Lana Morrison Crawshaw is the outrageously chic brand manager at Wynn Hamlyn, working closely with husband and designer to help grow the smart-and-playful brand to where it is today. They recently opened the doors to a standalone Wynn Hamlyn boutique within Auckland’s Commercial Bay, with a can’t miss sunny yellow fit-out. At the brand’s studio workroom, also in Auckland Central, you’ll sometimes spot a special guest: Lana and Wynn’s beloved cat Dennis, who joined their family in May.
“Dennis was my lockdown treat - I was stalking Trade Me everyday until I found the perfect kitty. I knew it was love at first sight immediately and emailed the breeder straight away.
We named him after Dennis Rodman. At the time, Wynn and I were really into watching The Last Dance - we hoped the name Dennis would carry as much attitude.
He is totally a show-off. Persians love and crave constant affection- he's wherever I am in the house, always. When he re-enters through the cat door, he’ll always meow and make himself known.
Dennis always provides us with laughter and jokes; it’s the best after a long day. I love having him wait for me to get home everyday - he’s always so happy to see me. His favourite resting position is on his back, as if he’s always waiting for a belly rub.
Sometimes we bring him in to our workroom… I know that’s a bit strange for a cat. But he doesn’t mind car rides too much, and just loves the attention from the girls.
It’s nice to be responsible for another being. To care and love for something other than yourself is a selfless act, and in my opinion, makes us all a bit more compassionate and kinder.
I’m definitely a cat person. I didn’t really resonate with this before owning Dennis, but now, I just love them. I think being a cat person means learning to understand them - I feel like Dennis and I have our own language.
We had a tabby called Moppet in our family growing up. He was the best cat - friendly and full of character. I’ve also grown up with dogs; over the years we’ve had Bichon Frises.
Pets are just funny - like humans, they’re all so different. Moppet would sit in the hallways and be a 'block' so that the dogs couldn’t get past. I feel like so many of their traits are humanlike, and we can see them within ourselves.”
Photography by Babiche Martens
