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In the three years since opening, Jade Gillett and Brent Gold have created a hub for the arts.
Sydney dwellers may remember the iconic Blue Spinach building, perched on the corner of Liverpool Street and Barcom Avenue in the heart of Darlinghurst—the eye-wateringly bright cobalt blue standing out against the leafy neighbourhood streets. Then came Rainbow Studios, a gallery and concept space founded by Jade Gillett and Brent Gold, who breathed new life into the space with community events, art exhibitions and openings, and bespoke jewellery services for those who wanted a more intimate experience with ceremonial or heirloom pieces.
In the three years since opening, Gillett and Gold have created a hub for the arts, with a special focus on emerging Australian artists, platforming their work and providing a space for showing each month, where their community can gather and connect in a space that feels welcoming and accessible. Here, we caught up with Gillett on the space, it’s evolution, and the ways in which the business has grown with the needs of their community.
Image credit: Nicholas Caldwell
Vogue Australia: Tell us about how Rainbow Studios began?
Jade Gillett: “Rainbow Studios launched in September 2021, shortly after the COVID lockdown lifted. During the lockdown, Goldie and I began envisioning our future and came up with the idea of creating a space that would showcase our in-house jewellery brands (Henson and Henson & Gold) alongside art and design in one creative environment. Our vision was to curate a space filled with exciting new talent from both Australia and around the world, offering unique pieces for everyone to cherish and enjoy.
When we first opened our doors, the space functioned more like a concept store, featuring a carefully selected collection of art, homewares, ceramics, books, and fragrances from around the globe. Within a few months, we began hosting art exhibitions to support and highlight emerging Australian and international artists. Our opening exhibitions drew sell-out crowds, artworks sold on the spot, and we amplified the artists’ visibility through our social media platforms and website. Now, we have a full calendar of exhibitions and events every month, with bookings extending into 2025.”
How has the space grown over the last three years?
“Over the past three years, Rainbow Studios has experienced remarkable growth and evolution. What began as a concept store has transformed into a vibrant showroom and venue for the arts. To further extend our impact, we’ve partnered with larger venues, increasing the exposure and reach of the exhibitions we’ve curated.
Last year, we celebrated our second anniversary at a major venue in Taylor Square, where over 500 guests attended our group show featuring 20 Australian artists, The Visual Arts Club 01. There’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing we’re captivating our audience with incredible artworks, curating pieces that fill their homes with beauty and meaning. This growth has felt organic, and it’s an incredibly exciting time for us.”
What is your mission at Rainbow Studios?
“Our mission is to continuously excite and inspire. We aim to showcase undiscovered talent in our showroom in an accessible way while offering freedom and support to the artists we connect with. There’s a special energy in the space—it’s been described as friendly and welcoming, and we see our community returning time and time again. They often bring friends or family along, and as a result, our community continues to grow, which excites us about the future.”
Tell us about how Henson & Gold and Henson began?
“Andy Henson and Brent Gold first crossed paths years ago while working together, bonding over a shared passion for style and fashion. Both had a keen eye for craftsmanship and realised that creating a small brand together could be a fun venture, especially since they both noticed a gap in the market for men’s jewellery. Drawing inspiration from traditional techniques while embracing modern aesthetics, their jewellery collections incorporated reclaimed materials such as silver, gemstones, wood, and leather. Each piece was meticulously crafted with hand-made chain links, experimental treatments, casting, and oxidation processes.
As their brand grew, Andy and Goldie began experimenting with solid gold, which led to custom orders for engagement and wedding rings. This development inspired the launch of Henson & Gold, a fine jewellery line specialising in bespoke, handcrafted pieces made with precious metals, diamonds, and gemstones.”
Image credits: Chad Konik
What jewellery services do you offer at Henson & Gold and Henson?
“Henson & Gold is known for crafting one-of-a-kind, custom jewellery pieces with a highly personalised approach. Every creation is tailored to meet the specific desires and needs of each client, offering a truly bespoke experience. While we have a small ready-to-wear collection available for immediate purchase, most clients visit us for design consultations to create their own custom jewellery pieces. We specialise in repurposing heirloom jewellery, transforming family treasures into modern pieces that can be worn every day. It’s deeply fulfilling to see these transformations and know these reimagined designs will be passed down through generations.”
What have been your proudest career moments?
“Some of my proudest career moments aren’t tied to one big milestone, but rather the small victories we achieve every day. It’s easy to overlook the day-to-day wins, but those are the ones that truly deserve to be celebrated. I believe our proudest moments are still ahead of us, which makes the journey even more exciting.
I’m especially proud of the courage we’ve shown in taking big risks, facing significant challenges, and pushing through, particularly during some of the most difficult times for the economy and people’s everyday struggles. The fact that we’ve come this far despite those obstacles is something that fills me with pride.”
Image credit: Nicholas Caldwell
What’s ahead for Rainbow Studios in 2024?
“2024 is a huge milestone for us as we celebrate turning three! We’re thrilled to announce the expansion of the RAINBOW STUDIOS showroom onto Level 2. This move marks an exciting new chapter, allowing us to fully utilise the entire building for our events, exhibitions, and private events. It’s a dream we’ve had since acquiring the space in 2021, and now, seeing it come to life feels like the perfect way to celebrate our growth and look ahead to the future of this iconic Sydney location and our brand.”