Fresh off a Gold award for Conceptual Design at the International Design Awards for last year's Masterchef Dining & Bar pop up, Alex Zabotto-Bentley of AZB Creative is on top of his game. A constant traveller and self-described 'style squirrel', he sees collecting unusual items and visual references as both his work and his passion. Take a peek... 


Stacks of books amongst sculptures, busts and beautiful antiques.

I collect: Amazing and inspiring things. My collections are pretty diverse, but everything has a sense of history and of place. My work stems from my love of collecting; from events to interiors, collections and clusters of unique pieces are the starting point. I also collect visual references: books about my favourite artists and architects and images that spark ideas, like the photo of an elegant gentleman's hat shop in Chicago. I always travel with two cameras to capture ideas. From local antique auctions to the back streets of Buenos Aires to the flea markets of New York, I'm always looking; I can't switch off that hunting instinct!


A Keith Haring lithograph forms the background to the New York City skyline

The collecting bug bit me when: I can't remember a time I haven't been a hunter and gatherer, but I do recall as a teen I collected everything from Penguin books through to Face magazine, keyrings to soccer balls I loved…..but my first trip to New York, with that amazing architecture and the powerful energy of Keith Haring's works, really inspired me. It's the thrill of the chase; the adrenalin rush of finding a mint condition vintage watch in a dusty old store, or seeing the possibilities in a trove of kitsch figurines.


An installation of figurines with pigment blue latex.

My first collection was: It could be my Lego collection that was all colour coded and every building was always built in each individual colour (maybe that is more 'obsessive compulsive' than 'collector') or the car collection I remember spending my pocket money on. But the love of Lego fed into my building collections. I can't just stop at one! I love finding items that will be come the basis of a collection and inspire me in a new direction. I guess, at the core, we make collections to describe ourselves, building a visual language. I'm something of a style squirrel, hoarding creative things I love.


Whitewashed baskets in a warehouse in Bali, just waiting to be turned into an installation.

My current obsession is: There are so many things, but I love my shoes! My collections describe my style as a discerning man of the world. Obviously, I go through a lot of shoe leather on my travels, so my shoes are like trusted companions. Check out my tumblr thewellheeled genlteman!! From handmade Italian loafers to obscure sneakers, they all have a place in my life. Sometimes I'll see something and know that I just have to have it. Recently I stumbled across these stacks of whitewashed baskets in a warehouse in Bali. I'm coveting them, as I can see exactly how they could work in an installation.


The Optimo hat shop in Chicago

The thing I most regret missing out on is: Ah, the one that got away...


Antionio Maurizi hand-tooled aged loafers, Comme des Garçons spot sock, Zimma tailor-cuffed crop panteloni and bronze statues.

My favourite find is: It's never static, but at the moment, I love these Antonio Maurizi hand-tooled, aged loafers with horsebit details, and these crazy bronze statues of wild horses. I'm feeling an equestrian theme at the moment – must be all the Polo events I'm working on!

Follow Alex on Instagram @azbcreative.