Our newest FIELDS store, located on the upper luxury level of Cape Town's Victoria & Albert Waterfront, recently awarded with the prestigious "Leading New Store" award at the V&A Waterfront Awards, is a vibrant and inviting space that reflects the essence of Cape Town while offering a serene escape from the traditional mall experience. Designed in collaboration with Fabian Architects + Make Studio, the store beautifully embodies our commitment to ethical and sustainable Southern African production. It invites customers to slow down, invest in garments made to last, and experience our Art, Soul, and Outdoor values in every detail.
What inspired the design of FIELDS V&A Waterfront and how does it compare to other retail spaces?
One is surrounded by inspiration at the V&A Waterfront. The ocean, boats, ropes, sea life, and table mountain are all inspirational elements that lead us to our concept of curves and experience. The woven and twisted ropes that curve along the boats and balustrade edges inspired us to start with a sweeping curved facade that invites you to experience the space and brand.
What was your process following the brief you received for FIELDS V&A store and what is your design process like?
It was important for us that we understand the core concepts of the brand. The brand has a very clear direction and it was important that the concept of the store design was equally strong and delivered a message of quality and style to the person experiencing the space.
The design team of Fabian Architects & Make Studio (Lauren, Tristan and Brent) sat together over a coffee at the V&A Waterfront and discussed some inspirational elements which led to some conceptual ideas. Like all design processes, it starts somewhere, evolves and finally becomes a concept that we are happy to develop further.
Our point of departure was the shopfront. The shop front, with the arches and curves, has a very different approach compared to other retailers at the mall and this for us is where it all starts. This concept was then continued into the store design and we ensured that the concept was reflected throughout the space.
The experience factor is always one of the most important elements of our designs. It needs to be memorable.
Our design process starts with hand sketches which are then taken into a 3D computer model, followed by a palette of finishes and materials to pull the concept together. Our client, Mikael Hanan loved the first design we presented and we then developed it further in more detail and refined the finishes selection.
Fabian Architects + Make Studio have completed several remarkable projects. Which one is your favourite and what makes it stand out?
Do you have any advice for aspiring architects? What advice from your experience has inspired you?
Know what you are good at, embrace that skill, and acknowledge what someone else can do better than you. Believe in your design and stand up for your ideas. If you love your ideas your client will normally love them too. Nature is one of my biggest sources of inspiration. Daydream in nature to inspire your ideas.
Favourite city in the world?
We live in the best city Cape Town but my favourite holiday is the bush.
All-time favourite artist?
Gustav Klimt
What would you never wear?
Crocs.
Your favourite piece from the FIELDS collection?
Weekend trousers.
Being an artist in South Africa is...
...FULL of change, full of fun and often full of challenges. Architecture is a fine balance of aesthetics, practicality and context.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Podcasts by Sadhguru (Yogi, mystic &visionary). Wisest human on the planet.
What are you binge-watching at the moment?
Nothing. I have a 4 month old baby.
What are you reading at the moment?
Where The Crawdads Sing
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Images shot by Micky Hoyle.