Cool Spaces: Me&B at Joburg’s 44 Stanley

WORDS Michaela Stehr PHOTOS Sarah de Pina

Mother-daughter duo Betina Swart and Kelly-Grace Gibberd have opened a bright and inclusive new store at Joburg’s 44 Stanley.

One look at local fashion brand Me&B‘s social media, and their ethos is apparent: this label is all about inclusivity and fun. The re-shares of Instagram posts by customers of varying shapes, sizes and ages, showing off the threads Kelly-Grace Gibberd and Betina Swart have designed, speak volumes. Women have an affinity for their bold, eclectic kit, and want to feel part of the Me&B community. “We create clothing that invites you to step out and show the world who you are while still looking stylishly tailored and feeling supremely comfortable,” the duo explains.

READ MORE: Cool Spaces: Glow Theory Store at Joburg’s 44 Stanley

Manifesting this essence as a physical store (versus their very popular online shop) was a task undertaken by Roxanne Ferreira of Arrange Studio. The finished product is an apt kaleidoscope of colour, warmth and stand-out features. In a nod to a New York loft showroom, Roxanne decided to incorporate the Stanley Avenue space’s original industrial shell by leaving the ceiling services exposed and the floors untouched. And marrying these elements with bright colours and organic curvy shapes means the store has a strong Memphis Group spirit too.

“I wanted the store to feel spacious and create a positive shopping experience, with enough space
to sit, enough mirrors to see what the different pieces or colours will look like on you, and the correct lighting – not too bright, just enough to feel welcomed and see what’s on offer,” Roxanne says. The team also enjoyed using inexpensive materials in different and unusual ways. Coloured Perspex sheets became cladding, colourful tiles cover display plinths, and moveable painted pine boards create mobile backdrops that allow the team to play with space. Vintage vases and vessels sourced by Roxanne add a final layer of playfulness and depth to an already joyful spot.

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