DR NATHAN JAMES CRANE

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A true creative, Dr Nathan James Crane has been captivated by beauty from a young age—his first collections were shells, rocks and crystals proudly displayed as treasures.

That early passion has shaped a career spanning multiple disciplines and industries. Trained as an interior designer and stylist, Nathan is also the founder of opulent jewellery brand Élever Australia (you’ll often spot him adorned in his own creations), an award-winning writer, lecturer and an influential voice in the design community.

Today, as chair of both the SA/NT Design Institute of Australia council and the South Australian Fashion Industry Association (SAFIA), Nathan champions local talent and drives initiatives that support and propel individual designers, fashion creatives and the industry as a whole.

Read our chat with Nathan to see what inspires his work, the wardrobe staple he can’t live without, and the unique “superpower” he believes Adelaide holds.

Is there one spot in the city that you like to introduce people to? 

It has to be Osteria Oggi—it has incredible pasta, and really speaks to all of the amazing food and design that South Australia is putting out these days.

Throughout your career in Adelaide, tell us about your most memorable moment.

My most memorable moment probably happened nearly two years ago when I was appointed as the chair of SAFIA, which is SA’s peak body for fashion. That really brought together all of my worlds and makes me really proud to represent all South Australian designers.

What are you most proud of in the way South Australian designers are pushing boundaries right now?

I'm incredibly proud of how South Australian designers continue to punch above their weight. We are consistently putting out quality that absolutely goes beyond our size and scale, and that is world-class.

How would you describe Adelaide’s creative energy?

I think Adelaide’s creative energy is really down to its scale, which I think is our superpower. We can collaborate with each other, and really, you're only one or two people away from that key person that's going to get you the answer you need.

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Tell me why you think the collaboration between businesses, government and creative is so crucial to Adelaide’s future.

Collaboration between business, designers and government is essential to allow us to be able to build an ecosystem. Creatives put out amazing content, but if it's not supported by a broader network through policy and other support systems, unfortunately that doesn't become sustainable. So that ecosystem is incredible.

Is there a source of inspiration that unexpectedly influences your work?

I continuously come back to, weirdly enough, 1960s spy films. All of the incredible sets and the way in which both the men and women are dressed are a constant graphic reference for me.

If you could onlywear one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

If I could only wear one thing for the rest of my life? I think it would have to be an incredible blazer, and probably this Bubish one, which is making me feel amazing today. 

STEAL THEIR STYLE

Nathan wears:

  • Bubish Saskia Cinched Blazer in caramel, available from their SA showroom
  • His own trousers and boots