multi-colored plating ornaments manoa vintage clothing store by fathom in hiroshima

FATHOM refurbishes MANOA used clothing store

MANOA, a vintage clothing store, is undergoing relocation by FATHOM design firm from its long-standing semi-underground spot on Namiki-dori in Naka-ku, Hiroshima City. The new first-floor location offers more than double the space, aiming to cater to both vintage clothing enthusiasts and a broader customer base. The design task involves conveying the meticulous craftsmanship of the unique haute couture pieces found in the store’s collection. The building’s facade, slightly set back to create an entrance porch on the sidewalk-less street, features an eye-catching display of compressed and hardened acrylic pieces of used clothing. These items, purchased overseas and brought to Japan in containers, represent the raw, unprocessed state of vintage garments, evoking a sense of unlimited possibilities.

all images by Tatsuya Tabii

FATHOM Blends Vintage Fashion and Modern Design

Inside the store, a counter on the left side serves both reception and maintenance functions, fostering an open atmosphere where customers can witness the care put into each vintage piece. The space blends the refined aesthetic of a secondhand clothing production facility with that of a select store, creating a bright environment that highlights the quality of the products. To address concerns about potential clashes between the diverse color schemes of the vintage clothing and the modern, inviting space, unichrome plating is used for entrance doors, hangers, and other fixtures, ensuring durability and a uniform appearance. The organic gradation of colors from brass to rainbow in the plating aligns with the products and enhances harmony in the space. Through this design, FATHOM showcases the sustainable cycle of old and worn clothes, appreciating the value of vintage fashion.

side view of the setback facade

sign box and entrance door

box filled with old clothing tightly packed and compressed into a lump

unichrome plated wagon wheels, originally designed for a vintage clothing factory

fire alarms covered with unichrome-plated boxes

clothing maintenance at the maintenance counter

L-angled hanger frames suspended from the ceiling

bench in front of the fitting room

sliding door’s digging hardware with unichrome plating

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project info:

name: MANOA used clothing

architect: FATHOM Design | @fathom_design

lead designer: Hiroyuki Nakamoto

location: Hiroshima, Japan

photography: Tatsuya Tabii | @tatsuyatabii

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom