Coastal Curiosity – Viktoria & Woods by Annabel Kerr Interior Design
Established in 2004, Viktoria & Woods is a homegrown fashion label with a rising retail presence across Australia. The brand’s latest boutique at Pacific Fair, designed in collaboration with interior designer Annabel Kerr, marks the label’s 15th bricks and mortar location in the country.
Viktoria & Woods is synonymous with modern, pared-back wardrobe staples. To translate its minimalist signature into the design scheme of its latest store, the label’s Founder & Creative Director Margie Woods enlisted the help of interior designer Annabel Kerr, who previously collaborated with the label for stores at The Strand, New South Wales and Rundle Street, Adelaide. Before pursuing a career in interior design, Annabel worked in the Viktoria & Woods marketing team. Familiar with the brand’s design ethos, she was able to conceive an authentic design language for its new location.
Offering the conveniences of a premium shopping destination, the Pacific Fair boutique store takes inspiration from its coastal surrounds. Soft beige quartzite stone, incorporated along counters and surfaces, nods to the tranquil seaside environment. The point of sale lies at the heart of the store, allowing the surrounding space to serve as a free-flowing experience realm for customers. An Italian vintage chair from the 1960s, sourced by designer Tamsin Johnson, adds a classic flair to the setting.
Characterised by neutral tones and soft lines, the boutique is elevated through subtle details. The entrance is defined by hand-carved door handles and a pair of nested tables, whilst the interior echoes the label’s Australian-made signature, with bespoke lighting and objects made by local Australian designers and artisans. This includes sculptures by Brisbane-based ceramicist Jess Sellinger and handmade lighting by Melbourne creative Sarah Nedovich Gaunt. The label’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the objets d’art by local artisan Zachary Frankel, each handcrafted from naturally fallen timber; and in the rug by Hali, woven from sustainably harvested tencel.
The opening of the Pacific Fair boutique coincided with the launch of the Viktoria & Woods Resort 2023 collection. Designed and curated in collaboration with contemporary artist Ksenia Shinkarenko, the 16-piece capsule epitomises coastal dressing whilst paying homage to Australia’s golden shorelines.
True to the brand’s tradition of elevated design, the Viktoria & Woods stores and its collections are equally considered. Previously, the label has partnered with highly reputed interior designers such as Fiona Lynch and Design by Golden – in the same vein, the new Viktoria & Woods boutique by Annabel Kerr is parlaying the brand’s time-honoured design ethos, resonating with both people and places.
