Kowtow Flagship Store

by Rufus Knight

With an emphasis on natural-based, locally sourced and sustainable architectural design, fashion brand Kowtow opens flagship store as a collaborative design concept with Rufus Knight.

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. Every aspect of the store has been selected with sustainability in mind.

“The store opening is an opportunity to bring the Kowtow ethos into a physical space. The only option for us was to engage interior designer and architect, Rufus Knight, as he is leading the charge with innovative interiors.

Rufus was excited to work with us as sustainability and traceability is core to what we do and he wanted to execute that in the design. Every detail was considered – from the recycled nylon rugs to the New Zealand grown and milled timber.”

Organic materials such as sustainably grown, harvested and milled eucalyptus was used, and finished off by hand with a non-toxic and eco-friendly Osmo hardwax oil.

Point of sale and display units have been made with valchromat, which is a FSC certified products made with post-industrial recycled wood chips with an aim of reducing environment impact on production.

Handmade ceramic tiles by local artist Gidon Bing were incorporated into the design of this store, and floor rugs made from salvaged and recycled synthetics; including fishing nets recovered from the ocean, were also included into the finish design of the space.

The inclusion of modular sofas, designed by Simon James and upholstered with renewable and compostable fibres was also added to the space, along with linen curtains which have been made from sustainably grown, harvested and processed material, using environmentally friendly dew-retting methods for production.

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