The Wes Studios First Concept Store Finds Beauty in Simplicity

Kuala Lumpur fashion label The Wes Studio has opened its first concept store in Petaling Street, designed by Malaysian interior architects Wunderwall Design

For a fashion label rooted in simplicity, it seems only natural to create a brick and mortar space that reflects the same philosophy. After eight years in the market, Kuala Lumpur-based label The Wes Studio has opened its first concept store in Rex KLUp, a restored heritage building in the city’s Petaling Street. 

Known for its timeless wardrobe staples of gender-neutral silhouettes and soft yet functional textiles, the label is inspired by the idea of slow living in a fast-paced world. ‘Our clothes are often described as minimal, but our pieces are more grounded in simplicity, in the sense that it is effortless, something that you don’t overthink,’ says founder April Ng. 

With interiors by Wunderwall Design, the new concept store reflects this laid-back approach. Tucked inside an alleyway, the facade of the shophouse building makes for an unassuming entrance, with only the brand’s window display visible looking up from street level. 

On entering, the space brings a feeling of calm by comparison to the bustling streets outside. Natural sunlight filters through from the window display, giving warmth to the interiors, and floorboards help to elongate the room, bringing fluidity and openness to the otherwise small space.

Elements of wood, steel and fabric are featured throughout, materials that tie into the brand’s core principles of elegance and functionality. The Wes Studio is known for its muted colour palette of soft beiges, off-whites, creams and earthy browns, the same neutral tones utilised to foster a light and serene atmosphere in the store. 

Flexibility was a key design consideration, so modular fixtures allow for reconfiguration depending on the seasons. The partition of textured cotton fabric that conceals the storage area, for example, serves both a decorative and functional purpose. ‘Wunderwall uses a lot of fabric, and that resonated with our brand,’ says Ng. ‘The soft light that diffuses through the sheer fabric reminds me of early mornings, and I associate the brand with new beginnings.’ 

To safeguard the shophouse’s unique heritage, parts of the original bare walls and flooring were purposely left untouched, maintaining the rawness of the original structure and giving a lived-in feel. The light fixtures feature exposed wiring, a Wunderwall signature, and are displayed near the large plywood and stainless steel-topped desk that serves as the point of sale.

This intentionally raw design approach beautifully reflects the label’s idea of purposeful design. ‘We’re very much a brand that likes to go with the flow and not take things too seriously, and I think this space really embodies that,’ says Ng.

Text by Noor Amylia Hilda
Images by Weng Jen