Claremont Store Opening
Scanlan Theodore is pleased to announce the opening of our newest boutique in Claremont, Perth. Positioned on the corner of Bay View Terrace and St Quentin Avenue, the space is situated in one of the city’s most prestigious retail precincts, renowned for its luxury fashion and lifestyle offering. This marks Scanlan Theodore’s twenty-second stand-alone boutique in Australia, along with five David Jones concessions and five boutiques located throughout the United States.
Measuring a total area of 280 square metres on two floors within a heritage building, the boutique features a spacious retail floor, fitting rooms and a styling suite. The building itself is an iconic monument dating back to 1961, when Commonwealth Bank initially occupied the space.
“The original 1961 building by Perth’s award-winning architects, Silver Fairbrother & Associates, is a classic example of mid-Twentieth Century minimalism and innovation that had been extensively altered over time. Studio McQualter not only reinstated the lines and feel of the original ‘international style’ building in creating the new Scanlan Theodore store, but brought a Twenty-First Century understanding of customised, high-end materials, luxe decoration and sustainability to it.”
- Studio McQualter.
The historical integrity of the building was upheld throughout every stage of the design process - striking a balance between timeless and contemporary, in line with Scanlan Theodore’s design philosophy. Original features consisted of a breeze block parapet wall and blue glass mosaic tile facade, replaced in the 1980’s with a heritage facade, in line with the terraced architecture.
“Working from early photographs the designers created an intricate, upper-level screen facade using carbon-neutral blockwork while also reinstating the lost tile facade with hand cut mosaics plus metre height Scanlan Theodore signage that revisits the company’s earliest graphics” - Studio McQualter.
The signature retail concept remains true to the brand’s signature ethos, which has been under the design direction of acclaimed Australian interior designer, Don McQualter, for 35 years. Scanlan Theodore Founder and Director, Gary Theodore, describes the partnership as “one of creative respect and mutual aestheticism”, emerging in 1987 when Scanlan Theodore opened their first boutique in South Yarra. The boutique atmosphere evokes a memorable quality, with design moments to inspire an experience of intimate luxury.
In addition to the heritage 60’s breeze block, the boutique features a traditional cement lime render, broken edge glass mosaic tiles, large format windows and façade signage of the original Scanlan Theodore logo from 1987, designed by Robert Pearce. Colour palettes include a light grey breeze block supported by a lemon curd wall, elephant grey glass tiles and various moments of green, from tiled plinths to soft furnishings in carpet and linen. Stainless steel finishes uphold the window trims and light fittings, complemented by black and tan leather countertops, marble tables and shelving, as well as a polished concrete terrazzo floor.
“A graceful, perforated metal awning runs almost the entire length of the store’s windows facing St Quentin Avenue, providing dappled light for both the interior and street along with boutique outdoor landscaping. It's a level of sophistication that is mirrored inside as well. From the in-situ terrazzo floors to the high gloss, waxed plaster walls, reclaimed Tallow wood ceilings, marble accessories shelving, belting leather surfaces and exclusive VIP room, the store is the essence of relaxed, understated luxury.”
- Studio McQualter.
To celebrate the opening of the boutique, Scanlan Theodore hosted VIP guests and friends of the brand for an intimate soiree. Unveiling the iconic boutique, guests were entertained with a performance from the Perth Symphony Orchestra, a live Portrait Studio by renowned photographer Hugh Stewart and an exclusive preview of Summer 22 Part Three.
Acclaimed for his portraiture, New Zealand-born photographer Hugh Stewart has captured some of the world's most recognisable faces in unguarded, oftentimes irreverent moments. Setting up an elegant portrait studio in the Claremont Boutique, Hugh invited guests to step in front of the lens, capturing a celebratory memento for guests to take home.
Paying homage to the history of the boutique, Pascale Whiting and Sacha McCulloch of the Perth Symphony Orchestra, reimagined contemporary soundtracks, playing a curated setlist on the violin and cello.