Karen McCartney writes about a new bi-monthly magazine launched today by beloved Balmain store Quintessential duckeggBLUE, including a few pages as an exclusive sneak peak for Temple & Webster readers. Pictured above are store owner Leanne Carter Taylor (left) and editor & creative director Tracy Lines.

We all have our favourite stores – the ones where we know we will always find something that flatters and fits – whether it is for the body or for the home. For me, Quintessential duckeggBLUE and duckeggBLUE (twin shops - one for the home and one for fashion) do just that. I have been a customer for some time buying tops, trousers and shoes that, on the cost per wear metric, are down to cents rather than dollars. You know you are onto a winner when your husband says, "You have worn that so much you really should get another."  My talented friend Tracy Lines, who I worked with for many years as Creative Director of Inside Out magazine, has teamed up with the entrepreneurial Leanne Carter Taylor to take the two brands into the online world in the shape of a bi-monthly magazine. Curation is a key word in the Quintessential duckeggBLUE lexicon, and this dynamic team has edited, curated, designed and developed the launch issue of 'The quintessential Magazine', which goes live today.



These images from Quintessential duckeggBLUE show the philosophy in action - beautiful, time-worn pieces that add character, and heart, to any home. "Within our stores, we believe in celebrating the genuine and emotive in all that we do.  Each piece of furniture or clothing that we sell is lovingly and carefully hand-picked, edited and curated if it is to 'make the cut'", says Leanne.

The history, or provenance, of an object is important as she keenly appreciates the craftsmanship of other eras and celebrates the journey an item makes, not only to get to her shop, but in turn, to the home of the person who falls in love with it. The first issue features a story that explores, through Leanne's photographic journal, this very journey where she reveals what happens on one of her overseas sourcing trips.



Leanne felt she really wanted to tell the story of the brand and the objects within it in a magazine format, and so she brought Tracy on board because of her deep editorial knowledge and strong design direction. Not to mention that she completely 'gets' it –already being a customer.  "Tracy's passion for exploring inspiring stories from people of all walks of life via creative photography and storytelling makes for an exciting collaboration between us both," says Leanne.



Emotion is at the heart of her business, and so 'The quintessential Magazine' will bring to you the stories behind our brand through a rich visual blend of beautiful photography, interactive features and inspiring videos.'"

PS I have written a piece for the magazine on 'The He(art) of Fossicking', something I have practiced to perfection! Here's a preview.



All images courtesy of Quintessential duckeggBLUE / The quintessential Magazine.

*Blog has since rebranded to 'The Interior Journal'.