Great minds think alike. But it’s even better when great minds choose to put their energy into a shared idea and then focus on where their minds work differently. Everyone brings something individual to the table as is the case with Bridget McCall and Nikolas van Messner, who established Melbourne based fashion brand LIFEwithBIRD together in 2002. Not only a business couple but also partners in love, they split jobs according to their talents and career. Nick designs, creates products, and deals with the factories. Bridget — who’s nickname is Bird — is a trained photographer and has worked a lot in styling, and therefore manages the visual identity and organisation of photo shoots.

What’s common to whatever Bridget and Nick do together? Their love for wearable but notably designed clothing. Their willingness to ensure the highest quality in what they produce. Their curiosity about new ways to approach a balance between the influence of sportswear and high class elegance.

To make sure they provide everything a modern woman needs in this context, they added L.W.B. by LIFEwithBIRD to the line in 2011. It’s a collection of elevated essentials, even more accessible than the ready to wear collection. I love this line because it perfectly merges Australian ease with international chic. On the one hand, it seems to be an essence of LIFEwithBIRD, while on the other hand providing a perfect baseline to any contemporary wardrobe.