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Mane by Stable retail space. Photos: Traianos Pakioufakis.
In a heritage-listed building on Collingwood’s Peel Street, Studio Manifold has created two distinct but philosophically aligned projects I can only describe as a design double-header. Mane, a gender-fluid retail experience, and Two Birds Talking, a dynamic PR workspace—showcase the Melbourne and Sydney-based studio’s talent for creating environments that prioritise connection and creativity.
Founded by Morgan Novy and Lachlan Cooper, Studio Manifold has a knack for blending past and present in ways that feels fresh but timeless. Their approach is unapologetically utilitarian but with a sense of relaxed sophistication that refuses to bow to fleeting trends. This approach is perfectly showcased across the two levels of 10 Peel Street.
Mane, the north side sibling of Albert Park’s Stable, occupies Level 1 as a unisex fashion, accessories, homewares, and fragrance multi-brand store that flips traditional shopping experiences on its head. The designers have reimagined the heritage space by mixing vintage furniture and lighting with contemporary touches, creating something less about mere transaction and more about immersive discovery.
Mane by Stable retail space. Photos: Traianos Pakioufakis.“A level 1 retail space isn’t traditionally desirable but we knew how unique it was the moment we walked in,” share Morgan and Lachlan. The team has capitalised on the abundance of natural light and created dialogue moments with the surrounding environment—views that frame trees and neighbouring buildings in ways that make you stop and appreciate.
One particularly inspired touch is the terrace space that extends from one of the lounge areas, filled with lush greenery by JALA. This outdoor refuge invites visitors to linger and engage with their surroundings—a space designed not just for shopping but for genuine discovery and community. It’s giving retail therapy in the most literal, best possible sense!
One floor up, Two Birds Talking occupies a workspace designed for collaboration and creativity. Here, the design language shifts, but the underlying attitude remains. “We wanted the palette to reflect the bold, clear identity of TBT, creating a strong visual connection between the spaces while allowing each area to maintain its unique character,” explains the design team.
Two Birds Talking office space. Photos: Traianos Pakioufakis.The central kitchen features a multi-purpose island designed for everything from meal prep to group meetings and events. Meanwhile, the meeting room, showroom, and lounge zones offer pockets of calm for deeper thinking, each drawing inspiration from the brands TBT represents.
Studio Manifold has created visual continuity between the two levels through materiality and colour. The palette for Two Birds Talking incorporates earthy tones with accent colours that complement the design language of Mane below, creating a dialogue between the spaces while allowing each to maintain its unique identity.
In both projects, Studio Manifold has created environments that push the norm while remaining authentic—spaces that aren’t about following trends but about creating experiences that reflect the individuality of their clients.
[Images courtesy of Studio Manifold. Photography by Traianos Pakioufakis.]
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