Rebecca Collinson-Smith’s journey from retail to a successful interior design business showcases her love for art and her resilience in overcoming challenges.
Rebecca Collinson-Smith, an experienced interior designer with a history in retail, has transformed her passion for art and design into a thriving business called Hunting Hue, located in The Rocks, Sydney. Collinson-Smith shared her journey in an interview with Inside Retail, revealing that her initial experience in retail stemmed from her childhood, where she assisted in her parents’ art gallery and antique store.
Collinson-Smith’s journey into the retail world took a significant turn when she stumbled upon a small store in The Rocks, which was primarily an online booking center at the time. After successfully running a pop-up store on George Street for six months, she secured a lease for her current location in 2019. The timing proved to be challenging, as she faced the devastating bushfires that impacted tourism and later the Covid-19 pandemic, which imposed strict restrictions. Despite these setbacks, she has managed to thrive and adapt her business.
Her collections focus on sustainable luxury with unique, handcrafted pieces. The “Icons of Sydney” collection, which launched with an event at Bondi Icebergs at the end of the previous year, features swimwear and accessories that embody her love for Sydney’s culture and landscape. Collinson-Smith explained, “I’ve seen The Opera House and Harbour Bridge many times before, yet I still feel like a tourist in my own city.” This personal connection to her designs resonates strongly with her customer base.
Hunting Hue offers a variety of swimwear collections in limited runs for women, children, and men, marked by the principle that each piece is distinctive due to varied print placements. Collinson-Smith noted, “They’re all their own work of art, which makes it fun.” This unique selling proposition has attracted a diverse clientele, including families who appreciate the “matching, but not matching” element in their wardrobes. She mentioned that the collections are well-received internationally, with notable interest from Japanese and French customers, particularly for silk items like pocket squares and pillowcases.
Looking ahead, Collinson-Smith expressed a desire to expand her business. She is considering opening another store in Sydney, emphasizing the growing demand for her brand’s artistic and quality swim and silk products. Additionally, she is exploring the creation of more clothing items, such as silk shirts. She sees Hunting Hue not merely as a retailer but as a medium to connect people with art, allowing them to carry a piece of their experiences or aspirations wherever they go.
Her retail journey has involved adapting to challenges such as the heritage constraints of her store location, which limited her ability to modify the space. She is currently reassessing her shop’s interior layout to enhance product display and customer experience. Through her innovative designs and commitment to artistry, Collinson-Smith aims to continue making her mark in the retail industry, melding creativity and commerce seamlessly.
Source: Noah Wire Services
