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
James Dunlop Textiles is a wholesale supplier for the furniture trade. Please contact your nearest retailer to specify our products or contact us to open a trade account.
We’ve developed a deep-seated knowledge of interior textiles in our 110-year history. We’re interested in different ways of living, and we’re constantly exploring what fabrics can bring to people’s lives. And life has always informed what we do.
We believe in fabrics that have a unique viewpoint, born from a curiosity about the world. Fabrics with a sense of purpose. Fabrics that are crafted with passion, and embrace the lives spent on and around them. Fabric that spans trends, generations and cultures. The fabric of life.
Our Story
James Dunlop Textiles was founded in 1907 in the bustling port of Dunedin, New Zealand as a supplier of European fabric to retailers. From a dynasty of Freemen and textile merchants based in the Scottish countryside close to the border of Northern England, a commitment to quality design and performance ensured longevity for company and product alike.
Over a century later, the fourth generation Dunlop family governs this innovative design-based organisation across the Asia- Pacific region. With a strong focus on sustainable textile excellence, coupled with world-class logistics and service, the company enjoys industry accolades and support from a wide base of global retail and interior design customers.
“We are proud of our history and legacy; delivering excellence and a sustainable future to the textile industry. We are passionate about quality fabrics, and have been for a very long time.”
Design Studios
James Dunlop Textiles has three design studios – Sydney, Auckland & Melbourne. By virtue of their locations, these studios have important access to two of our key markets and the ability to explore and forecast design trends.
Bursting with creativity, the studios and their team's research, develop and customise fabric and wallpaper from conception to market entry. Their ability to work with international suppliers and view textiles within the greater design context provides an essential service to the company and our customers.
At James Dunlop Textiles we are interested in different ways of living. We’re constantly exploring what fabric can bring to people’s life. We view the world through a uniquely Australasian lens, so in designing and curating our collections we look both outwards and inwards.
Being on-trend is compulsory, but as important to us is being relevant to the environmental and situational usage that our fabrics will be exposed to. Whether it Christchurch, Canberra or California, our textiles have been purposely designed to perform and look great.
Our Culture
We’re a people business and we’re relationship-driven. Our suppliers, and most importantly our customers like to know that our people care and are passionate about the product and level of service they provide.
We have a fabulous team of talented individuals who work together at all levels to achieve the vision and goals of James Dunlop Textiles.
Our success stems from a genuine passion for product and a desire to exceed customer expectations at all levels.
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