St. Agni Bondi Boutique by Pattern Studio

For St. Agni’s Bondi Boutique, Pattern Studio delivers a space that balances quiet confidence with refined materiality, offering a distinct identity while remaining in step with the brand’s existing locations.

Creating a retail space that feels both intentional and effortless is no easy task, yet Pattern Studio has achieved just that. Their design for St. Agni’s new Bondi Boutique embraces the character of the existing building while introducing a subtle evolution in the brand’s aesthetic. The result is a space that respects its context, celebrates restraint and offers a tactile, engaging experience for visitors.

Having collaborated with St. Agni previously, Pattern Studio was once again given creative freedom in shaping the new boutique.

Having collaborated with St. Agni previously, Pattern Studio was once again given creative freedom in shaping the new boutique. “St. Agni have been a dream collaborator – they really gave us the reins creatively,” says Lily Goodwin, co-director of Pattern Studio. “We discussed how this store would feel in keeping with the other sites yet have its own identity within the group.” Rather than taking direct inspiration from its coastal setting, the studio took a more abstract approach, considering how the location’s character could be reflected metaphorically and emotively.

The building’s original architecture provided a strong foundation. Open truss ceilings and rugged concrete floors – elements with an inherent tactile charm – were celebrated rather than concealed. “The tactile charm of these older buildings can really be enhanced by the introduction of contrasting design elements,” Goodwin explains. Metallic wall panelling provides a clean backdrop that allows the garments to take centrestage, while an angled unit toward the back of the store creates a fitting area akin to a styling suite. Carefully curated lighting, including vintage and contemporary pieces, lends warmth and nuance to the space.

The result is a space that respects its context, celebrates restraint and offers a tactile, engaging experience for visitors.

Working with an existing structure inevitably presents challenges. The building’s masonry walls featured a series of non-original openings – unevenly spaced and inconsistent in scale – that interrupted the spatial rhythm. “We opted to conceal these behind the wall panelling, and the result is a much cleaner aesthetic,” says Goodwin. This intervention allowed the space to maintain a sense of cohesion without losing the integrity of the original architecture.

St. Agni’s approach to retail design aligns with their broader philosophy – prioritising quality and refinement over excess. “St. Agni are to be commended for where they have shown restraint and what they have been willing to invest in,” says Goodwin. “It really is a project and a brand we are delighted to have been involved with.”

By balancing raw and refined, old and new, St. Agni Bondi Boutique speaks to a broader shift in contemporary retail – one that favours longevity, material integrity and a sense of quiet confidence.

Interior design by Pattern Studio. Build by Kennedy Knight.