Now Open: A-ESQUE Is Reinvigorating the High Street Experience, Unveiling a New Gallery-Like Retail and Art Space
Part gallery, part atelier, this art-led storefront is reimagining high street shopping with artists-in-residence and experimental retail moments.
Transforming traditional higher-end retail shopping into a gallery-like experience, Melbourne-born atelier A-ESQUE has revealed a new concept store. Arriving on High Street, Armadale, this storied shopping strip is now home to A-ESQUE World — a considered space where culture and creativity combine through experiential moments.
Guided by several trips to Salone del Mobile.Milano — a globally-renowned event for furniture and design — A-ESQUE founder Amanda Rettig saw an opportunity to reimagine Australia's struggling high-street experience with something more immersive and theme-driven. The result in the brand's new space, brought to life through monthly events, installations and collaborations.
"A-ESQUE World shifts the dial on retail experiences for 2026, delivering creative installations and experimental retail moments. Whilst the space will continue to evolve over time, our opening focus was to restore the High Street location to its original material and layer in our opening exhibition," says Rettig.
More than just a place to shop the brand's luxury handbags, A-ESQUE World is envisioned as a permanent cultural destination. Incorporating found objects, art and coveted furniture pieces, the space also elevates Melbourne's art scene through a rotation of artists-in-residence and exhibitions. In essence, it's about reinvigorating what's often now a tired retail experience.
"We want the High Street experience to draw people back, to be eager to see what's going on, to discover and delight. It will be another creative platform that will not only share more about A-ESQUE in a new environment, but it will also frequently change to showcase a range of incredible local Australian artists, like a traditional gallery space does," explains Rettig.
For the first in-store artist collaboration, furnituremaker Ashley Eriksmoen is making the most of the space, showcasing a piece that transforms salvaged, discarded timber into new forms. Meanwhile, signature scents, a curated playlist and thoughtfully selected accoutrements evoke A-ESQUE World's admiration for materiality, cultural collaboration and desire-led creation.
A-ESQUE World is now open daily from 10am–5pm at 968 High Street, Armadale. Head to the website for more information.
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