Melbourne designer Rachel Donath unveils her sculptural furniture—crafted as tomorrow’s heirlooms—at SLOW in New Zealand for the first time.
On her first visit to Aotearoa, furniture designer Rachel Donath found herself in an onsen, gazing toward the snow-capped Southern Alps. She photographed the landscape repeatedly, seeking to capture its palette and sense of calm. The mountains’ geometry lingered, later inspiring the Allard stool’s triangular form.
Allard returns to New Zealand with Rachel’s inaugural collection at SLOW. Digital editor Katie Delany spoke with Rachel and SLOW founder Martina Blanchard about translating the Southern Alps into furniture, the qualities that lend a piece longevity, and the curation behind SLOW’s first selection.
Katie Delany: What does it mean to bring your collection to Aotearoa New Zealand for the first time, especially with Allard’s origins here?
Rachel Donath: It feels like a real homecoming! The South Island’s mountains and colours helped shape Allard, so it’s really special to see it land back there. I’m so grateful to have a home in New Zealand finally, and I can’t wait for people to see everything in person.
Take us back to that ski trip in the South Island. Was there a particular peak or view that stayed with you, and how did it shape Allard’s form?
RD: It was my first time in New Zealand, and I just remember sitting in an onsen looking out at the snow-capped mountains. I took about 100 photos because I wanted to capture the colours and the calm of it all. I tend to work best from a feeling or an image, so the shape of those mountains stuck with me. That’s where the triangle came from.
You describe your approach as slow furnishing. How does that philosophy guide how you balance a piece’s sculptural presence with its everyday use?
RD: I look at it as making things with intention instead of chasing what’s on trend or in the moment. I love a piece with presence, but it also has to work for everyday life. I always ask myself whether I’d actually want to sit on it or put my feet up on it after a long day. If the answer is yes, then it’s earned its place.
When you design a piece to become an heirloom, what do you look for in materials that will age well and feel good to live with?
RD: I look for materials that get better with time: solid timbers, natural fibres, woven textiles, and finishes that develop a bit of patina. Texture matters a lot to me, so I’m always thinking about how something feels under your hand and whether you’ll want to keep coming back to it. I want everything we make to still be around in 10 or 20 years.
Do you remember the first Rachel Donath piece you encountered? What drew your eye?
Martina Blanchard: What first caught my eye was the distinctiveness and depth of Rachel’s work. Each piece draws you in, inviting you to pause and notice the thoughtful material choices, beautiful details and exceptional craftsmanship that shape its story. Her designs encourage you to imagine how they might feel in your own space. They feel deeply personal — pieces that become part of the story you tell through your home.
What was it about Rachel’s work that made you want to bring it to New Zealand?
MB: I felt an immediate connection to Rachel’s vision: creating enduring pieces that make our homes more beautiful, while balancing nostalgia with a modern, classic sensibility. We owe it to ourselves to live in spaces that enrich us, reflect who we are and bring soul to our most personal surroundings. Rachel’s work does exactly that — it gives a home warmth, character and a sense of personal story.
Which piece was first on your list when you put together the edit for SLOW?
MB: It was difficult to choose, because I could imagine so many Rachel Donath pieces in my own home. If I had to pick a few, I’d choose the Allard Bench, Vernier Burl side tables and Senne mirror. They feel like jewellery for the home — pieces to treasure for years. I love their versatility, too: wherever they’re placed, they bring depth, interest and personality to a room.
What did you want the selection as a whole to reveal about Rachel’s work to a New Zealand audience?
MB: Our initial edit focuses on accent pieces and signature Rachel Donath designs, bringing together Rachel’s meticulous attention to material, craftsmanship and form. They’re pieces to spend time with and discover in your own space. Their depth and character reveal themselves even more fully once they become part of your home.
What can you share about the pieces arriving next year? How will they build on this first edit?
MB: Next year, we’ll build on the initial edit with larger furniture pieces, including lounge and dining collections. Early in the year, customers in New Zealand will be able to explore the full Rachel Donath collection—a considered, cohesive offering for the whole home or unique commercial designs.
Rachel’s collections are distinctive yet versatile, making it easy to create spaces that feel uniquely yours without everything needing to match or feel repetitive.
Explore Rachel Donath’s collection at slowstore.co.nz
