Melbourne Label Suku Home Opens a Cocoon-Like Collingwood Showroom

Melbourne label Suku Home – beloved for its psychedelic batik and bamboo bedding and sleepwear – has reopened as a showroom in Collingwood. It comes after founder Christine Lafian closed Suku’s Gertrude Street store in June.

“We want to be a brand that is never afraid to change and adapt,” Lafian said in a statement at the time. “We hope this new evolution of Suku is more bold and expansive than before.”

Unlike the previous store in a Victorian-era building, which remained largely untouched, Lafian chose the industrial showroom in Collingwood to serve as a “base” for her vision. The new space is whimsical and cocoon-like, with Indonesian-made padded walls resembling gigantic pillows and a floating counter that extends to the ceiling.

“I wanted to create a dream-like vibe,” she says. “A lot of this inspiration comes from places in Asia, like Tokyo, where people really go all out with every detail.”

Lafian collaborated with Jakarta-based interior designer Ariel Latasha from Objektiv Lab on the space. “I thought we should do something really wild and fun that you haven’t really seen before in Melbourne.”

Latasha, who had just struck out with her own small business, reminded Lafian of herself when she first started running Suku. “If you want to do something a bit wild, you have to work with someone who wants it just as much as you do.”

Founded over a decade ago, Suku Home is anchored in Lafian’s Indonesian heritage. Its collections honour techniques like batik and dip-dyeing.

The new showroom shows off Suku’s signature textiles, alongside the latest range of sheets inspired by soft-serve swirls and vibrant, psychedelic garments printed with snail-like spirals.

The experience here is slow and thoughtful. Pluck your chosen garment from the rack and the team will collect your size from the back. While they prepare your change room, you can relax with a sparkling drink or cup of tea.

During quiet winter months, Lafian hopes to use the space for creative collaborations, similar to the exhibitions held at Suku’s previous location.

“I’d love to host events for other creatives – like a chef, an illustrator, or an artist. It doesn’t have to be the same brand. It’s about creating an inspiring space for everyone.”

Suku Home
82 Wellington Street, Collingwood
(03) 9191 2508

Hours:
Mon by appointment only
Thu 11am–5pm
Fri 11am–5pm
Sat 10am–4pm
sukuhome.com
@sukuhome