JJ ACUNA / BESPOKE STUDIO
SALVO
Hong Kong

Salvo, a name that signifies vigour and strength, perfectly embodies the store's bold move toward sustainability. Owned by Hamish Peddie and opened in 2021, this menswear and lifestyle boutique carefully curates each piece not only for fashion and style, but also for the brand's ethical contributions to the environment and community.

Salvo has recently unveiled a brand new space at St. Francis Yard, led by Creative Director JJ Acuña, who was thrilled to develop a physical space that supports a sustainable perspective. "Our clients value the opportunity to see and feel the high-quality fabrics and finishes of our clothes in person," says Acuña. "We aim to show that sustainable brands can be just as luxurious and amazing as any other brand."

The new Salvo draws inspiration from the traditional Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness. "Our goal is to create a space that conveys a feeling of ease and calmness," explains Creative Director JJ Acuña. "We wanted to encourage community togetherness and create a space where time doesn't exist." Alex Garcia, the project's design lead, adds, "The Starstreet Precinct, where the new Salvo is situated, exudes a calmer and slower-paced vibe, and we wanted to capture that feeling in our design.”

Salvo's contemporary take on wabi-sabi sets it apart from typical clothing stores. Acuña aimed to create a space that would bring joy and familiarity to whoever walked in, and the result is an homage to the east with a global influence. The store's facade exudes a friendly warmth, as if it has been lived in for many years. This nostalgic look is still very much alive in the old streets of Europe, and thanks to Salvo, Hong Kong shoppers can experience a unique blend of East and West.

As soon as you step inside Salvo, you'll be enveloped by a slow and easy feeling, thanks to the store's warm timber tones, soft fabric details, vintage furniture, artwork, and fresh plants. The walls and ceiling showcase timeless imperfection, with light brush strokes retaining a gentle calmness. The concrete floor and natural fixtures perfectly complement the bamboo-slatted ceiling. "Salvo gives off a relaxed and easy vibe, as if it were situated in a small town," says Acuña. "The materials we've chosen are matte, rough around the edges, and nothing too bling or glossy. This is a project that's meant to evolve and grow over time with the needs of the business, and we're excited to see where it takes us."

Timelessness -

“Slow down you're doing fine. You can't be everything you want to be before your time.” This specific line in the song personifies the city of Vienna as a metaphor for life and taking everything just a bit slower. This translates to the concept and theme of Hamish Peddie’s Salvo Store. “It can be overwhelming for a place like Hong Kong, and we believe this song resonates with Hong Kong and Salvo,” says Alex Garcia, the project’s Design Lead.

Imperfection -

Wabi-Sabi, from a Japanese aesthetic, is centred on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. Appreciating the beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete”.

“The use of lime wash paint on walls, the pops of colour in certain areas, and the reuse of bamboo on the ceiling as a feature element. I believe there is beauty in simplicity and in making the most of what you have.” Says lead designer, Alexia Garcia.

It starts with the old-town facade, a nostalgic approach so  close to the heart of Salvo founder Hamish Peddie. “He gave us photos of old European towns for inspiration. He wanted the shop to evoke charm, old-world character, and joy,” says JJ Acuña.

SALVO
Interior Design
JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio
Design Team
James JJ Acuna & Alex Garcia (Design Leads), Dominic Cheung, Kristy Fong, Kaye Tamonte, Keuffel Castillo
General Contraction
Yabby Hands LTD.
Date of Completion
Spring 2023
Location
Hong Kong
Area
365 sq.ft.
Site Photography
Stephen Ko Photography