Meet Our Team | Anna Lofts, Director.
Welcome to our 'Meet Our Team' blog series, introducing you to the faces and personalities behind L&M Home! Today we are excited to be kicking off the series with director and founder Anna Lofts.
What were you doing before you created L&M Home?
I grew up in Norway and started working life in the PR department of a Record Company. After 3 years in London and one in New Zealand I married an Australian and settled in Melbourne. With a business partner I started a fashion company. We imported end of season clothing, mostly from France and Italy. We also did clearance for Australian clothing companies, in the days before clearance shops and DFOs. The business partnership lasted nearly 20 years, through motherhood and longer than our marriages. In the end I was ready for new challenges and started Linen & Moore.
How did the business come about?
From my previous business I was familiar with manufacturing and importing. I worked from home and used my garage as a warehouse, until the business had grown enough to justify commercial space.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I try to get in some exercise in the morning. Our tech world means that I can do most of my work from anywhere. I guess like any other business owner, work is always with you.
What inspires you when putting together collections?
These days, colour trends are as important in home textiles as they are in fashion. I am avid reader of magazines and often tear pages out, often it can be something unrelated, like a tiled wall, but part of a design can be worked on for a cushion or a towel. I spend some time in India every year, working with suppliers there. I also go to Europe and the US, walk the streets and find inspiration often in the oddest places. In the end, we come together as a creative in-house team and everyone is invited to voice an opinion over new designs. More than one dislike, and the design is scrapped!
Where is your favourite place to travel and why?
Norway is still “home” and Oslo by the fjord in Summer is gorgeous. Fresh fish and handpicked berries! Unfortunately, Summer in Norway only lasts a few weeks. Other than that, France and Italy is hard to beat, and a few days pounding the pavements in New York is always inspirational.
What is your most unforgettable moment since starting L&M?
Probably the first time I arrived in Delhi, India. Late at night and we nearly hit a cow standing in the middle of the road on the way from the airport! Since then, they have managed to move most of the cows out of the central district.
Describe your perfect day off.
Probably in Summer, pottering in the garden and going for a swim at Somers, Victoria where I have a beach house.
What is your favorite Melbourne bar/restaurant?
Le Entrecote on Domain Road, South Yarra for breakfast, after a walk around the Botanical Garden, Alimentari on Smith Street, Collingwood is close to the office and good for lunch. Tokyo Tina on Chapel Street, Windsor, bustling and fun for dinner.
