Lovers of the Paul Smith brand won’t be surprised to hear that the iconic British designer, known for his love of tradition and the classics, has chosen a heritage listed building on upper Collins Street, Melbourne, as the site for his first Australian store.
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The impressively detailed red brick façade, gothic lead lined and stained glass windows form the perfect backdrop for the designer’s idiosyncratic apparel and accessories.
Much of the original interior – formerly a professional chambers – has been retained. The store sits over two levels and occupies a number of intimate rooms, giving one the feeling of walking through a boudoir or gentleman’s dressing room.
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The tiled, front lobby is appropriately decorated in Paul Smith-toned, primary colours and lined with 1960’s American brass display cabinets which showcase a range of accessories and objects.
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Reflecting Smith’s genuine sense of humour and mischief, the men’s collection room features a brightly painted fireplace, juxtaposed by traditional walnut furniture. The adjacent womenswear collection is suspended from a curved brass rail which runs the length of the space and is accentuated by a striking coral chandelier.
The central zone, a sales desk, which feels more like a boutique hotel reception area, is flanked by the traditional staircase and a double height wall gallery, lined with an eclectic collection of photographs, prints and objects.
The upper level is defined by a reclaimed mahogany parquet floor which leads shoppers into the suit room, a grand space with two bay windows and original fireplaces. The adjacent rooms display casual-wear in contemporary cabinetry, offset with quirky animal illustrations hand painted on to the walls.
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Although a more nostalgic, restrained version of his other stores, the Melbourne flagship is a a fitting representation of the designer’s “classic-with-a-twist” apparel and accessories.