We checked in with Kelly Searl, co-founder of Australian brand Ponyrider and designer of the beautiful contemporary textiles featured above. Read our earlier interview with Kelly here, in which she told us about her background in fashion.

Kelly, you've described local manufacturing as a 'labour of love' for your brand. Are you still working with local makers?
Choosing to manufacture on-shore is a conscious decision to support local industry. I do all the actual designing, fabric selection & treatments, then pass over to makers.


Cushions from Pony Rider's Zigzag collection.

You've been renovating at home recently - has this influenced your designs?
We have just started planning, having drawings & models made up. The main change is that I will be getting a NEW KITCHEN! Joy! So most of my researching has been around kitchen materials, appliances etc, not really homewares stuff. I actually don't have much Pony Rider at home, I look at work all day, its nice to have a break at home!


Pony Rider's Long Lounger cushions.

We love the way your products mix and match so beautifully - is this a conscious choice from collection to collection?
Having a fashion background meant that in the early days of Pony Rider I was creating full collections with very different looks. Cushions are not like clothes that get changed every season - with each new collection now there is often an intended direct link with the previous collection, be it colour, fabric or print. This allows people to update what they already have. We want to be mindful of our products' longevity.


One of Pony Rider's new canvas throws (or wall hangings!), launched recently and soon available in stores.

What inspired you to go large with your new canvas throws? 
With the current interiors cushion fetish, has come many new (and great) cushion brands. I never wanted Pony Rider to just be about cushions - we have always done wall art, custom furniture & quilts. The new throws are filling a gap in the bed ware market - as well as evolving the brand.



Quick fire questions:

Favourite colour: I am a big fan of dirty yellow & dark olive at the moment.
Pet hate: dog poo in my back yard, can't stand it! Kills me..... love my dog though.
Design icon: Le Corbusier
Can't live without: my family
Favourite Pony Rider product: the canvas throws at the moment, but it changes frequently.

Top image by Denise Braki, styled by Jessica Bellef. All other images courtesy of Pony Rider.