You may have noticed the intricate door handles on our Fitzroy store—now thoughtfully repurposed to bring a touch of our heritage to our Chadstone location. Behind this unique design is Suzie Stanford, a Melbourne-based multidisciplinary designer.
With a rich history of collaboration, we sat down with Suzie to discuss the story behind these remarkable handles.
Shop our seasonal collection here.
For those who may not know, tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a born and raised Melbourne girl. I went to university here before spending a decade living and working in London—returning with a wonderful husband and later, two children, one of whom is profoundly disabled.
My parents founded Jakas, one of Australia’s largest soft toy manufacturers, best known for Play School’s Big Ted.
So from childhood, I was immersed in fabric sourcing, product design, and hands-on craftsmanship. I spent weekends in the factory making teddy bears. It was an idyllic childhood and formed the foundation for the talents I use every day as I use my hands to make the pieces I send all over the world.
From brass fixtures, to upcycling furniture, to creating ornate lighting designs, your work spans a remarkable spectrum. What drives your creative vision and keeps you inspired?
In my studio I have a hand painted mantra that uplifts me—imagination… will take you everywhere.
We are surrounded by mass-produced products. My work is inspired by the desire to create one-of-a-kind pieces that break from uniformity, celebrating individuality and the stories behind objects.
Whether it’s a patchwork chair or a brass cluster door handle, my work lies within connection—blending materials, celebrating mixed colours, and learning new techniques. Through juxtaposing the old with the new, I create pieces that make people smile.
Sustainability is woven into your design philosophy. How do you balance artistry with responsibility?
My design ethos is informed by the intent to include an upcycled element to create pieces where the handmade origin is evident.
By re-working found treasures I get to celebrate the past craftsmanship and simultaneously invite new stories to unfold.
With our new Chadstone store, we’re carrying a piece of Fitzroy with us—incorporating the heritage Vasette door handles you designed. What inspired their creation, and what story do they tell?
Like many, I see Flowers Vasette’s 35-year history as deeply connected to its iconic Fitzroy store.
I felt it was important to carry that heritage into Chadstone, and my hope is that when you “shake hands” with the Chadstone handles, you’ll feel the energy and spirit of this special brand.
The frog holding a coin in his mouth, what does that symbolise?
The inclusion of a brass frog in the handles is to honour the powerful Chinese symbol of the Coin Frog. The fengshui belief is that it attracts prosperity, good luck and is connected to the blessing of a long life.
The frog in the Chadstone handles, like the original Brunswick Street store handles, has in its mouth an Australian silver coin from 1989 – the year Flowers Vasette was first established.
Visit our new Chadstone store and admire the door handles for yourself or shop our new seasonal collection online.
Orders placed before 12pm are eligible for same-day delivery.
