P Johnson Femme at The Strand Arcade by Tamsin Johnson

P Johnson Femme, the womenswear arm of P Johnson, has made its mark in Sydney’s CBD with the opening of a new store on the first floor of The Strand Arcade.

Renowned for its distinctive tailoring and luxurious fabrics, P Johnson Femme continues to uphold the brand’s deep appreciation for craftsmanship, offering garments that exude elegance, versatility and longevity. The new space provides the perfect backdrop for the full collection, transporting visitors to an intimate continental salon, where every detail evokes decadence and femininity.

The new space provides the perfect backdrop for the full collection, transporting visitors to an intimate continental salon, where every detail evokes decadence and femininity.

Designed by Tamsin Johnson, the store takes inspiration from a sophisticated parlour or drawing room. “I love the historical, ‘continental’ approach of being rich and elaborate, avoiding white, creating lavish details, a lot of personality, depth of character and beautiful, attention-seeking ornamentation,” says Johnson. Her vision was to create a space that transcends the typical retail experience, offering visitors an environment filled with character, feminine strength and warm, textured materials.

The design seamlessly blends vintage and contemporary elements, showcasing Johnson’s skill in combining pieces from different decades and continents to create a space that feels both permanent and inviting. Antique Versailles parquetry guides visitors through the store, while parchment-like walls provide a soft backdrop for red-lipped Murano glass pendants and fringed Indian yellow silk curtains. Playful touches, such as custom leopard carpets in the fitting rooms and a whimsical Fornasetti settee, further heighten the sensory experience, adding layers of personality to the space.

The store’s design contrasts with the fast-paced retail world, encouraging visitors to pause, explore and engage with the space.

Johnson’s focus was on creating a distinct journey for customers. “Wherever a store is, it needs to create its own journey that is quite separated from its environment. A mall is competitive and quite rushed, so it needs to say, ‘slow down and stay,’” she says. The store’s design contrasts with the fast-paced retail world, encouraging visitors to pause, explore and engage with the space.

This sense of intimacy enhances the shopping experience, making each visit feel personal. “I want the P Johnson client to experience something highly considered,” says Johnson. “The average retail experience is rather reductive, but you need to captivate your audience with something generous, tasteful and something that can slow them down. There should be a lot to investigate about the space, it should charm and give the clothes their due attention.”

“I want the P Johnson client to experience something highly considered,” says Johnson.

The P Johnson Femme collection reflects this thoughtful approach, with garments designed to be cherished for years. Each piece embodies the brand’s ethos of longevity and craft, encouraging clients to build wardrobes that stand the test of time. By creating a store that mirrors these values, P Johnson Femme’s new space in The Strand Arcade offers an experience that feels both timeless and personal, elevating the art of shopping into something to be savoured.

Interior design by Tamsin Johnson. Build by Alexander Interiors.