House of Chommies has opened its doors on Hatfield Street
Chommies’ new retail store, House of Chommies, is an elegant mix of history and modernity. The newly refurbished heritage building serves as both a retail destination and a city oasis, marking an exciting evolution of the brand. Also read: Get into the Christmas spirit at the House of Chommies The original aim of this premium brand was to connect people... Read more → The post House of Chommies has opened its doors on Hatfield Street appeared first on CapeTown ETC.
Chommies’ new retail store, House of Chommies, is an elegant mix of history and modernity. The newly refurbished heritage building serves as both a retail destination and a city oasis, marking an exciting evolution of the brand.
Also read: Get into the Christmas spirit at the House of Chommies
Picture: Supplied / Frances Marais photography
The original aim of this premium brand was to connect people with a passion for dogs and design via its stylish handcrafted walk wear, but customers who love Chommies’ colourful aesthetic have been “nudging us for new categories”, says Chommies’ creative director and founder Nathalie Klijn.
“As we naturally evolve into more of a lifestyle brand that celebrates colour-happy contemporary design and artisanal luxuries made in South Africa, we wanted a feel-good, welcoming space that is a sensory experience for people and dogs alike, as well as one that gives us the opportunity to develop and showcase new products in the home, fashion, and accessories,” says Klijn.
Picture: Supplied / Frances Marais photography
Traditionally known as Ravenswood House, a stately national monument dating back to the early 1800s and built in the late classical Georgian style, the striking building has been made even more remarkable thanks to Klijn’s vivacious visual style. A queen of colour, her touch is everywhere—in the unconventionally coloured ceilings, the walls adorned with patterned murals, and commissioned wallpaper featuring playful illustrations of Cape Town living.
At the entrance, natty-painted stripes exude sophisticated gaiety, hand-painted in swathes of moody teal, salmon, and terracotta that she artfully sourced from a combination of Farrow & Ball and Plascon swatches.
Picture: Supplied / Frances Marais photography
The name Chommies, a South African term for “friends”, encapsulates the joie de vivre of this premium brand. The House of Chommies presents a vibrant array of collars, leashes, and harnesses fit for every size and fur colour. All products are handmade locally in the Chommies workshop, which is situated across the road from the store in a beautiful Victorian townhouse, which Klijn sensitively renovated to bring it in line with the brand aesthetic.
Traditional African craftsmanship, such as whipping, weaving, and macramé, lives on and is cleverly reimagined by the Chommies’ team while adding soul and story to each product. Customers can make an appointment to visit the workshop.
Picture: Supplied / Frances Marais photography
Newly introduced product lines mean that friends of Chommies can now feast on fashion and innovative accessories. Klijn’s colour aesthetic is vividly present in the astonishing colourways across cool keychains, phone pouches, and “sunny side up” cardholders crafted from leather and rope. Stylish basket shoppers are woven by hand, and beaded jewellery and mohair cushion covers are also on offer.
Chommies’ ultra-soft knitwear in natural mohair includes hand-knitted jerseys, cardigans, and puff blouses in playful stripes or unicolour designs. Mohair from Karoo kid goats creates supreme softness with a silk-like lustre. Custom-made designs and only natural dyes feature in single- or double-knit styles.
Picture: Supplied / Frances Marais photography
The range for dogs has also been widened to include human-grade dog treats sourced and made in South Africa. And there’s plenty more to come, with exciting collaborations in the pipeline, from interiors to fashion, events in-store, guest brand pop-ups and exhibitions.
“We believe in a luxury that can be enjoyed 24/7, from a glorious walk with your dog in the morning to striking products and designs that bring joy and ease to everyday life,” concludes Kljin.
Picture: Supplied / Frances Marais photography
The House of Chommies boasts a secluded courtyard with dog-friendly benches and a water fountain that doubles as a dipping pond, along with a garden that was originally designed by Cape Town landscaper Franchesca Watson. You can take a seat at bespoke café tables with custom beaded surfaces and original metal outdoor chairs inspired by Malawian basketry, both of which were developed specifically for this space.
Picture: Supplied / Frances Marais photography
“We want our customers and their dogs to feel inspired but also at ease as if in their own home, helping them to unwind from today’s busy world,” says Klijn.
Details:
- Location: 110 Hatfield Street, Gardens, Cape Town.
- Hours: Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm
- Shop online: www.chommies.com
- Contact: hello@chommies.com
Also read:
Picture: Supplied / Frances Marais
The post House of Chommies has opened its doors on Hatfield Street appeared first on CapeTown ETC.
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