessa Cave at a recent launch at NLB HQ.

What is your art making/design philosophy?
We love to create beautiful statement pieces that we want to wear! Which means a lot of the time we are creating things that don't currently exist in our wardrobes. Our design motto is - "more is more, less is a bore" which is why I believe we do bold prints and statement cuts so well!

What is your absolute dream studio space?
A room with no kids in it - haha. Ness and I recently both had babies (born 10 days apart!) and they have been to every design meeting since. Maybe, if they learn enough, one day they will take over as CEOs! But aesthetically speaking, anything with a mid-century design element really floats our boat.

Favourite playlist whilst designing/creating?
Ness is the music master of our office and I swear she must have a million playlists as we never seem to listen to the same thing twice! We will go from funk on a Thursday afternoon to jazz when it's raining or '90s RnB when we need a pick-me-up. Nothing is off limits! Oh and I especially love some Khruangbin.

What is it about Ink Gin that captivates you?
I remember the first time I was introduced to Ink Gin - Margot Robbie posted a photo drinking it on Instagram and I remember thinking - "OMG what is that beautiful purple drink?! I have to try it!" It truly is the best tasting gin ever, plus the colour is mesmerising. We are all obsessed at NLB HQ!

Margot Robbie having an Ink Gin and tonic at her hens.

If you could have a drink with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Oh that is a hard question! Nick Cave, Thom Yorke, Johnny Depp, Shakespeare, my great-great-grandparents?! I'm pretty obsessed with Tom Hanks and his antics. Or maybe George R.R. Martin to find out how Game of Thrones was really meant to end, haha. The list is endless! But truth be told though, I really can't go past having a drink with Ness haha.... nothing beats it! I crave our regular deep, long chats and feel like we could never run out of things to talk about!

Tell us about what you’re currently working on? What’s happening BTS and what can we expect to see from NLB in the next few months?
We are currently designing for summer next year! We have some incredible things in the pipeline, and are ticking a lot of boxes in the way of new fabrics, styles and prints. We are venturing into western, mod knits, more beautiful big florals, paisley, geometric shapes and even trying our hand at activewear next year! Lots of exciting things to come!

What has been your favourite moment of your creative career to-date?
Moving into our HQ at Kingscliff and with our beautiful creative team!

Favourite Ink Gin cocktail?
I'm a simple girl, my go-to is Ink Gin, elderflower tonic and lemon! YUM!

You’re hosting a dinner party, how do you adorn the table? What’s on the menu?
I'm 1/4 Italian so a big pasta spread is always my go-to. Maybe my dad's nana's chicken spaghetti with a zesty cos salad, garlic bread and lots of yummy vino! The table would’ve set with my Maison Balzac amber glassware, some poppies in vases and colourful candles!

And that’s a wrap! Thanks so much for your time Rose.