Trelise Cooper’s brief for her Wellington flagship called for a comfortably minimal background to her garments while conveying the joy and unique personality of her brand. Gascoigne Studios and Datum Projects worked together to deliver a welcoming store environment where customer experience is paramount.

Trelise wanted a fashionable but also comfortable interior with sense of generosity, opulence and playfulness (hence the velvet swing!). The store is often used for fashion events and after-hours client fittings.

The design features a vestibule behind the existing front door which faces a curved back wall forming a backdrop to a "Catwalk" of mannequins. Walls are white lime-wash with colour and texture added by the herringbone oak parquet floor and brass accents. The existing ceiling was removed and the slab and services were featured by being painted in Trelise’s signature “Paper Doll” pink.

Traditional elements were also featured including vintage chandeliers, parquet flooring, marble and brass detailing.

Nathan Goldworthy-designed table legs are used and also adapted to form a custom wall racking system.

Origami decoration is by Trelise and her staff, echoed by a feature bird pendant light.

The 4 fitting rooms, featuring velvet fabrics selected by Trelise, create a sense of surprise and delight to this crucial customer service area, which is also used for model changing. Customer comfort was vital to Trelise so the seating and fitting room size were carefully considered. A custom Dilana carpet, features her own floral design. Metallic louvers provide privacy while enabling communication with the counter.

The challenge of working with a world-famous fashion designer was to support, but not over-power, her fashions. We combined elements of Trelises’s eclectic, colourful and detailed style into an environment neutral enough to adapt to a variety of clothes, seasons and events.