The week that we catch up with Ana Vemic in her North Carlton home, the suburb is just beginning to stir after the first of 2020’s lockdowns.

Having relocated from Sydney to Melbourne a matter of weeks before the cities were forced into hibernation, Ana has already transformed the traditional red-brick terrace that she shares with her partner, Cam and their black labrador, Glen into a calming, carefully curated sanctuary.

 

FIlled with charm and natural light, their main living area is a treasure trove of pieces collected on interstate and international travels. A Japanese record player is flanked by a substantial record collection and a pristine white Linea Mini sits on the kitchen benchtop, overlooked by an iconic black and white print of Kate Moss.

 

“I love beautiful objects, whether they be fashion, books, furniture, everyday items or art. To me, design is not just about aesthetic pleasure. It’s there to serve a purpose and to in some way positively affect our lives.”

 

Ana’s keen eye for aesthetic resolve is what inspires her to visit new destinations. When abroad, she’s most likely to be found searching for unique pieces that bear the hallmark of a local artisan’s hand as well as embodying a story from a different culture.

 

“There are many subtleties within an object that is only familiar to the artisan who made it, and I love discovering them and forever being inspired by them.”

 

Moments of discovery are woven into her own creative practice as a womenswear designer. Throughout her career, Ana has created signature garments for Australian labels including Neue Denim and Sass & Bide, in which she layers details for the wearer to eventually find and appreciate.

 

“When I am creating a garment, there are so many subtleties within it that are only obvious to me.”

 

Appreciating the little things is central to her daily routine, which begins with a strong Oatly flat white on the couch, giving her the opportunity to pause, take a breath and contemplate the day’s schedule.

 

With travel halted for the foreseeable future, home comforts are taking centre stage in Ana and Cam’s social calendars. Their new address has quickly become the perfect setting for hosting weekend catch-ups with friends who drop by for breakfast, pastries and good company in tow. With the home-made coffee, soundtrack and setting that tops any local Fitzroy-Carlton cafe, our fingers are crossed for our invitation.