An Aussie duo has seen their their luxury French linen business flourish after Matt Damon and his wife Luciana first fell in love with their humble Byron Bay store in 2018 – and they’re only just getting started.
Georgie Cavanagh and Carlotta Casals, the founders of Carlotta + Gee, have reported a 365 per cent growth in the past year alone and have built their range up to include bed linen, pyjamas, tablecloths, napkins and most recently, aprons.
‘We have seen continued growth since the pandemic with people continuing to value the importance of their home and investing in themselves, their health and what makes them happy,’ Georgie told FEMAIL.
An Aussie duo has seen their their luxury French linen business flourish after Matt Damon and his wife Luciana first fell in love with their humble Byron Bay store in 2018 – and they’re only just getting started
‘Matt and Luciana told their friends the Hemsworths (pictured) who then bought from us too for their Byron home,’ Georgie said
‘Matt and Luciana told their friends the Hemsworths who then bought from us too for their Byron home and we are excited for when we launch in the USA down the track as we already have a strong client base who love supporting Australian businesses.
‘We have had a number of Australian celebrities support us including Ash and Jess Hart, Sam and Snez Wood, James Tobin, Renee Bargh, Alice Zaslavsky, David Koch and Edwina Bartholomew.’
The latest apron release has already had a huge response from fans who rave about their 100 per cent natural, chemical-free make up.
‘We found there was nothing in the market which was high quality linen and still has a sophisticated design for when you are cooking. We wanted the apron to be elegant and people tell us that they could wear our aprons out for coffee,’ Georgie said.
Georgie Cavanagh and Carlotta Casals, the founders of Carlotta + Gee , have seen a staggering 365 per cent growth in the past year alone and have built their range up to include bed linen, pyjamas, homewares like tablecloths and napkins and most recently, aprons (pictured)
Carlotta + Gee: These are the FOUR homewares items worth splurging on
PYJAMAS/LOUNGEWEAR
Now that winter is here, a set of cosy pyjamas is number one. You won’t want to get out of them. It is all about loungewear – gone are the days of old daggy PJs that you can wear to bed. Today, people want versatility and to wear the same set down the street to meet a friend for coffee.
COFFEE MACHINE/TEA POT
The simple pleasure of being able to make a strong coffee when you wake without leaving the house will start your day off strong – it is these small things to create a nice atmosphere at home.
ARTWORK
Art work which makes you smile or reminds you of a memory is lovely – it is also a good investment.
BEDDING + PILLOWS
Linen bedding is a must (and I have to say that) but you will thank me later – it is pre-washed in volcanic stones so it is extra soft and you will sleep very well. If you haven’t invested in new pillows recently it will make a difference. It is worth having good quality standard pillows (and European pillows if you use them) that not only complete the bed but are also nice to use.
<!—->
Advertisement
‘They have a cross over at the back which is very practical, and have a very useful large pocket in the front. They are 100 per cent French linen which is made out of flax plants grown in the fields of Normandy, France. The response so far has already been fantastic.’
Carlotta and Georgie started the business three years ago as a side hustle and have been full-time for the past 1.5 years.
‘There are lots of new exciting categories to come including a children’s range, collaboration with a very influential person and some great new colours,’ Georgie said, who puts their success down to five key rules: action, communication, a good team, constant change and low overheads.
The pair’s bed linen and pyjamas are still the best-selling categories and boutique hotels have become some of their most notable clients since launching.
The pair’s bed linen and pyjamas are still the best-selling categories and boutique hotels have become some of their most notable clients since launching
Others including Sam and Snezana Wood (left) and blogger Harper and Harley are fans (right) of the luxury French linen range
‘Our duvet covers and pillowcases are our best selling items. Our new quilts are very easy to clean in the washing machine and are also very popular,’ Georgie said.
‘Our brand new pyjamas are quickly becoming a favourite and as the design is so stylish, we see people wearing them out for coffee rather than just at home or in bed.
‘Our orders continue to increase and each day we have numerous orders from our website. Our linen orders also come from premium Airbnbs, boutique hotels, interior designers and stylists who understand it is so important to have top-quality linen as their guests love it.’
Georgie said the linen is popular not only for comfort and sustainability factors but also because of the numerous health benefits; the fabric is washed in volcanic stones to accelerate the flax-softening process, and it is dyed without the use of any chemicals to promote a fully natural finish.
‘Our orders continue to increase and each day we have numerous orders from our website. Our linen orders also come from premium Airbnbs, boutique hotels, interior designers and stylists who understand it is so important to have top-quality linen as their guests love it,’ Georgie said
How to keep your home feeling warm and cosy this winter
1. Lighting in a house is everything – loads of lamps and soft light is a must – you can also add candles to the mix.
2. Keep it clutter free – it might seem a strange thought, but being more organised and having less mess will allow you to relax
3. Adding a tablecloth and napkins to your table. This will ensure every meal has a special element, whether you are hosting a table of 10 or if it is just you.
4. Playing music will bring a special ambience to the house.
5. Fresh air – on those nice sunny but cold days, do take advantage and let some fresh air in – in fact you should always have the windows open slightly to ensure the house is fresh and circulating air.
<!—->
Advertisement
‘Many factors contribute to a sound sleep such as the room temperature, mattress quality and your evening routine but choosing linen means you have breathability all year round,’ she said.
‘The natural fibre of flax allows the air to circulate within the sheets and thanks to its thermoregulatory properties, linen will also retain the heat from your body during the year’s cooler months, keeping your body temperature warm and cosy inside the bed.
‘Also for those with skin allergies, linen is perfect as it is natural and no chemicals are used when growing in the fields.’
The fabric also doesn’t crease as much as regular bedding, and unlike other fabrics, it becomes softer with age.
‘Our brand new pyjamas are quickly becoming a favourite and as the design is so stylish, we see people wearing them out for coffee rather than just at home or in bed,’ Georgie said
Prices start from $270 for a duvet cover, and there is a broad range of colours available, from white to natural, tobacco and patterns like nautical blue stripes (range pictured)
Those who have invested in the duvets and sheets left glowing reviews on the Carlotta and Gee website, describing it as ‘perfect’, the ‘best quality’ and ‘beautifully soft’ (bedding pictured)
It is naturally permeable and can absorb up to 20 per cent of its weight in moisture before it feels damp and unlike cotton, linen draws away the moisture in the air, remaining cool and dry to the touch, meaning it won’t retain any nasty smells.
Those who have invested in the duvets and sheets have left glowing reviews on the Carlotta and Gee website, describing it as ‘perfect’, the ‘best quality’ and ‘beautifully soft’.
‘Amazing linen, beautiful finishing and details, and the girls are so easy to deal with. Highly recommend,’ one recent reviewer posted.
‘I heart about C+G and I purchased a full set of linen in Tobacco, I’m so happy with it and compared to other brands these sheets are very soft,’ another added.
‘I have linen sheets from other brands and they are a bit rough but these ones are totally different and I’m having the best sleeps. Thanks girls!’
A third posted: ‘Love the colour and the quality of the linen is fantastic. I just want to dive into my bed now. Thank you C+G!’
For more information about Carlotta and Gee, please click here.
