Christian Kimber’s genteel sense of style may not immediately give off a “go big or go home” mentality, but that’s exactly the approach the menswear designer adopted when it came to opening his new flagship store.

“It took about two years to find the right space,” Kimber told Broadsheet ahead of the official opening on Little Collins Street in Melbourne’s CBD, near the corner of Russell Street. “A lot of the city stores are very small, and I didn't want my third store to be smaller than my other two.”

Spread across a generous 160 square metres, the new flagship merges the landscapes that have inspired Kimber’s designs: country, city and coast.

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Pale denim blue tiles paired with rope-like sisal are a tactile reference to water. Rich tones of burnt caramel wool carpeting complement the timber panelling. Chartreuse green accents add a burst of colour, and bespoke wattle flower artworks by Jenny Jones bring in Australian flora.

A consultation and tailoring space has a dining table and banquette seating where you can flick through fabric books for, say, a custom linen suit before your session with the in-house tailor. Or while you wait to get your favourite pair of CK trousers adjusted before you head out to dinner.

Kimber and his wife and co-founder Ren called on friend and interior designer Brahman Perera, who is also behind restaurants such as Entrecôte and Hopper Joint in Prahran, Ursula’s in Sydney, and the Henne stores.

Perera’s design is inspired by tailors’ workrooms and artisans’ workshops. Open wardrobes replace traditional racks to create a homey atmosphere where clients can linger and explore the collections. The space will also host a roster of artworks by various Australian artists.

The new store hints at a shift in client lifestyle, says Kimber; many have returned to the office and are socialising more. It’s also a nod to the growing number of interstate clients he has. “When they come to Melbourne for just one or two days for work, it’s quite hard to get to either Armadale or even Fitzroy for a fitting,” says Kimber. “By being in the city, we’re going to be much more convenient.”

Christian Kimber
149 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
03 9486 9690

Hours:
Tue to Sun 9am–5.30pm