About

Designed in Melbourne + Handcrafted in Bali

By Olivia Lennan

The original label (Tan & Brown) began in 2009 + quietly built a devoted following. The pieces were worn often + shared widely - adopted by a small but loyal community, including stylists + well-known faces. It was never positioned as a celebrity brand, but it travelled further than expected.

The style was inspired by the colours + textures of the East (Tan) + using traditional bag shapes in the West (Brown). In 2014, I paused Tan & Brown. Life shifted + new chapters opened. It was my passion, a dream "job", but the time had come to put it on hold.

I always imagined that I would return to it, but I wasn't sure when. Now, my kids are older + life has settled; it is time to pick up where I left off.

What remained was the question: If I were to build again, what would I do differently?

Elizabeth Debicki

Asher Keddie

Brenna Harding

Teresa Palmer

Krew Boylan

Claudia Karvan

2009

The Begining

I started Tan & Brown after I moved to Singapore + was pregnant with my daughter. The Brand began as an independent fashion label + I specialised in exotic leathers from Hong Kong.

2010

A Family Affair

My sister, Courtney, moved to Singapore to help grow the brand + it started to gain attention among stylists, editors + well-known faces. Our evening clutches were a staple on the red carpet in Australia.

2011

A Loyal Following Grows

Tan & Brown developed a cult following, appearing frequently in editorials + celebrity styling. The bags are shared widely + carried often.

2013

Courtney Steps Away

After moving to Bali to set up production, Courtney steps away from the brand to pursue her own Marketing Agency in Sydney - Luxe Communications. Tan & Brown continues to gain momentum.

2014

Indefinite Hiatus

After a wild ride, it was time to pause Tan & Brown + return to Sydney with two little kids in tow. I always hoped to one day return, but wasn't sure how.

2019

A New Design

I visited Bali for the first time since leaving + began working on the first (new) design. It was finally time... then COVID hit.

2026

Tan + Brown Launch

After COVID, I took the corporate route + worked at the Australian Open. This was an incredible opportunity + something I will always treasure. But now... It's time to start again. This time, the ampersand is replaced with a plus (Tan + Brown) - a cheeky nod to a new updated version. In a full circle moment, my daughter became the campaign model.

Magdalena Roze

Miranda Otto

Diana Glenn

Grace Huang

Chloe Bayliss

Emma Lung

The relaunch brings us back to the beginning. I always wanted to create a label that challenged the perception of luxury as a price point + a walking advertisement.

It's simple. I create bags that I love + want to share. Bags that include subtle luxuries like real leather linings + refined finishes. Bags that are designed to elevate personal style without overpowering it.

The new iteration takes the original dream + design DNA + goes even further with its core values.

Tan + Brown is built on a pre-order basis, with small, defined runs + limited editions of 50 per colourway per style. I am doing this so I can make unique pieces customers want + limit excess waste.

For the first time, I am offering access to the Private Atelier. This allows me to share that feeling I get when I create something + get to see it come to life, something you don't get to experience very often.

The brand ethos is not just about a signature style; it moves away from mass production + the need to be on every arm. It's about sharing what I love most, working with people I care about + sharing the feeling of enjoying the process along the way.

I create pieces that I want to share in small productions + made-to-order. It's not for everyone, + that's ok. For me, the process is as much a part of the experience as receiving the bag is. For me, there is anticipation in the process + intention in the wait.