A blushing Bondi sunset inspires the elevated illumination for the Witchery flagship
Witchery Bondi, Sydney
A lot of thinking went into this incredible space.
We created a retail lighting experience that works hand-in-hand with consumer psychology & waste minimisation for iconic Australian women’s label Witchery.
With a brief of making artificial light look as if natural light is pouring in, the rich light of the area in the world-renowned Bondi beach acted as a catalyst for the illumination design.
Andro Adjustable Recessed
“The fitting rooms have their own illuminated garment hangers and luminaires grazing the curtains – developed in collaboration with EMAC.”
Working in unison with the Witchery Store Design & Development team, lighting designers ambience concentrated on detail and carefully-considered customisations of the light fittings and illumination levels to achieve a retail lighting strategy-based around consumer behaviour and waste minimisation, even going so far as to use recycled aluminium from discarded lighting waste.
A rigorous testing process was undertaken to make sure that the colour output from the lighting was consistent throughout the space. Showcased over the concierge is the customised solid brass/venetian pink pendant by Symphony, tailored to partner the finishes. The fitting rooms have their own illuminated garment hangers and luminaires grazing the curtains – developed in collaboration with EMAC.
A focal point is also the Concentric wall light from Long Island’s Allied Maker, hand-crafted from American hardwood (with 1 tree planted per light sold). There are two Andro downlights (produced with aluminium from recycled light fittings) per fit room, one to illuminate the hung clothing on the rail, the other is fitted with a customised softening lens to minimise shadows and give a sense of wellbeing.
Interior
Witchery Store Design & Development
Build
EMAC Constructions
Photography
Throughout the space, the Andro spotlights are custom-made with deep baffles and lens technology to reduce glare and create a more intimate environment. They were also engineered to illuminate displays only – without bleeding or light wastage. This has resulted in more contrast, an intimate environment, product focus and more efficiency.
All fittings are dimmable, giving flexibility to set the mood but also has the indirect effect of creating less waste and energy use through extending the lifetime of the luminaires. The team at Witchery have created a captivating and considered space with sustainability in mind, no small feat during the constraints of covid, with as much effort put into the lighting with what you can see, against what you cannot.