Ragtrader regularly offers a breakdown of new Fashion concept stores in Australia. This edition, Assia Benmedjdoub takes a look at the latest offer from unisex brand Subfusco.
Originally launched as a contemporary menswear brand in 2006, Brisbane-based Subfusco ventured into women’s ready-to-wear late last year. This made the design of its new concept store in Fortitude Valley all the more interesting – how to merchandise both its Homme and Femme lines in just one retail space?
Founder Josh Scacheri, who once operated a menswear-only store in Fortitude Valley’s TCB building, opted to head up the project himself instead of contracting an interior design specialist.
He was inspired by the idea of an art gallery, with the sparse decor intended to frame his garments rather than push new boundaries in design.
“The store features all white walls, industrial white lights and a custom-made hanging rail,” he explains. “When merchandising, the white space brings focus to the colour pallet of the collection and allows the key colours to speak.”
The men’s and women’s collections sit together, with each hanger spaced exactly 25mm apart to allow for the clearer presentation of each garment. Scacheri’s custom-built hanging rail allows for this precision, featuring pre-drilled sections for each hanger.
“The theme is always minimal,” he says of the black and white retail space. “But weekly we focus on a different story throughout the store, giving our clients a unique experience each visit. We also like to incorporate art and other visual objects within the store to create a point of difference.”
As an intimate, 40sqm standalone site on Ann Street, Scacheri says it was important for him to add an element of space to the boutique. Key materials include perspex, aluminium and concrete.
“We have also utilised mirrors for the entire back section of the store. The mirrors are also featured on the changing room doors and reflect the natural light evenly, creating a wonderful sense of space.”
Subfusco specialises in cutting-edge, streamlined garments for men and women, with the latest collection featuring a unisex tank priced at $99, high-waisted canopy pants at $179 and skinny jeans at $240.
Store Location: 692 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley.