From Mass-Produced to Masterpiece: The Radical Power of One Authentic Item with Walter G

When I sat down with Lauren Emerson and Genevieve Hewson of Walter G., I was transported into the world of block printing, where craftsmanship and soul meet. We spoke about the philosophy behind 'slow style,' emphasizing the importance of handmade and artisan products and the ethical considerations of their creation. We discuss the unique tactile and visual qualities of handmade fabrics and the stories they carry into our homes. Lauren and Genevieve share their personal experiences and inspirations from their travels, particularly their time in India, where they learned traditional block printing techniques. We also touch on their approach to design, inspired by antique and global motifs, and their seamless integration of traditional and modern elements. Join us for an insightful conversation that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the beauty and soul embedded in every Walter G design.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS

A Journey into the World of Walter G

When I had the pleasure of hosting Lauren Emerson and Genevieve Hewson, the brilliant minds behind the Australian textile company Walter G, I knew I was in for a treat. Their work goes beyond creating beautiful fabrics—it’s about honoring craftsmanship, preserving traditions, and telling stories through patterns. What I didn’t expect was how deeply their stories would resonate, from bustling Indian workshops to flea markets in far-off cities.

The Hum of Workshops and the Art of Block Printing

Lauren and Genevieve painted a vivid picture of their experiences in India, where Walter G’s fabrics come to life. Lauren described her first internship in Calcutta, working with a mentor who treated her like family, and living in a remote village immersed in the art of textile-making.

They shared the magic of walking into a printing studio: the sound of fans whirring, the thud of hand-carved wooden blocks stamping fabric, and the hum of artisans at work. Each block is meticulously carved and printed, layer by layer, to create intricate designs. Listening to them, I could almost hear the rhythmic beat of creation and feel the care that goes into every piece.

Treasures from Travels: Ceramics, Textiles, and Stories

As avid travelers, Lauren and Genevieve have a knack for collecting treasures that inspire their designs. Genevieve told a hilarious story about a flea market find in New York—a weathered painting for $5 that she still treasures. Lauren spoke of the intricate hand-embroidered pieces gifted to her by her mentor in India, which now adorn her home.

One of my favorite stories was Genevieve’s adventure in Spain, where she found herself surrounded by breathtaking ceramics in an empty factory. She hiked back with armfuls of pieces, even convincing her husband to leave behind his worn sneakers to make room in their luggage.

The Philosophy of Layering and Collecting

What sets Walter G apart is their approach to design. Lauren and Genevieve believe in creating pieces that feel collected and timeless. They talked about how their designs borrow inspiration from antique textiles, global patterns, and even random objects like mosaic tiles or tribal headdresses.

Their philosophy is simple: if you fill your home with things you love, it all works together. Whether it’s a block print inspired by India or a floral motif with roots in Europe, their designs encourage mixing and layering patterns and origins. The result is a home that feels alive, personal, and full of stories.

Balancing the Handmade and the Modern

While Walter G is rooted in tradition, they’ve found ways to balance handmade processes with modern needs. For instance, their wallpaper designs begin as hand-printed block patterns before being digitized for precision. They’ve managed to preserve the imperfections and soul of the original craft while scaling to meet demand—a tricky balance that they’ve mastered beautifully.

A Celebration of Slow Style

What struck me most about Lauren and Genevieve was their commitment to slow style: creating products that last, that feel human, and that carry meaning. Their fabrics and wallpapers aren’t just decor; they’re art pieces imbued with history and soul.

As they explained, their work isn’t about trends but about creating timeless pieces you’ll treasure for years. You might move a Walter G pillow from your sofa to your bedroom, but it will always have a place in your home.

Talking to Lauren and Genevieve was a reminder of why I love slow style—it’s about more than aesthetics; it’s about connection. Whether it’s a piece of block-printed fabric, a $5 flea market find, or a ceramic treasure from Spain, these items carry the touch of the people who made them.

Walter G’s story is a testament to the beauty of handmade art and the value of surrounding ourselves with things that spark joy. If you haven’t explored their work yet, I promise you’ll fall in love, just as I have.

Until Next Time

-Zandra