We recently sat down with designer Cameron Foggo to talk about the re-release of Nonn, his furniture brand known for its strong silhouettes and clean restraint.
Originally from Christchurch and now based in Byron Bay, Foggo has long drawn from the enduring logic of Mid-century design. His work has always favoured honest materials, soft structure and timeless intent.
Now, in collaboration with District, Nonn enters a new phase. The forms are bolder. The palette is richer. The collection looks to the sculptural curves of the 60s and 70s, leaning into a more expressive sensibility while staying grounded in simplicity and comfort.
“This chapter gives me more creative freedom than I’ve had in the past,” Foggo says. “It lets me draw from other disciplines - sculpture, fashion and even instinct - without having to explain it away.”
Each piece carries that balance: structured yet soft, nostalgic yet new. Upholstery fabrics have been curated in close dialogue with District, shaping a collection that feels both refined and emotionally open.
At its core, Foggo’s work continues to honour the same principles, design that is human, balanced and made to live with.
What is your background, and where did your love of craftsmanship and design come from?
I was always immersed in the world of design, surrounded by my parents and their friends, many of whom were architects and designers. My turning point was when we opened Solo, which gave me direct access to a curated selection of iconic pieces from designers like Verner Panton, Antonio Citterio, and Jean Prouvé. This experience led me to transition from interior design to focus predominantly upon furniture design.
What do you like about collaborating with District? What makes them different?
District represents a diverse range of relevant design brands from around the world - and yet there is a cohesive aesthetic that distinguishes them from other top furniture showrooms in Australia. There’s a strong resonance between Nonn and District’s vision, and I believe the fabric curation for this collaboration speaks to that.
District has embraced this collaboration by curating a collection of fabrics specifically for Nonn and the designs they will be featuring. A great deal of thought and consideration has gone into this selection with a renewed approach to materials and influence.
The District team serves as my eyes and ears for understanding the needs of their end users. Their feedback and perspective are essential to guiding the direction of the Nonn brand and the designs I prioritize."
How do you value collaboration and contribution?
Design is all about problem-solving. Collaborating with others, considering different perspectives and demands, sparks new ideas and insights. This collective input leads to more effective solutions. Through feedback and collaboration, we create something new and valuable, ensuring the final product serves the user’s needs.
Prototyping a design is often a collaboration between the designer and the manufacturer, refining ideas, materials, and construction to ensure the design aligns with the original vision while meeting contemporary standards.
Has your work with District resulted in any firsts or innovations?
Many Nonn designs have been developed in response to specific requests from retailers who identify gaps in the market or suggest a typology that’s in demand. For instance, the Calibre table series requested by District was born out of a commercial project that required a compact, cantilevered side table. Sometimes, design is a direct response to a functional challenge, but it's always about finding the right balance.
