SYDNEY: Designer Ben Pollitt will make his debut into the world of retail this evening when he opens the first Friedrich Gray 'studio store'.
“It felt right after the Rosemount Australian Fashion Week show and leading into winter it is a good way to offer our customers a personalised experience,” Pollitt said of the new venture.
He confirmed he is looking at opening additional retail sites.
“This concept is the beginning of a retail concept that we will be working on over the next year.”
The 20sqm store is nestled in Rosebery alongside Pollitt's design studio. Of the suburban Sydney location, Pollitt said he was keen to create “a destination location outside the normal retail suburbs”.
The site will be home to the Friedrich Gray winter 2010 collection, the Friedrich Gray studio collection, archive pieces and prototypes. Clients will also be able to order custom leather jackets.
As for the space itself, Pollitt revealed it has been inspired by his unisex label's eight line logo.
“Eight vertical beams are exposed on the outside made from recycled Oregon timber, painted white. With the inside wrapped in black plastic, lit with white neon bulbs with a polished concrete floor. The feel is luxurious industrial/minimal,” he said.
The store will be open Wednesdays to Saturdays, with additional times available via appointment.
Friedrich Gray is currently available in over 20 stores across Australia and New Zealand and 15 doors in Asia.