Rachael Fry is one of the sweetest Americans we know so we were more than thrilled to see that she would be planting her feet firmly in Australian soil with partner Amon Carson in the opening of their Melbourne based ‘part-gallery, part-showroom,’ Criteria. Offering an exclusive collection of modern furniture, art, and design objects from around the world, the Criteria collection represents an array of designers from New York, Los Angeles, London, Milan, France, Portugal, Morocco, Sweden and Australia.
Hailing from Palm Springs, California, it is of course no surprise to learn that Fry’s earlier design influences drew from the modern architecture that surrounded her. After studying at the Parsons School of Design, the aspirational designer cum creative, went on to become an Art Director in New York before she found herself in love with an Aussie (Carson) and subsequently his homeland.
It was after unpacking her bags and setting out to explore the local design scene that Fry quickly discovered that the artists and designers she had been following back in New York were nowhere to be found. So, being the champion of good design as she is, Fry got to work curating a collection of pieces to bring to the Australian market. And just like that, Criteria was born.
Not only do we love the pieces on offer such as Doug Johnston, Stephen Kenn, Souda and De La Espada, we are also mad for the showroom space with its warehouse aesthetic of exposed bricks, timber beams with polished cement floors. Do yourself a favour if you’re in town and scratch behind the surface of Church street in Richmond and seek out the treasure to be found in Gwynne street, Cremorne.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Brooke Holm
