Designer Beds For Charity

Designer Beds For Charity

Sealy gets creative for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation

Bed manufacturer Sealy NZ is supporting the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation in a unique way with the help of four well-known New Zealand personalities.

Artist Otis Frizzell, fashion illustrator Kelly Thompson, musician Hollie Smith and fashion designer Tanya Carlson have all put their creativity to the test designing a print to cover a bespoke Sealy bed.

The four premium, queen-size beds from Sealy’s Grand-Luxe collection combine the finest materials and latest technology. The beds will be listed on TradeMe next week (trade.me/SealyNZ, available from Monday 18, November until Monday 2, December). All proceeds go to the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation to assist with supporting women with breast cancer.

Each of the four prints is very different, reflecting the individual’s design aesthetic. They range from flamingos and hibiscus flowers to kaleidoscope and Morocco-inspired prints.

Sealy NZ marketing manager, Jenni Gaze says, “We’re delighted to align with these four extremely talented individuals to help raise money for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation, in a unique and compelling way.

“This is a first for us and we couldn’t be happier with the result so far. All of the designs are completely different, but all very striking in their own way,” she adds.

“Given our large female customer base, we felt this was an ideal fit for us and a charitable organisation which we’re proud to be associated with. We’d love nothing more than for Kiwis to get right behind this auction knowing the proceeds will go on to benefit a significant number of New Zealand women.”

Van Henderson, chief executive of the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation, believes the Sealy NZ initiative is a fun and creative way to get New Zealanders supporting the charity.

“The four designers have come up with some fantastic, colourful designs, so go on TradeMe and place a bid – you’ll be helping women with breast cancer and end up with a great bed in the process,” says Henderson.

About the designers / design inspiration:

Otis Frizzell – Flowerbed

Otis Frizzell is a renowned New Zealand artist, celebrated for his graffiti-style art. Frizzell has more than 20 years’ experience in the art world and is arguably the nation’s highest profile graffiti artist.

“Since the whole project was about getting involved with Breast Cancer Awareness Month I really wanted to do something with a feminine twist. I love painting flowers and then I came up with The Flowerbed design, which clinched it!”

Hollie Smith – Kaleidoscope

Hollie Smith is one of New Zealand’s most respected musicians. Smith’s chart-topping 2006 single ‘Bathe in the River’ set the stage for her 2007 album Long Player which was released via her own record label and sold almost double-platinum.

"I wanted to find something a bit different, incorporating loads of vibrant colour without it being a specific picture. With this in mind I looked into a pixelated theme then into a kaleidoscopic theme and managed to create a reference that ended up incorporating the two.”

Kelly Thompson – Flamingos

Kelly Thompson is a renowned New Zealand fashion illustrator and photographer. After graduating from Massey University in Wellington with a Bachelor of Design majoring in photography, Kelly’s distinctive illustrations have caught the attention of the international art and fashion community.

“I've had a little thing for Flamingos for a while and have been drawing them in my spare time. When approached to do a textile design for Sealy I thought it would be a perfect time to use them, particularly considering that the colour used to promote Breast Cancer Awareness is pink.”

Tanya Carlson – Morocco

New Zealand designer Tanya Carlson’s label 'Carlson' was born in 1997. Since then she has built a loyal following from New Zealand and abroad. Unique fabrications, hand dyeing and fine detailing, together with cuts that celebrate the female form, distinguish the Carlson brand. Now based in Auckland, Tanya Carlson owns two boutiques nationwide.

“I have always loved Morocco and been inspired by the colours and designs of their beautiful, intricate handmade tiles and wanted my design to have the same rich, baroque feel. Your bed should also be a place of beautiful dreams and restful sleep, so my design recalls the rich colours and exotic designs of the faraway places we all dream of visiting.”

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