The brief was to create a resort-like escape, inspired by the lustre and allure of the South Sea Pearl. The space was to feel more like a relaxing lounge space than it did a typical jewellery store, with interiors that carried customers out of their surroundings and into the world of Autore Moda. In the beginning my client told me: “typically when you think of pearl jewellery, you think of your grandma or perhaps Queen wearing a decadent strand of pearls.” She wants to change this narrative and wanted a space that reflected the contemporary style and aesthetic of the jewellery house’s DNA.

When entering the store, customers are immersed in a calming haven composed of soft tones and elegant materials that were carefully selected to honour the South Sea Pearl. The interior space follows the curve of its shell, curated with layers of minimalist shapes covered in textured hues of pink and terracotta that reflecting brand’s identity. The plastered Marmorino walls and velvet fabrics invite the light to reflect and dance around the space, illustrating the luminescence of the Pearl and contrasting with a deeper custom-coloured micro-cement floor.

As customers move through the store, they are invited to admire the jewellery that rests in displays framed in pink marble, aged brass detailing and soft Venetian plaster. Curved hand-finished columns create division between the window displays, illuminated by antique Murano sconces, paying tribute to the founder Ruby Autore’s Italian heritage. A large floor to ceiling mirror sits on the inside of the front display, capturing the reflection of the store and enlarging one’s perception of the interior space.

The main feature of the store is the Autore Moda curved alcove. The alcove’s lustre and form represent the inside of the pearl shell, lined with a curved velvet banquette scattered with pearl-like sphere cushions paying tribute to the overall concept. We searched for inspiration to create a feature for the lounge that mirrored the curve of the South Sea Pearl. We were looking at domes and curves in different ways when we came across the idea of an alcove and drew inspiration from the beautiful design feature in Richard Shapiro's Malibu home and the Proper Hotel in Santa Monica.

The design solution had to include a secure storage room, lounging space and enough secure display units to carry the collection. Our client wanted the store to evoke an experience for her customers that allowed them to feel like they knew the brand after they left the space.

The main design challenges were the size of the store, 2 existing structural columns and curved glass windows that spanned 2 sides of the store. The solution was to capture the curve of the alcove and build a wall that aligned with one of the existing mullions creating a storage room. We embraced the existing columns and used them as a lighting feature to divide the window displays. We decided to design lower window displays on the side of the store, preventing the space from feeling small and claustrophobic.

The end result: on a sunny day, when you sit in the curved alcove, the light shines in and the space evokes a feeling of serenity making you feel safe inside the shell of the store whilst watching the people of Sydney pass by.

Team: 
Interior Design: Alex Morrison Interiors
Photographer: Dave Wheeler