APOC Store: A Haven for Emerging Talent
A Novel Approach to Retail and Exhibition
APOC Store has redefined the traditional retail experience by converting its London boutique into a flexible gallery. This innovative concept addresses the significant challenges faced by independent designers, offering them a dedicated platform to present their unique creations within a supportive and inspiring environment.
Championing Independent Design
Known for its curated selection of fashion and furniture from young, independent designers, APOC Store has consistently been at the forefront of supporting new talent. From avant-garde apparel to bespoke furniture, the store showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions, highlighting the ingenuity and vision of its featured artists.
The Evolution of a Physical Space
The store's founders, Ying Suen and Jules Volleberg, established their initial permanent location in London Fields, Hackney. This space has now been thoughtfully redesigned, adopting a minimalist white aesthetic that serves as a versatile backdrop for an ever-changing display of collectible designs, ensuring the spotlight remains on the art itself.
Empowering Creative Control
Jules Volleberg emphasized the critical need to empower independent designers, who often face considerable obstacles in establishing their careers. The redesigned store offers a unique opportunity for these artists to maintain complete creative autonomy over their work, ensuring their artistic integrity is preserved while reaching a wider audience.
Introducing Barnaby Lewis: A Debut Collaboration
The inaugural exhibition at APOC Store features the remarkable work of Barnaby Lewis, a furniture maker from southeast London renowned for his mastery of steel. Lewis's collection includes bespoke pieces such as a gothic-inspired desk and an intricately designed room divider, each showcasing his distinctive style and craftsmanship.
A Continuously Evolving Aesthetic
The vision behind APOC Store's transformation is to foster a constantly evolving space. While the exhibitions will rotate biannually, the understated, gallery-like ambiance will remain, allowing each designer's work to shine through. This approach ensures that the store consistently offers fresh perspectives and engaging experiences for its visitors.
Beyond Static Displays: A Living Experience
Ying Suen articulated the desire to move beyond static displays, viewing the store as a living and evolving entity. This philosophy, she explained, keeps the space vibrant and prevents it from becoming monotonous. By regularly introducing new artistic narratives, the store aims to cultivate an engaging interior that encourages repeat visits and maintains relevance in the dynamic world of design.
Addressing Industry Challenges
The initiative by APOC Store comes at a crucial time when emerging designers in London encounter increasing costs and bureaucratic hurdles in exhibiting their work. This innovative model provides a viable solution, demonstrating how creativity and adaptability can overcome industry barriers, following examples like Design Everything's mobile exhibition at the London Design Festival.