Under The Sea: Sarah & Sebastian Armadale by Russell & George.

Unearthly and seemingly metaphysical, this eerie cave takes us on a deep-sea odyssey, celebrating the power and beauty of our vast oceans. Designed by Russell & George, Sarah & Sebastian‘s first Melbourne boutique is an urban gesture and artwork that gives back to the streets and city of Melbourne.

This arresting design is indicative of the type of work Russell & George take pleasure in creating. Forming unique relationships with their clients and projects, their spaces go beyond the aesthetic to engage people fully in the site and social context.

Prompting a sense of discovery, the design takes cues from a personal encounter creative director of Sarah & Sebastian, Sarah Gitteos, had in an underwater cave while travelling. Moody and immersive, the fit-out is enveloped by an undulating cave-like landscape installation applied to the walls and ceiling.

Related: Space & Time in Melbourne by Russell & George.

A complex palette of all-black materials in varying sheens and intensity captures the spirit of the mostly unexplored world beneath the waves. Referencing a quote from Japanese manga creator Naoshi Arakawa – “Even in the depths of the darkest oceans, some light always pierces through” – the use of lighting is controlled and direct on the jewellery.

A coral reef is implied through hand-blown smoke grey glass pendants with colour changing bulbs that create colourful uplighting effects when the store is closed, amplify the association with the ocean.

The rest of the interior is comprised of three simple mirrored forms housing jewellery displays and a point of sale that enhances the existing typology of the space. A hidden consultation room for private jewellery discussions ensures the impact of the showroom isn’t crowded.

Not just an ode to Sarah Gitteos’ holiday, the design also seeks to engage the social conscious of the customers. As Russell & George express “…through its use of biophilic design principles, [it] gently reminds the customer of larger issues to do with the fragility of our planet.”

Beyond the biophilic nature of the interior, they also have ensured that 98% of the store fit-out materials can be recycled for use in another life. An effortless feat that I hope will inspire designers and consumers alike to consider how we can prioritise sustainability.

Playful and wondrous Russell & George have given me a convincing reason to get out of my pj’s and abandon that online cart to experience this space IRL for myself.

[Images courtesy of Russell & George. Photography by Sean Fennessy.]