Spatial Clarity: Remy Menswear Store in Sydney CBD by Ritz & Ghougassian.

Renowned for menswear that’s simple, elegant and utilitarian, Remy’s first showroom reflects the relaxed and effortless approach founder Remy brings to the making of his garments. Set within Sydney’s CBD, the showroom serves as a space of serenity in the bustling streets of the city centre.

Ritz & Ghougassian designed the interior, including custom pieces of joinery and furniture. Loose objects rest on a monolithic travertine island table that runs down the centre of the showroom. These are flanked by a mirror-clad spine that doubles as fitting rooms and storage. The large mirrored wall reflects Remy’s clients and his staff along with the afternoon sun as it tracks through the space, creating a theatrical dance of light and shadow.

Tailored garments rest on a series of timber and steel display racks, graded from light to dark. The collection of furniture Remy has purchased over the years punctuates the space, creating moments of rest and reflection.

Read on for a Q&A with the team at Ritz & Ghougassian for further insight into the project.

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How did you become involved with Remy? What was the brief, and some of your key sources of inspiration?

Remy is the brother of Ritz & Ghougassian director Jean-Paul. He came to us with a clear vision of how he wanted the space to function, but it was through many conversations and iterations that we arrived at the eventual outcome. We wanted a space that felt familiar, so we drew inspiration from the many residential projects that we’ve worked on over the years.

What’s your favourite thing about this project?

The clarity of the intervention is what’s most noticeable when you walk through the space. We made a very conscious effort to not overdesign the showroom and only intervene where necessary. Allowing heritage features such as large cross beams that run overhead, pine floors and Victorian sash windows to hero the space.

What informed the selection of furniture, fittings, finishes and art?

Remy had a number of furniture pieces he’d collected over the years. Together with some newer pieces, we were able to bring a sense of playfulness to the space. They sit as sculptural elements to the architectural intervention made by the studio.

What aspect of this project are you most proud of?

Men’s tailoring has a long lineage. One that may be perceived as a little antiquated and, to some, unapproachable. We were able to create a space that feels inviting, warm and contemporary but also one that reflected Remy’s personality.

What obstacles did you have to overcome when designing the space?

The showroom is located on level 3 of an old Victorian building in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Access was limited to a small door via the front and an elevator that was smaller than most powder rooms. All of the architectural elements had to be designed in segments and constructed on-site. The most prohibitive piece was the 5-meter-long travertine table. Working closely with our joiner and stone mason, we were able to achieve a very sophisticated outcome.

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[Images courtesy of Ritz & Ghougassian. Photography by Pier Carthew.]