Real Living Australia - June 2018

A KIWI ECO FASHION

LABEL CHANNELS JAPAN IN

ITS FIRST FLAGSHIP STORE

KOWTOW

WELLINGTON

RUFUS KNIGHT’S DESIGN

Japanese design principles abound in the new Kowtow retail

store. The slatted timber room dividers and ricepaper

lampshades recall airy Zen-inspired interiors, while crackle

glazes evoke the patina of age-old Oriental ceramics. What

could be more in step with Kowtow’s eco philosophies?

THERE’S NOTHING OFF THE PEG about the design of

this new clothing store in central Wellington. It’s the first

storefront for eco fashion label Kowtow, and a key part of

the brief to designer Rufus Knight of Knight Associates was

for it to fit snugly into the brand’s eco values. “The store is

an opportunity to bring the Kowtow ethos into a physical

space,” says Kowtow founder and creative director Gosia

Piatek. “Sustainability and traceability are core to what we

do, and Rufus wanted to execute that in the design.” Rufus

looked to Japan for much of his inspiration, using timber

screens rather than solid walls, ricepaper pendants and

plenty of planet-friendly materials – think floor rugs made

from recycled synthetics, sustainable eucalyptus panels

and non-toxic oils. The emphasis is on openness, thanks

to the see-through screens and picture windows that invite

passersby to see the store’s workings. “The store articulates

minimalism, simplicity and generosity,” Gosia says. R

text

chris pearson |

photography

simon wilson |

design and concept

rufus knight

and kowtow |

architects

makers of architecture |

fitout

makers of fabrication

Southern exposure Industrial-style exposed

pipework and concrete beams are in harmony

with the company’s open, no-nonsense ethos.

@reallivingmag

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