By James Dunlop Textiles
The flagship store for ethical clothing brand Kowtow in the New Zealand capital, which opened 11 years after the fashion brand was founded, is set within a former bakery.
Until now the brand has exclusively operated online, so for the design of its first bricks-and-mortar store, they tasked Auckland-based interior design studio Knight Associates to create a space that reflected their eco-friendly ethos. The store articulates minimalism, simplicity and generosity. From the outside, two large windows frame the space. Instead of traditional displays, passersby have an open and transparent view of the store’s day to day life.
“We were excited to work with James Dunlop as sustainability and traceability is core to what we do and he wanted to execute that in the design. Every detail was considered” – Gosia Piatex - Founder & Creative Director
The store articulates minimalism, simplicity and generosity. From the outside, two large windows frame the space. Instead of traditional displays, passerbys have an open and transparent view of the store’s day to day life. Floor to ceiling structures divide the space with rhythm and support a bespoke racking system, while display shelves punctuate the space. The point of sale anchors the space and invites conversation.
“It was important that areas of the store were not closed off to the senses,” explained Knight.
“The use of the textiles enabled permeability of light, sound, and vision, meaning space could maintain a sense of singularity and cohesiveness.” Knight was heavily influenced by architect Kengo Kuma’s Prostho Museum Research Center. This building in Nagoya, Japan, features a similar timber lattice facade and also uses Chidori, a Japanese joinery technique that omits the use of nails or mechanical fixings.
“These references seemed to coalesce into something that was tactical and poetic, but functional. It was then researching how this could be realised using sustainable materials,” added Knight. The designers traded a pair of windows on the store’s facade for large panels of frameless glazing so that passersby can have a more open view of the activities taking place within the store.
The space has been dressed with a modular sofa, which sits on top of a dark grey rug crafted from salvaged materials like fishing nets. Overhead hangs an oversized lamp produced by Japanese company Ozeki & Co, which has specialised in the craft of paper lanterns since the late 19th century.
Every aspect of the store has been selected with sustainability in mind:
Design & Concept - Rufus Knight & Kowtow
Architects - Makers of Architecture
Fit Out - Makers of Fabrication
Photographer - Simon Wilson