Inside Swop’s new Collingwood space: A light-filled warehouse for pre-loved fashion
PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICTORIA ZSCHOMMLER
WORDS BY MARYEL SOUSA
“I am constantly inspired by the Melbourne creative scene… it’s truly a privilege to be a part of such a dynamic and creative environment.”
Until recently, Swop’s Melbourne flagship store had been trading pre-loved fashion out of a location on Smith Street. But when Swop’s lease ended, the team saw an opportunity just down the road on Collingwood’s Peel Street.
Swop’s new space feels somewhat holy. A former warehouse, the space is flooded with natural light, inspiring an appreciation of preloved fashion. It’s fitting, really, given the reverence the Swop team give to each pre-loved piece.
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Swop’s process is simple and guided by a steadfast commitment to circular fashion: sellers can choose to exchange their preloved pieces for cash or store credit, which ensures that all of Swop’s stock has been purchased directly from the community. The new Collingwood store builds on this philosophy and is decorated with one-of-a-kind pieces from local makers and designers.
Of course, the creation of the new storefront came with its own set of joys and challenges and getting it over the line in time was no easy feat. Below, Swop’s owner and director Brigid Gordon tells us about the design process for the new Collingwood store, her talented collaborators and her appreciation for Melbourne’s creative scene.
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Tell me a bit about how the vision for Swop Collingwood came about.
Our lease had ended at our original Smith Street location and we saw the opportunity to create something truly special with our new location around the corner. The vision for the new space was to create an immersive and inspiring shopping experience for anyone who walked through our doors and for the space to reflect our brand’s values of “quality, integrity, and connection”.
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How would you describe the store’s aesthetic?
The store’s aesthetic mirrors the curation of items that we buy, sell and trade daily – from archival pieces to rare vintage finds and items fresh off the runway. We wanted to focus on design and beauty throughout the large warehouse space to promote thoughtful shopping and an appreciation for secondhand clothing.
It’s thanks to the talented touch of Joseph Gardner, the Style Editor at Vogue Living and Director of Studio Gardner, who styled the store and included one-of-a-kind pieces from local makers that aligned perfectly with our aesthetic and ethos.
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What was the process like putting the store together, and were there any challenges or roadblocks along the way?
Putting the store together was a journey filled with excitement and challenges. Like any project, we encountered some roadblocks along the way, such as the buying counter not being completed in time and a few other finishing touches (still a work in progress). But we solved problems where we could and were able to open the doors on time!
Who did you collaborate with when bringing the store to life?
We were lucky that the building owner shared our vision of enhancing the building for both its occupants and the community. We partnered with Mills Gorman Architects, whose expertise and guidance were crucial to the design process. To style the space, we brought in the incredibly talented Joseph Gardner. Working with him was seamless due to his outstanding talent and commitment to our vision.
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What’s your favourite feature/area of the store?
I love it all, but I do find the warehouse space itself truly captivating. Walking through the light-filled interior and the high ceilings graced with beautifully weathered patina never gets old. This beautiful warehouse represents to me an exciting new era for Swop.
What do you like about the area/the Melbourne creative scene in general?
I am constantly inspired by the Melbourne creative scene. The vibrant and diverse community of artists, designers, creators and locals adds a unique energy to the area, and it’s truly a privilege to be a part of such a dynamic and creative environment. I love that our new Peel Street location can contribute to the Collingwood scene in some way.
Head here to explore Swop’s range.
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