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Wintec journalism student Jess Thorne-George talks to Helen Lennie on the eve of her visit to New Zealand for Spark 2010.

Former Cambridge woman Helen Lennie has worked with some of the biggest names in the world of fashion. But it is in the field of luxury wallpapers and premium textiles that she has achieved international recognition.

Helen and her husband, David Lennie own Signature Prints, a Sydney-based company that exports to 23 countries in Europe, North America, Australasia and Asia.

Helen is the company’s Sales and Marketing Director; David is the chief executive of the company, which also specialises in limited edition art and luxury luggage.

The company is best known as a custodian of design libraries with the beautiful, rich and unique Florence Broadhurst collection at its centre.

Florence Broadhurst was known for her bold hand-printed wallpapers and fabrics, many of which were popular with the rich and famous in the 1950s. She was murdered in her Paddington, Sydney studio in 1977. 

Signature Prints holds the distribution rights for the Florence Broadhurst archive, which contains more than 500 designs.

Together the talented Lennie duo has turned Signature Prints into a multi-national brand.

Originally from Cambridge, Helen attended Sacred Heart Girls’ College, in Hamilton, before moving to Auckland to enter the fashion industry.

In Auckland, she worked for reputable clothing label Jag, but in 1986 decided she was ready for bigger and better things and made the move across the ditch to Australia.

She secured work with luxury brand Chanel until she met David and took the leap from fashion to wallpaper, marrying into the business of Signature Prints.

‘I rolled up my sleeves and came to work,” she laughs.

Helen reflects fondly on joining David in his quest.

“I was given an opportunity to be a part of a dream. I was very fortunate to have a husband who really enjoys and encourages exploration...it was really exciting.”

Helen and David are the perfect team, with Helen’s forward thinking and sharp business mind complementing David’s ambition and vision. However, she admits working with her husband, can at times be testing.

“It can be very challenging, but you’ve got to remember it was your choice...David and I have different styles, I’m more of the worrier.”

As far as career highlights go, Helen says there have been many. However, she says being recognised by reputable publications, Time Magazine, World of Interiors, and Architectural Digest have been definite stand-out moments.

“That level of recognition is important; two little Kiwis being written up by some of the best magazines as leaders, (were) great turning points.”

Despite their global success Helen believes it is important to remain grounded.

"We have remained very true to our core values...and true to the original art form, we really try not to follow trends that others are setting, but try to go off on our own tangent.”

Although their international dealings demand work around the clock and a six-day working week, Helen and David still try to make time for leisure activities and both enjoy sailing, exercise, and relaxing with friends and family.

Helen Lennie will return to New Zealand in August to speak at the Wintec’s Spark Festival of Media, Arts and Design. She will share her insight, experience and wisdom with students and those interested in the arts and design.

Her key piece of advice for aspiring designers: “Don’t start the journey unless you love it and have got a passion for it...the journey is often a long one.”

Further information:

Spark 2010 was on from August 9-13 in Hamilton and featured presentations and workshops by artists in the fields of film, fashion, photography, graphic design, music, painting & sculpture, performance art, TV media, animation, digital media and journalism.