FUNKIS HISTORY

The funkis NAME

The word Funkis is a abbreviation of the Swedish word “funktionalism” which refers to the Functionalist style developed in the early 20 century. It was not only a architectural and furniture concept, it represented a whole new movement “to change the world”. Everything was to be changed, the whole society, from town planning, architecture , furniture down to the very way people lived. The world at this point had a very positive outlook on the future and the big change industrialisation could bring to not only the rich but every one in society.

For world famous Swedish Architects like Gunnar Asplund, (you can still buy his fabric smoke from us) a lot of what he did was built on his love for the democracy. He believed that the way the cities were built in the future should benefit every one, to give every one “ a place in the sun”.(“funkis stilen som byggde Sverige” Ingrid Sommar . Forum) This thinking is the very base for “funkis Swedish forms” as a business idea.

FUNKIS OWN DESIGN

Initially we imported all our design from Sweden but to day we also manufacture our own designs here in Australia. Our Design is team has a strong Swedish influence,  Our Design is strongly influenced by its Swedish heritage, with some design made by Swedish freelance designers. It is often more the material that decides the final outcome of the design rather than the other way around. Most of our range is deliberately timeless, which is why we have many regulars who return for that third or fourth pair of sandals or clothing. Excellent quality in both design and material is essential to us and our customers. We like to make people feel better about themselves by offering products that are different and “exclusive” (yet affordable)

　
 

funkis STORES (for store location click here)

In the 90’s our first store mobler, imported Swedish antiques to Australia (hopefully you are one of the lucky once that ended up with a piece of Swedish history!). This was getting increasingly difficult as over time we  had to fight over every pieces with the New York and London dealers. The world had discovered the functionalist furniture treasures of Sweden and we felt it was now time to move on. We realized that some of the designs we bought at auctions were designs still in production and thought it would be much easier to just order another when needed, and so funkis was born.

Funkis opened its first store in 1996 in Bondi Beach and quickly became a favourite must of all Sydney's Magazine stylists. Thanks to all the support from magazines in the form of editorial over the years funkis grew into one of the leading design stores in Australia. (Thank you to all of you who helped making funkis store in the back water of Bondi into what funkis is to day). The collection was mainly Swedish Design such as Bruno Mathsson and Bla Station and Kinnasand but we also sold other Scandinavian design such as Marimekko. Leklint and Arabia. Many of the designs we still sell to day was part of the original range, like the Stig Lindbergs porcelain, Ljungbergs Fabric, Belysnings Bolagets Lighting and  funkis sandals and clogs. By the time the magazine “Wallpaper” did its first Sydney Guide funkis was one a very few selected as a must see “highly edited Scandinavian design store”,  funkis second store was already in the making.

Our Strand Arcade store opened it s doors in 2001 and became the excuse to the birth of “funkis fashion” . funkis design team had already then started taking form, we had by then made some of our own designs in the form of lighting and fabrics. So being in the Strand gave us a reason to explore into fashion and expand our design team. This prove to be a successful combination with the first design, funkis A-line skirt,  still in production . Today funkis collection is sold both nationally and internationally.

Our Bodi store became a franchise store in 2003, when Rini took over, and this later became Roundabout. To day Roundabout has moved out and  funkis “warehouse outlet” temporarily operates from this location.

In 2006 we opened miljo in Bondi Junction and our online store was launched in 2007.

FUNKIS ETHOS

The Funkis ethos is building on customers who now demand style and sustainability, not only within the manufacturing process, but also within every aspect of the business. Manufacturing in Australia (and our clog range in Sweden) is ethical on all levels as we are in control each step of the way. Australia (and Sweden) industrial policies in combination with our approach to a more sustainable business model, assures certain ethical standards.

　
 

FUNKIS FOOTPRINT

Growing up in non wasteful society like Sweden , where recycling and re growth forest was established over 50 years ago , you have a inherent sense of looking after the environment. You are thought to think globally, that it is not just about you and there is a need to for a long term approach. We are proud to only manufacture in Australia and Sweden, the advanced industrial policies result in safer products, better labor conditions, proper wages, as well as high environmental standards.

In order to do our bit to help bring about the shift to a greener society, Funkis has already:

-started a program to become carbon neutral

-implemented recycling of all office and warehouse packaging

-no plastic in garment packaging and all other packaging is recycled .

-use 100% accredited green power.

-introduced eco-friendly materials such as recycled paper and biodegradable detergent in our offices and stores.

-sourced environmentally sound raw materials, such as the plantation timber used in our clogs and sandals and organic cotton in our new T-shirt range.

-built our Collection around small run, on demand, non seasonal manufacturing, this way we have minimal excess stock and wastage.

-contribute to and supports a number of organization working toward a more sustainable environment.

-commitment to continue to further reduce funkis environmental foot print.