It was our mutual friend Sir Paul Smith who introduced me to Nathalie and I was immediately struck by the similarities in the design values we share: simplicity, clarity, proportion and exacting attention to detail. Originally a sculptor and cabinet maker, Nathalie studied furniture design at the RCA and her talent for crafting beautiful objects is simply breath-taking. Combined with her ferocious work ethic, it’s a joy to collaborate with her. We have now formed a partnership, Giubbilei&deLeval, and have developed two collections of garden furniture together – Smith, named as a thank you to our friend Paul, and Rosewood.