Allen Tailoring | INK interior architects

Allen Tailoring is a retail studio space with an androgynous elegance. We take inspiration from the art of tailoring and celebrate the beauty of the industrial machines, tools and equipment. We aim to give a ‘lived in’ feel that is not too precious, by employing finishes with patina and age.

At a tiny 18sqm, Allen Tailoring is a bustling studio. The client downsized from a space triple the size, yet still operates at the same capacity. We achieved this with considered space planning and functional design detail.

Two central joinery units are the key ingredients, as together they create a division in the space and house a multitude of tools and equipment. They become a central hub for customers and staff alike.

The longest wall of the site is the most appropriate for the placement of sewing machines. We contest the idea that staff should be hidden ‘in the back’ and we seek to display their craft, allowing the customer to appreciate the process. We commission an artist to create a permanent shopfront display, using vintage scissors and cotton reels on mesh panels. This is the only retail display of the entire store to advertise the service on offer. It spikes the curiosity of passers-by.  

The finishes palette draws inspiration from the heritage site and the tailoring craft. We specifically look for finishes with a natural patina or age that can add texture and interest – there is nothing too precious in this space. Walls are clad in mottled, antique mirror and create an illusion of depth. A hand applied aged finish is also used to give a worn feel to the interior; almost a nod to the past and the layers of history that exists before Allen Tailoring. The overall aesthetic has a careful mix of masculine and feminine to appeal to the vast array of customers the store attracts.

RECOGNITION: 2016 Interior Design Excellence Awards (Australia) - Retail Category - Shortlisted