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Country Road

“T he moment I knew Country Road was an iconic Australian lifestyle brand was when I realised the exact Country Road tote bag I carried around in my youth is now the same bag being carried by my daughter,” says Jane

Wilkinson (right), head of design at the clothing and homewares label.

“That’s when I knew

Country Road was more than just a brand; it’s an

Australian way of life.”

The Country Road story started in 1974, when company founder Stephen

Bennet set up shop in Hawthorn, Melbourne, with just one design, a beautifully made shirt in pure cotton that’s still an essential part of the range. The name was a reflection of the new brand’s ethos: ‘Country’ to signify the strong desire to create products with authenticity, and ‘Road’ to acknowledge the way forward. More than four decades on, the commitment to quality and value remains constant, says Jane.

“We pride ourselves on sourcing the finest materials, and we combine top design trends with impeccable attention to detail.”

This respect for the company’s traditional values is balanced by a willingness to innovate. Recently, the brand rolled out a personalisation service across several categories, including towels, kitchen accessories and gifts. “What better way to celebrate holidays than with a personalised Santa sack or towel?”

‘Our brand stands for natural simplicity with relaxed, spontaneous style. We take inspiration from the Australan landscape as well as our unique lifestyle.’ Jane Wilkinson