Australia’s oldest heritage brand, Oroton, founded in 1938, is back in the limelight. Known for its craftsmanship and practicality, leather goods and iconic metallic-mesh evening bags (found in the depths of every mum’s closet), the brand returned to the zeitgeist in 2019 with its first ready-to-wear collection. Now it has planted its first concept store in Paddington, Sydney.
Unlike the other 40 or so Oroton boutiques across the country, “We wanted [Paddington] to feel like a home,” creative director Sophie Holt tells Broadsheet. The store is designed more like a chic Paddington home, with a mix of vintage pieces, sharp modern objects, and strong colours. New-season clothing and accessories are stocked, but there are also glass cabinets, bright apple green bookshelves, tables filled with collectibles, coffee table books for customers to delve into, and sculptures. The paintings on display are by Oroton’s merchandiser, Alexandria Park, and are for sale.
There’s a “dining” area – a space for book clubs and dinners – and a little kitchenette with rattan bar stools in the corner for customers to enjoy a drink or two. The fitting room area, with its playful raspberry-pink sofa and bright blue-and-white striped rug, doubles as a salon for hosting styling sessions and personal shopping.
“We want the space, like the brand, to keep evolving,” says Holt. “For example, the ‘plate wall’ is currently covered in blue and white porcelain plates to reflect the latest collection inspired by Portuguese tiles and their blue tones, and most of the furniture is movable and can be replaced if we need a refresh.”
Community is at the heart of the Paddington concept store. “There’s a real village feel to Paddington. It’s exclusive but also charming with a tight-knit community, which we want to be part of,” says Holt. The store will host and showcase in-store exhibitions featuring local artisans and a carefully curated calendar of community events. “We want to create a community hub, where it’s about creativity and discovery, beyond just clothing.”
Oroton Paddington
118–120 Oxford Street, Paddington
Hours:
Mon to Wed, Fri 9.30am–5.30pm
Thu 9.30am–7pm
Sat 9am–5pm
Sun 10am–5pm
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