Elle by Lot 1

Elle’s all-in-one boutique, located in Sydney’s Inner West, is a monolithic sanctuary that offers a refuge from the city’s hustle. Characterised by hushed tones, soft lighting and curvilinear forms, the idyllic atelier – formerly a warehouse and designed by Sydney-based studio Lot 1 – feels as if it could have been conceived in a single breath.

For any store owner, housing multiple functions within a single space involves hours of strategic planning. The same was true for the founder of bespoke evening wear and bridal wear label Elle, who aimed to incorporate a store, a headquarters and a storage facility all under one roof. As Tammy Miconi, founder and principal of Lot 1, explains, the challenge was to adapt the space throughout the day. “From a user experience perspective, the boutique needed to cater to walk-in clients during trading hours while also accommodating appointment-only bookings for bridal party fittings,” she says.

Wanting to create a space that could transform to suit any occasion, Miconi embraced a minimalist design, opting for muted tones and unfinished textures to allow for adaptability and personalisation.

Wanting to create a space that could transform to suit any occasion, Miconi embraced a minimalist design, opting for muted tones and unfinished textures to allow for adaptability and personalisation. This vision comes to life in the soft, almond-toned entryway, where a custom point-of-sale counter is adorned with raw plaster layers that subtly reveal the natural quartzite stone beneath, setting the stage for the boutique’s overarching raw-meets-polished aesthetic.

The entryway’s pared-back identity is reflected in the merchandising, with garments seemingly levitating from a single rail along the contours of the curved plaster walls. This streamlined effect is further enhanced by the custom arched dressing rooms, which feature bespoke mirrors and spacious interiors to elevate the luxury of trying on new pieces. Similarly, the rectilinear industrial section is softened by curved partitions and understated furniture, contributing to the overall refined nature.

The interior boasts an earthy charm, thanks to a trowel-applied travertine finish, a technique with roots in Rome that reveals the natural, grainy texture of lime minerals.

The interior boasts an earthy charm, thanks to a trowel-applied travertine finish, a technique with roots in Rome that reveals the natural, grainy texture of lime minerals. Throughout, amorphous forms and rustic textures, including microcement flooring, champagne-glazed doors, linen curtains and travertine plaster walls, provide a sophisticated counterpoint to the brand’s diaphanous dresses and gowns. The lighting gently haloes the setting, enhancing the weaves, shades and details of each garment.

The pièce de résistance of the store is the helix staircase, a sculptural centrepiece located just outside the display space that connects the ground floor to an upstairs lounging area and company boardroom. “It is intentionally visible at all points in the customer journey. While it’s primarily used by staff and models as a striking backdrop for photo shoots, it is experienced by everyone in the boutique,” says Miconi, who infused a feminine visual language through monumental forms and sylphlike curves that echo the scale and signature of the garments. She finished the timber-moulded handrail in the same travertine plaster as the balustrade, blending the two elements to project the illusion of a single megalithic form.

The lighting gently haloes the setting, enhancing the weaves, shades and details of each garment.

On the upper storey, original trusses highlighted in dark charcoal paint complement a dropped plaster ceiling and skylights, which bathe the back-of-house workspaces in warm, golden light. The design seamlessly combines form and function, optimising operations while creating a space that resonates with visitors.

Interior design and styling by Lot 1.