2020 brings an air of excitement for Indian Ocean. It is entering its 30th year of producing the kind of game-changing outdoor furniture and lighting that has transformed the way international luxurists think about designing their indoor/outdoor living spaces.
It all started in 1990 with Madagascan parasols, imported by co-founder and managing director Jamie Hobbs, who then added teak garden furniture to match. The company grew, and subsequently broadened and refined its repertoire. Indian Ocean’s offering now includes edgy, contemporary designs in a variety of higher-tech materials, though elegant teak ‘heritage’ pieces remain core to the collections. ‘We are positive about the returning trend for teak,’ says Hobbs of this year’s plans, ‘and we will be offering FSC Grade A plantation teak in the Marina Collection for 2020.’
A brand with an international outlook as part of its DNA, Indian Ocean has a broad customer base that encompasses the Caribbean and the Middle East, as well as Europe. This global exposure stands it in good stead, along with its practical experience in exporting worldwide. The company’s new website, launching in January 2020, is focusing on providing a smoother check-out for European and worldwide shipping, along with multi-currency options. The brand will also continue to exhibit twice a year at Maison & Objet in Paris and at the Monaco Yacht Show – platforms with not just a European but a global reach.
It all started in 1990 with Madagascan parasols, imported by Jamie Hobbs, who then added teak garden furniture to match
Closer to home, Indian Ocean is one of the key brands that will benefit from Harrods’ £200m renovation – the most ambitious in its 170-year history – currently under way and due to complete in 2020. There will be no changes made to the exterior of the grade II-listed building, but the million sq/ft interior – including the ‘Home’ department, where Indian Ocean has a stylish showcase on the third floor – is being remodelled to appeal to the store’s well-heeled international clientele.
Indian Ocean does not confine its activities to product development and production: it also creates innovative design concepts, tailor-made to enhance individual clients’ enjoyment of the great outdoors. Country estates, holiday villas, superyachts and urban balconies have all benefitted from the Indian Ocean touch and its designs always bring in the finest quality materials, detail and high-spec finishes. ‘We are constantly innovating,’ says Hobbs, ‘and we offer the most technically advanced fabrics and designs which are inspiring and practical, as well as totally comfortable and relaxing.’
Headquartered in south London, Indian Ocean’s 30-strong team specialises in old-school customer service. Collections can be viewed at two London stores (Balham and Hampstead) besides Harrods, and orders are fulfilled from a British based warehouse. The company is on the Department for International Trade’s radar as one that is actively collaborating to promote British design, manufacturing, technology and heritage. Its international credentials notwithstanding, Indian Ocean is, at heart, a business that is proud to be British.
