Merit In Residence

Over three days in March, MERIT Beauty arrived in residence at Poppie Pack Gallery for its first Australian retail activation, an immersive moment that felt as much about atmosphere as it did about product.

Realised in collaboration with Brahman Perera, the space was shaped with quiet intentionality. Set along William Street, it embraced a slower rhythm, where light moved gently through the gallery and each detail was given room to breathe. Rather than a traditional retail experience, the residency invited guests to engage more thoughtfully, encouraging pause, reflection, and a deeper connection to the objects within it.

Moments of hospitality anchored the experience. Handwritten notes, a listening bar, and considered gestures created a sense of intimacy, softening the boundaries between retail and living. It was a space designed not to overwhelm, but to hold, where simplicity and tactility guided the interaction.

Within this setting, a dialogue between old and new quietly unfolded. Vintage furniture pieces brought warmth and familiarity, layered against contemporary forms that introduced clarity and edge. McMullin pieces sat naturally within this composition. The Chester Dining Chair and Artie Floor Mirror offered a refined counterpoint, with clean lines and stainless steel finishes catching the light and adding a subtle modernity. The Paris collection, sleek and sculptural, grounded the space with a cool, architectural presence.

Together, the elements formed a cohesive environment defined by restraint, materiality, and a shared appreciation for objects designed with purpose. The result was a space that felt both elevated and deeply human, where beauty was experienced slowly and in its most essential form.

Discover more of MERIT here.