Melbourne Design Week: Objects by Fomu

Friends with Frank is delighted to host Objects by Fomu for Melbourne Design Week, a window display exhibition presented by Fomu Studio. The exhibition will unveil their newest lighting designs, offering a first look at their exploration into illumination and form, while emphasising their commitment to craftsmanship, materiality, and timeless design. Their signature Frame II chairs will also be available to view in raw aluminium.

We sat down with Fomu designers and co-founders Gabrielle Beswick and Andrew Beveridge, to chat about the inspiration behind the exhibition and their ongoing body of work.

HOW DID THE CONCEPTION OF FOMU COME ABOUT, AND WHAT LED YOU TO WORK TOGETHER ON THIS PROJECT?

We’re husband and wife, so working together came about pretty naturally. Andrew studied furniture design at RMIT, and Gabby has a background in fashion and textiles — over time, our creative paths just started to align. What began as a few shared ideas quickly turned into something more serious. We found ourselves constantly bouncing concepts off each other and eventually decided to make it official and start Fomu. It’s been a really organic process — building a business together that reflects our shared values and design sensibilities.

Andrew wears the FWF Boyfriend Knit in charcoal, and Gabby wears the Chloe Tank, Emery Denim Trousers, Penelope Trench Coat and patent Foundation Flats by ESSEN.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE FOMU'S APPROACH TO DESIGN IN THREE WORDS?

Considered, elevated, honest.

THIS SHOWCASE MARKS THE DEBUT OF YOUR NEW LIGHTING COLLECTION. TELL US ABOUT THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPING THIS NEW PRODUCT CATEGORY FOR FOMU, AND WHY YOU FELT THIS WAS THE NEXT POINT OF EVOLUTION FOR THE BRAND. 

Lighting has always been something we’ve wanted to explore — it completely transforms how a space feels. This collection gave us the chance to challenge ourselves creatively and experiment with new materials and forms.

We were especially drawn to fibreglass — its translucency, texture, and soft, almost green-toned hue. There’s a raw, organic quality to it that we’re really drawn to. The way it plays with light reminded us of traditional Japanese lanterns — particularly their translucent layering and quiet presence.

We’ve always loved the contrast of pairing fibreglass with aluminium — two raw materials with distinct characteristics. Together, they create a balance that feels both grounded and refined.

We developed the pieces in collaboration with a small fibreglass workshop here in Tasmania. Most fibreglass products are moulded, but we wanted to take a different approach — layering each form to create something more sculptural and expressive. Instead of concealing the structure, we used visible fixings to hold everything together. It felt like a more truthful way to design — letting the function be part of the form.

Each light is designed to flat-pack and disassemble easily, which means we can ship them more efficiently and with less impact. The process was full of learning, but it opened up a new material language for us — one we’re excited to keep exploring.

YOU RECENTLY EXHIBITED YOUR PIECES AT MILAN DESIGN WEEK. WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE?

We didn’t physically make it over, unfortunately — with a little one and a house build underway in Tasmania, it was a bit too big of a commitment this time. But we were incredibly honoured to be invited to showcase our work with Alcova Milano — a platform we've admired for years. 

Alcova is known for curating groundbreaking exhibitions that sit at the intersection of design, architecture, and technology. What makes it so special is the way it reimagines disused and historically rich spaces — turning them into immersive, often raw settings that allow each object to speak in a different way.

Our pieces were shown at Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, an ornate 19th-century villa just outside Milan, and the juxtaposition of our contemporary work against the villa’s rich architectural heritage was incredibly powerful. Being part of Alcova felt like more than just an exhibition — it felt like participating in a conversation about the future of design. It was a huge milestone for us, even from afar.

We’re hoping to be there in person next year — it’s something we’re really looking forward to.

WHAT DREW YOU TO THE FRIENDS WITH FRANK FITZROY STORE AS THE SETTING IN WHICH TO BRING YOUR INSTALLATION TO LIFE?

We’ve long admired Friends with Frank — the brand feels quietly confident, intentional, and deeply considered. Their pieces speak to a slower, more thoughtful way of living, which is something we really connect with. There’s a sense of ease and refinement in everything they do, and that energy extends beautifully into their Fitzroy store.

The space itself, designed by interior designer Georgina Jeffries, has this calm, elevated presence — warm and modern, with just the right amount of restraint. It feels like a home, but with a conceptual edge, which made it the perfect setting to introduce this new body of work.

Gabby had a clothing and lifestyle store in Tasmania previously, and Friends with Frank was one of the first brands she stocked. That early connection has stayed with us, so to now be presenting our furniture and lighting in their Fitzroy store feels like a really special full-circle moment.

Being invited to share our work in the space felt like a natural alignment — and one we’re genuinely proud of.

Objects by Fomu is available to view at the Friends with Frank Fitzroy flagship store, from Thursday 15th May to Sunday 25th May during store opening hours. Find opening hours and further details here.