Mike on the Mic: 10 quick fire questions

For our co-founder and head designer, Mike Durante, that moment came back in 2009. He was on the hunt for a wedding gift; a beach umbrella with killer style that wouldn’t fail in the first gust of wind, felt cool and thoughtful, and quite simply, worked. That simple observation sparked the big question: “What if we could just design one ourselves?”

So, in true designer fashion, he did. From that simple 'what if...' Basil Bangs was born. Mike, his wife Krista, and a couple of friends created a brand inspired by their vision of a fictitious 70s free surfer named Basil Bangs. He’s the guy with sandy feet and an eye for quality, and our constant reminder to be serious about design, but not to take life too seriously.

Today, the brand continues to evolve with Mike's own family, with every new design still rooted in that original idea: creating beautiful, long-lasting essentials for a life lived well outdoors.

We recently put Mike in the hot seat for a special quick-fire round of Designer Dad (cue 1990's Tony Barber #IYKYK):

1. Your design motto in 3 words?
Be Curious Always

2. One thing your daughters (10 & 12) have taught you about design?
Listen. Learn. It's ok to change your mind tomorrow.... and it will most probably never be perfect.

3. Why did you become a designer? What was it about how you grew up that influenced your career path?
I grew up in a household with lots of tinkering, creating and making things by being resourceful and using what we had around us. As a result, there were always lots of projects on the go and we were all encouraged to practice new skills and figure things out ourselves. It was a culture of fixing things, making things and not wasting or throwing anything away.

4. Describe your perfect Father's Day in 5 words.
Swim. Coffee. Outdoors. Family. Feast.

5. How has fatherhood influenced your design process?
Over the years, the kids have been both a passive and active part of the design process. When they were smaller, it was very much about 'use and abuse' the product to see where the pain points were, how it performed over time, and how easy it was to use. There is nothing quite like kids using your products to really put it through its paces! 

From a product development perspective, they have never been shy about telling me if they like a design, or not! I'm all for having an opinion, but you have to explain why, so I try to encourage that critical thinking. Is it shape, colour, form, function...what is the reason you like or don't like something?

They love coming to the studio and putting colours, fabrics and materials together, or looking over my shoulder while I design something on the computer, and taping boxes or tying umbrella roofs onto frames. So the design and product development collaboration is organic and quite special. I love having them around and part of the process. Our print design 'Sundance' was a recent collaboration with Leila (my eldest) that we put into production. 

6. What are you currently inspired by?
Inspiration can come from anywhere; you need to let it happen. Mine usually comes from being outside, and meeting with makers and factories - seeing what's possible and how people are innovating. But generally, my inspiration could be from something as simple as a chat with a friend or a moment with family. It could also be an interaction with a customer. It’s not linear and you can’t force it. 

7. What's on your moodboard right now?
It’s been a few months, but I’m still dining out on things I saw at Milan Design Week. It could be a design detail from particular piece of furniture to colour and surface treatment of a pendant light. It’s always pretty eclectic. I love having a range of influences. I’m a little obsessed with how hard and soft materials come together so these things also come into play.

8. Juggling family and work can be really tricky at the best of times, and this is a family business where the two worlds are really enmeshed. How do you keep all the plates spinning?
The spinning plates, ha, it’s a great metaphor isn’t it! There are ways to keep the plates from smashing. A plate can be in the dishwater being cleaned, served at table, being stored in a cupboard, being developed. I guess I mean, the plates can be spinning but in some way they are being cared for by not just me but someone or something. Was that too deep? Balancing family and work can be challenging. You are NEVER off. I try to take some time out and run, swim, surf, ride or just take Rudy (our dog) for a walk. The most important and hardest thing is to listen to whats going on in your mind and body. 

9. Can you let us know what are some of your favourite Basil Bangs product?
I love all of our new Italian Collection fabrics. The colours are rich and beautiful. I can't wait to take use some at home!

I'll be taking the green Ombre tablecloth, and some of our Forest cushions in Amore, Al Mare and Ombre of course to set up our backyard with some Amalfi vibes.

10. What about non Basil Bangs products on your wish list?
Here are some items that are on my wish list.