Meet Renee Labbe: Founder of LABBE and Design Forecaster

The Oceanriders Podcast

Before I had this conversation with Renee, I didn't even know that design forecasting existed. For the past 20 years, Renee has been bobbing all over the world defining and influencing fashion, automotive, architecture and interior design brands into what the next big trend is going to be.

Renee is also the founder of a new über-cool 100% plant based and ocean friendly skin care brand for surfers and ocean lovers : LABBE. You may have spotted her glorious black bottles on Instagram and around the web.

My chat with Renee is a fascinating conversation because we get find out what happens behind the scenes before the magazines and the reporters pick new trends up. We talk about how trend forecasting works, why you need an artsy and analytical brain and I pick Renee's brains on the architectural trends that are going to be the next big thing in the years to come. I apologize in advance if it gets a bit nerdy but I've been infused with architecture ever since I was little.

But Renee's story is also a story of transformation through the ocean. I love these stories and they are one of the main reasons I love doing this podcast. A few years ago, Renee decided to step down from her highly demanding , 70 hour-a-week job and found solace in the ocean. In a flukey way, she discovered the therapeutical effects of the ocean. One thing lead to another, and she got hooked on surfing and created a very soothing, organic and 100% natural apres-surf oil to apply directly on salty skin. This was the foundation of her stylish skin care brand : LABBE which is based in sunny Venice Beach, California.

Today Renee shares her time between her "real job" which is a forecasting trends in architecture, interior design and the automotive industry and developing her skin care brand for surfers and ocean lovers LABBE.
If you would like to get your hands on Renee's apres-surf oil, you can on www.thelabbe.com. You can also follow LABBE on instagram at thelabbe https://www.instagram.com/thelabbe/

You can find links to all the people and products mentioned in this podcast in the shownotes on your phone or in the medium article that I publish weekly.

The Oceanriders Podcast is a passion project and I would like to thank you all for listening to my weekly conversations. It really makes my day to see the number of listeners on the rise.
I you would like to join me for an episode, or if you know anyone who would like to share their story please reach out to me on Instagram @theoceariderspodcast or via email at [e-mail].
If you would like to support my podcast, you can:
First, you can help by telling your friends, your family or any fellow surfers about the podcast. Adding a few stars or a review on Apple Podcasts helps too. But ultimately, spreading the word is the easiest way to help.
Second, I created a profile on Buy Me a Coffee.com. It's a website a bit like Patreon where I can receive donations. You can connect to my page on www.buymeacoffe.com/oceanriders. For the price of a cuppa, you can help me pay for my editor and hosting fees. Just sayin'!

This episode wouldn't have been put together without the help of my newest recruit : Isabella Blanca Palangan who is a wizard at putting podcasts together and making this episode sound great! You rock Isabella!

And, of course, it wouldn't have been possible without the time that my enchanting guest Renee took to make this episode. Thank you Renee you're welcome back any time!

Thanks guys for listening.

Until next week, take care, have fun and enjoy the waves!
Ciao
Imi

Links

LABBE : www.thelabbe.com
Broadside Studios (Renee's design forecasting consultancy) : http://www.broadsidestudios.com/
Green School Bali : https://www.greenschool.org
Green Village : https://greenvillagebali.com/
Ibuku, Elora Hardy, the designer making bamboo houses in Bali: http://ibuku.com/
Guy Okazaki, Venice Beach shaper : http://www.guyokazaki.com/

---