From fashion to interior design: Alex Zabotto-Bentley has made communicating an art form

THIS talented designer values interior spaces with authenticity and a little magic

Interior designer Alex Zabotto-Bentley. Pictures: Bob Barker.

• Who: Interior designer Alex Zabotto-Bentley

• Where: Darling Point

• Favourite thing: The concept of Bauhaus had a profound impact on me, putting art back into society where it belonged, not just as a decorative extra. As a classic art student, it really changed my thinking reminding me that beauty and function are not mutually exclusive

• Inspiration: I love interiors that tell a story about the person who inhabits that space

• Home is: Living in Australia, we have that awareness of the world and sophistication, without trying too hard. We make it look easy

ALEX Zabotto-Bentley is a creative force. Having showcased his fashionable wares on catwalks he has now turned his attention to interior design and styling.

He has worked with restaurants such as Pink Salt, Mad Pizza and Goodbar, and says fashion and homewares are intrinsically linked.

“I’d been into interiors and architecture since I was a kid, mentally scoring houses on the way to school, so it was a natural transition,” he says.

“All good design comes from the same place: imagination, authenticity, a sense of purpose. Design is a form of communication, and I’d like to think I am fluent in many languages.”

Alex doesn’t make changes at home to suit the season, and says if you create an authentic space, there’s no need for a radical redo.

AT HOME WITH REG MOMBASSA

“But I do make subtle changes, because I never stop collecting,” he says. “I just got a fantastic new slubby grey sofa from MCM House and when I put it in place, everything else shifted to accommodate it.

“It keeps the space feeling fresh, and helps you appreciate it in new ways.”

Alex also advises against getting caught up in seasonal fads or trends, “they always date”.

“And have real art,” he says. “Good art never goes out of fashion.”

Alex has organised many a great party, from pop art extravaganzas to an engagement party in Woollahra with a French Riviera theme.

When not putting the finishing touches on Sydney’s premier soirees, he plans to spend this summer by the beach.

“Australian summer for me is all about the beach and friends and that magical light. Getting up super early, jumping on my Vespa and heading to Bronte for a run and swim then mooch on beach. We are so lucky here.”

Robert Doble painting: This is from Robert’s Gravity series and was given to me by a group of my best friends for a milestone birthday. It is an exciting piece that always resonates with energy, a lot like my friend Robert.

Belugas caviar and sardines: It’s a true indulgence and the star at any party. Josh from Gourmet Life in Sydney is an amazing supplier who sources the very best caviar and the sardines are caught in the north Atlantic Ocean and hand packed in olive oil. Simply delicious.

Gasgoine and King candles: I love hand made candles and always have enough for my whole house. These are hand made by my friends Bronwyn and Dean in Surry Hills Sydney. There is just something so fantastic about that extra — sensory experience when you enter someone’s apartment.

Italian cook books: My mamma Anita was quite the cook. She is now making melanzane parmigiana in heaven. I’ve grown up with a love for rich Italian cooking, and a blend of provincial and urban is my favourite. I love different perspectives on the same cuisine. I can’t wait to write my own cookbook.

Dion Horstmans sculpture: Dion and I have been friends for half our lives and his vibrant, sculptural work is magnificent. It’s modern, dynamic and timeless. It also makes me so happy to have a friend’s work near me, even if he isn’t.

Trainers: As a true Melbourne boy, one of my first true loves is sneakers. Don’t ask me how many pairs I have. If you photographed my sneaker wardrobe, we’d be here all day. I just had to share my new Adidas Originals Adicolor reflective in acid orange.

L’Espiègle sculpture: This piece by Volta studio is a special custom sized sculpture created for my space. I love that it has the extravagance of the 1960s mixed with Scandi gentlemanness. it’s just really satisfying to look at.

Pine lime splice: OK, here is the thing, if you told someone you were going to mix pineapple, lime and milk, they would laugh or turn green, but trust me, the this is probably the best ice-cream ever created.

Antique coral: I really love antique coral and some of the coral pieces are a 100 years old. Some of the specimens are amazing they are like mini sculptures. I feel like I am preserving history owning and keeping them safe.

Keith Haring dominoes: Keith Haring is an artist that I have loved the moment I met him and have collected his work for many years. I was lucky enough to secure some of his originals. But the domino set is just fantastic ridiculous drunk fun.