Ryder salon

Formerly housed in an iconic building on the border of Albert Park, Ryder’s recent move to Charter House, Britomart has placed the upmarket salon on the pulse of one of Auckland’s hippest new fashion scenes. A collaborative effort between designer Petr Cvejn, architect Andrew Greenslade and Ryder’s founder and creative force, Greg Murrell, the new salon space lives up to expectations. It’s elegant, edgy and cool, and the intimacy created through a discreet frontage and the absence of alluring window displays presents an enticing point of difference.

From Britomart Place, ornate wall screens form a barrier between the salon and street. Looking a little like Jenga pieces framed in steel, these walls were conceived from discussions about moiré patterns and a fondness for intricate brickwork. The designers wanted to incite a sense of theatre and intrigue - but also privacy - by filtering direct observation from outside, at the same time allowing a sense of engagement with the city from within.

Inside, the sculptural screens serve as partitions, creating an easy flow between the styling, shampoo and reception areas and emphasising the volume of the space. American Ash walls and recycled Puriri floors are juxtaposed with steel station units and a reception desk finished in black wax. Small pockets of white wall space make a gallery for works by Michael Parekowhai − an adaptation of his exhibition, ‘Rainbow Servant Dreaming’, customised for Ryder’s new home. rydersalon.com