PROFILE// LIFEwithBIRD is the story of Nicholas Van Messner and Bridget (bird) McCall.
Bridget McCall ('Bird'), an accomplished photographer and fashion stylist, completed her studies in photography in Melbourne. Post graduation, Bridget pursued her interests in London, where she collaborated on magazine shoots for 'The Face' and 'i-D' magazines. Bridget returned to Australia as an agent for the Jade Jagger accessory line, before connecting with Nicholas to form LIFEwithBIRD.
Nicholas Van Messner studied fashion design at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Melbourne. While still studying, Nicholas began work with the street couture label, Maiike. This involved the set-up and expansion of the collection in Japan, followed closely by the LIFEwithBIRD collaboration with Bridget McCall.
LIFEwithBIRD was established in 2002. Drawing from their strengths, Bridget and Nicholas displayed a technical ability to translate conceptual, ultra modern ideas into unique garments and accessories. Since the conception of LIFEwithBIRD, Bridget McCall and Nicholas Van Messner have transcended their design pedigree to emerge as a unique talent within their own right. Not only has LIFEwithBIRD forged its own contemporary aesthetic, their designs have coveted a global following.
In 2007, the LIFEwithBIRD autumn/winter 07 collection ‘no. 8 Simple Futures’ was nominated for the Australian Designer Award at the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival, presented by Tiffany & Co.
In 2007, the highly anticipated LIFEwithBIRD concept book, titled, ‘Imagine no.9,’ won the highest award given in the design category at MADC awards. This book was a collaborative effort between the designers at LIFEwithBIRD, art direction by Three60 design, photography by Steven Chee and styling by Phillip Scurrah.
The Imagine no.9 book was also nominated for the prestigious AGDA Awards. In 2008, German publisher, Daab selected LIFEwithBIRD as one of three representatives to showcase the most innovative Australian designers, in the Australasian publication titled, ‘Young Asian Fashion Designers.’
In 2009, LIFEwithBIRD & Three60 design in collaboration with Justin Cooper created a limited edition set of posters, titled ‘Into the Night’. This series follows a nomadic Parisian girl through the streets of le Marais. The project was launched at New York Fashion Week.
This campaign was nominated and won a ‘Yellow Pencil’ award at the highly respected D&AD Awards, which are regarded as the major event in the design and advertising world.
In March 2010 LIFEwithBIRD opened its first flagship store located at the prestigious GPO Melbourne.
Following on from the success of the first flagship store, LIFEwithBIRD opened their second store in July 2010 in an old factory style shop on Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, Melbourne.
In August 2010 LIFEwithBIRD was chosen to host the launch of Mitchell Oakley Smiths Book, ‘Fashion: Designers of Australia & New Zealand.’ LIFEwithBIRD features in the select group of 70 designers. The book is published by no less than Thames & Hudson Australia, the local arm of one of the world’s most prestigious fashion and art publishers (to be sold internationally as well).
LIFEwithBIRD continues to be driven by original concepts and has created a reputation as a leader in designing modern classics.