In the historic GJ Coles building on Little Collins Street, the Rodd & Gunn Global Flagship store is a landmark project for both the brand and Studio Y. Evoking the romance of Melbourne’s retail golden age and spanning four levels, the flagship is conceived as a layered experience; each floor is designed as a standalone destination with its own atmosphere, materiality and concept.

We were inspired by the art deco influence of renowned architect Harry Norris, who designed the building in the 1920s. On the retail level, we introduced a refined palette of black and white, evoking the grand department stores of yesteryear, with marble, leather and plaid finishes. New cornicing, which wouldn’t have looked amiss in the original, was installed. 

The subterranean Cellar & Wine Bar pays homage to the original Coles Cafeteria that used to occupy the top levels of the site. We designed custom booth seating inspired by original booths upstairs, while the chequered vinyl flooring is an interpolation of the Coles one. Upstairs, the heritage Aztec columns have not only remained untouched, but positioned as the centrepiece of the Lodge Dining Room.