Raes on Wategos has announced its annual Artist in Residency programme in partnership with Champagne Perrier-Jouët for 2020.

And this year, the luxury Byron Bay hotel is collaborating with resort label Commas for the 2020 run. Together, they have created the ultimate celebration of summer: an exclusive capsule collection of five beachside living-inspired pieces.

 

 

Each garment has been influenced by the unique energy, architecture and colour of the luxury boutique hotel; and inspired by the European artistic heritage of Perrier-Jouët’s Maison Belle Epoque.

There are four gender-neutral pieces and one pair of the Commas' signature classic swim shorts in the capsule. All pieces are crafted from an original print artwork designed exclusively for the hotel; a striped wave-like movement reflecting the unique curved architecture commensurate with Raes and the property surrounds – sun, sand and ocean.

What could be more classically Byron than this?

To find his inspiration for the collection, Commas founder and designer Richard Jarman researched Raes’ original finishings as well as the heritage of Perrier-Jouët’s Maison Belle Epoque in Épernay, France, taking notes from both.

 

Perrier-Jouët’s Maison Belle Epoque actually houses Europe’s largest private collection of French Art Nouveau - making it is an unparalleled source of creative inspiration.

“The sun-drenched property has the most fascinating history which draws me in year after year.

"The pool and gardens rumoured to have been designed by Salvador Dali; the original restaurant, coincidentally named La Belle Epoque; the tiles sourced from a Javanese Palace; every nook of the hotel has a story and that's where I've drawn the inspiration for the collection,” Jarman said.

 

 

The collection includes a long and short sleeve shirt, a walk short and a beach bag - each crafted with fine breathable linens and cottons perfect for a summer holiday.  The last piece, thee mid-length swim short, is crafted from Italian hardware and Spanish polyamide.

The Raes x Perrier-Jouët Artist in Residence represents the first collaboration for Commas in Australia - and comes at a time when supporting Australian travel and business is critical for the survival of our tourism and creative industries.

“I’ve spent a lot of time at Raes in recent years, it almost feels like a second home. There is so much to love; the ocean lapping on Wategoes as you fall asleep, the golden sunrise and sunset observed by the beach, the excellence and warmth of the staff. I have channelled my passion for the hotel into this collection." he said.

 

 

As one of Australia's most desired resortwear brands, Commas makes perfect sense for Raes' second-annual Artist in Residence collaboration - following on from the partnership with Stanislas Piechaczek last year. Commas draws inspiration from life adjacent to the water, and it's made locally, but with a refined European sensibility. These ideas resonate deeply with the ethos of both Raes and Perrier-Jouët.

 

 

Raes General Manager Francesca Webster echoes this sentiment.

“Commas is a brand that Raes and Perrier-Jouët are so very excited to work with. A local company with a European heartbeat that resonates with us all. Now more than ever it is a time to be showcasing the talents that originate and are accessible on our own shores.

“Richard has designed a capsule collection that suits our mutual clienteles perfectly. The pieces transport you to a time of pure escape and leisure. We can’t wait to share what we have all created,” she said.

The pieces are available for purchase from September 1 via raes.com.au and commas.cc.