In Conversation With James Howe

To mark the opening of the new Assembly Label Rundle Street store, we hosted an evening in conversation with Australian furniture designer James Howe. The intimate event served as an opportunity to welcome Adelaide’s creative community to our new space, which is informed by and dedicated to local design. James captivated the crowd with his storytelling and candid insights, and the evening was captured by photographer Jack Fenby.

On display were pieces from James Howe’s new AMANDLA collaboration with Africola chef Duncan Welgemoed, who designed the woven pattern and colour palette. The collection reflects the rich possibilities and uninhibited perspectives that arise from collaborating beyond the traditional design industry.

Adelaide restaurant Africola developed the evening’s colourful menu, which celebrated nourishing plant-based dishes, dips and crudité alongside fermented flatbreads and oysters. Guests gathered around plates designed to be shared and grazed, while glasses were filled with wine curated by Alpha Box & Dice and sparkling teas by Vivelo.

The conversation spanned creating beauty and finding order amid chaos, staying true to your vision – no matter what industry you’re in – and the creative freedoms and challenges that come with changing career paths.