A PORTRAIT OF A DESIGNER: DANA TOMIĆ HUGHES

Dana Tomić Hughes captured by India Hartford Davis at Studio Gardner

Often referring to herself as a ‘sculptor in fabric,’ structural design and architectural lines have a profound influence on Bianca Spender’s designs. Captivated by grand foundations and organic, wabi-sabi textures, Bianca is drawn to the sculptural design as an ongoing source of inspiration.

Recognised as a global leader in design and creativity, Dana Tomić Hughes is a pioneering female creative who champions design excellence and innovation. Captured in Sydney’s Studio Gardner, we spoke with Dana about her unique journey and the power of design.

Scroll on to dive into Dana’s world…

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF?

“I'm an interior designer turned digital publisher, editor, and creative director. My work has been recognised on the global design stage and I’ve been recognised as one of the design world's leading voices and visionary female creatives. But behind all these accolades is a story of sheer grit and resilience.

I came to Australia in the 90s with limited English, having fled the civil war in Yugoslavia. This experience shaped me into a hard-working, loyal, and tenacious individual. Growing up, design wasn't on my radar, but through several twists of fate, I found myself in this field, developing a deep passion for it.

What drives me now is the understanding that design isn't just about aesthetics — it's a powerful force that can shape experiences, influence emotions, and redefine our sense of self. This realisation fuels my commitment to sharing what I’ve learned with the world, always with humility, an appreciation for design's transformative power and a little sprinkle of humour.”

WHAT DREW YOU TO WORKING IN DESIGN?

“My path into design was entirely unplanned. Initially, I aspired to follow in my father's footsteps as a clinical psychologist. However, the civil war, my experiences as a refugee in Serbia and Denmark, and subsequent immigration to Australia set me on a different path. Struggling with identity, language barriers, and educational pathways, I found myself on a convoluted journey that lead me to study Interior Architecture at university. This experience was incredibly challenging—I was a good student by I grappled with how design was intellectualised and made inaccessible, as if on purpose, to outsiders.

The turning point came when I landed a job at a "dream" architecture practice. Determined to succeed, I immersed myself in personal research, which awakened me to the true magic and power of design. This newfound passion made me a better designer, boosted my confidence, and propelled my career.

Driven to share my daily discoveries, I started Yellowtrace as a passion project. Having experienced design's magical powers firsthand after many years of struggling to get there, I wanted to contribute to the industry in my own way. Little did I know how significantly this project would shape my future.”

WHAT IS YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON HOW DESIGN CAN INSPIRE?

“Design has the power to inspire by bringing an element of poetry to our everyday lives. While we all engage with design through daily choices via objects that make our lives more convenient, the real magic happens when design transcends functionality to evoke emotion and spark imagination.

However, good design can be easily overlooked or misunderstood. It’s true power often lies hidden in the complex process of bringing a project to life. Without firsthand experience, it's difficult to fully grasp the impact of good design.

In today's digital age, we're inundated with content, making design more accessible than ever, but also potentially more superficial. Our depleting attention spans mean we often don't engage deeply enough to develop a genuine appreciation and understanding of design.

To be truly inspired by design, it’s important to look beyond pretty pictures and seek experiences that allow us to interact with design on a deeper level. It's about cultivating a relationship with design beyond trends and aesthetics, allowing it to stretch our minds and open us to new possibilities.”

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THE READER ON HOW THEY CAN CONNECT WITH DESIGN IN THEIR DAILY LIFE?

“I’d encourage people to think of design as a friend and align it with their values. Seek out and surround yourself with design that resonates with you on a deeper level. This approach will shift your expectations and experience of design, allowing you to expand and deepen your relationship with it.

Rather than emulating someone else's style, focus on reflecting your individuality. This process is far more rewarding and empowering than following fleeting trends. Remember, design is not just about aesthetics — it's a process and a relationship, and it should always reflect your unique perspective.

By cultivating this personal connection with design, you'll develop a more nuanced appreciation for it. You'll start to notice the subtle ways design influences your mood, productivity, well-being, etc. This heightened awareness will not only enrich your daily life but also inspire you to express yourself more confidently through your choices.”

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE STUDIO GARDNER SPACE YOU FEEL CONNECTED TO?

“Studio Gardener is not your ordinary neighbourhood gallery — it represents an impeccably curated collection with an international point of view, yet it remains deeply rooted in the Australian design scene. I love its unassuming street presence. You could almost walk past without noticing, but step inside, and you'll be transported into a captivating universe, with objects that invite engagement and personal connection with design.

Joseph Gardner is one of this country's most talented creatives. He and his partner, Aaron Wong, are fantastic people who live and breathe design. This gallery is deeply personal to them, which I love, while allowing visitors to find a piece of themselves in the collections represented. This ability to curate in a way that speaks to a wider audience while maintaining a distinct point of view is proper curation mastery at play.”

DO YOU SEE A CORRELATION BETWEEN ARCHITECTURE, INTERIOR DESIGN, AND FASHION?

“Architecture, interior design, and fashion are absolutely interconnected. They draw inspiration from each other while contributing to a broader creative ecosystem, including art, music, film, etc. For example, a fashion designer might take cues from architectural structures for a collection, or an interior designer might be influenced by fashion when designing a space. With everything in the world so closely linked, all creative outputs simply cannot be separated.”

DOES THIS INFLUENCE THE WAY YOU DRESS?

“I’ve often thought of clothes as mini architectures for the body. Concepts like proportion and colour have always played a crucial role in how I put my outfits together. I guess in a way it’s the intersection of fashion and design that informs my personal style.”

WHAT ARE YOU DRAWN TO ABOUT BIANCA SPENDER DESIGNS?

“Bianca Spender's clothes really come alive on the body. Some pieces might appear like just another blazer, coat or a pair of pants. However, they somehow transform when you put them on. I always feel poised and like I have my shit together when wearing Bianca Spender creations. Understated but polished and powerful at once. This is a hallmark of true design artistry and creative depth that might not be easily perceived or understood, and it's what I really appreciate.

Like all good design, Bianca's clothes reveal their true value through firsthand experience.”