Anton, what inspired your initial vision when you established Great Dane in 2002? And how has the brand transitioned from vintage to timeless Scandinavian curation?
In my late 20s, I developed a passion for vintage architectural furniture, yet found it challenging to source pieces in Australia. After receiving a small payout from a redundancy, I spent nearly a year pondering my next move. It was during this time that I decided to import Danish furniture, and so I embarked on that venture.
I took a risk with my first shipment, purchasing upfront an entire container’s worth of furniture based solely on photographs. My only interaction with the supplier had been a phone call, and I didn’t know whether the container would arrive empty or full.
Unbeknownst to me at the time, my paternal grandfather, a retired CSIRO scientist, crafted his own furniture inspired by Mid-century Danish design. He had even taught my brother and me the intricacies of woodworking. Reflecting on this connection, I feel I was subconsciously drawn to the design. Some might say it was meant to be…
Your collaboration with the esteemed Arne Vodder significantly shaped Great Dane. How did this partnership influence the brand’s philosophy and trajectory?
My partnership with Arne Vodder played a pivotal role in shaping Great Dane. The collaboration was a dream, I couldn’t believe he was interested in working with Great Dane – most of the Danish industry people thought he had passed away. We met and formed a great connection sipping limoncello in his apartment and discussing his days in the industry. The partnership certainly put Great Dane on the global map as a leader in Mid-century Danish design and pushed me to work even harder to find more designers from that period of design.
