Step inside Darwin’s new flagship store, a love letter to the Northern Territory

“Darwin is unlike anywhere else. It’s raw, it’s real and it’s full of creative energy. To me, it’s the last frontier.”

House of Darwin’s new flagship store has its own heartbeat. More than a retail space, it’s a celebration of community, craftsmanship and storytelling. The store is the representation and result of a range of creatives coming together to create a space that reflects the spirit of the Northern Territory (NT).

“There’s a genuine sense of community here and people are always pushing boundaries, telling stories and creating in their own unique way,” founder Shaun Edwards says. Everything deliberately ties back to the NT, from the bush-dyed couch, a key feature of the store, to the woven lighting and hand-carved rock sculptures.

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Paying homage to the rich landscapes of the surrounding country, Shaun hopes visitors leave feeling a deeper connection to the land. “Darwin is unlike anywhere else. It’s raw, it’s real and it’s full of creative energy. To me, it’s the last frontier,” he says.

Shaun worked with designer Jack Normebry to bring the store’s vision to life, transforming what used to be an old cowboy clothing store into a bold, vibrant and red brick-and-mortar shopfront in the heart of the city. Alongside the label’s core range, you will find collaborations with local artists, as well as items that celebrate the unique culture of Darwin.

Fashion Journal: Firstly, congratulations on the opening! Can you tell me a bit about how the vision for the space came about?

Shaun: Thank you! The vision for the store came from wanting to create a space that truly represents the Northern Territory, its culture, its landscapes and its people. I’ve always been inspired by beautiful concept stores, but I wanted this one to have its own unique heartbeat. It’s not just a retail space, it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, community and storytelling. We wanted visitors to feel connected to the land and leave with a deeper appreciation for the Territory.

What were you looking for in a building?

We knew we needed something with room to grow, so we tried to find another space with some iconic Darwin history and we were lucky enough to find that in our new home. 20 Knuckey Street was once home to Delaney’s, a Darwin institution and cowboy clothing store. We always try to pay homage to the history of the place.

Tell me about the people you collaborated with to bring the store to life. Who did you work with?

This store is the result of so many talented people coming together. Jack Normebry led the design and fit-out and he really brought the vision to life with his attention to detail. We worked with PrintshopNT on the incredible bush-dyed couch and the woven lighting came from the community in Maningrida.

The hand-carved rock sculptures were sourced and shaped right here in Darwin and the hand-painted sign by Will Lynes adds that final, personal touch. Every collaborator brought their own craft, heart and connection to the Territory into the space.

Everything in the store is tied back to the Northern Territory, whether it’s the materials we used, the people we worked with or the stories we’re telling

What is the significance behind the red colourway?

The red reflects the rich, rugged tones of the Territory, the dirt, the desert and the sunsets. It’s a colour that runs deep in this place and it immediately connects you to the land. It felt right to honour that in the space.

How would you describe the aesthetic and feel of the store?

The store has a natural, grounded feel to it. We’ve tried to take you on a journey across the NT with all of the different textures and finishings. The whole space is designed to feel welcoming like you’ve stepped into a place that reflects the NT’s spirit and creativity.

Do you have a favourite part or feature?

The Bush Dyed couch means a lot to me. This mid-century Featherston Numero VII sofa was reupholstered with hand bush-dyed fabric in Peppimenarti by artists at Durrmu Arts, it was then screen-printed locally in Darwin at 100 per cent Indigenous-owned textile printing studio PrintshopNT. It features Luna Tunes sun graphics throughout the material.

What do you love about Darwin and the creative scene in the Northern Territory in general?

Darwin is unlike anywhere else. It’s raw, it’s real and it’s full of creative energy. To me, it’s the last frontier.

There’s a genuine sense of community here, and people are always pushing boundaries, telling stories and creating in their own unique way. The NT has such a rich cultural history and it’s amazing to see that reflected in art, fashion, music, and design.

What can people expect to find in-store?

In-store, you’ll find a curated mix of clothing, accessories, and objects that reflect the NT and the House of Darwin ethos. We’re showcasing products made with intention, pieces that tell a story and connect back to the land and its people. Alongside our core range, we’ve got collaborations with local artists, as well as products that celebrate Territory culture.

When can people visit?

The store is now open at 2/20 Knuckey Street in Darwin’s city, with trading hours from Monday to Thursday (9am – 5pm), Friday (9am – 5:30pm), Saturday (9am – 5pm) and Sunday (10am – 3pm).

Keep up with House of Darwin here.