Ilona Staller was an interior design process concerned with rejuvenating an old Art Deco bank building (turned Red Rooster), with many original features and providing a new ‘sister’ venue for St.Kilda’s Cicciolina restaurant. Whilst context, history, memory and locale influenced the design, it was as much about interpreting new opportunities for a 20year old, single operative establishment that has been tucked along a small lane in Acland St for seeminly forever. With its somewhat irreverent and loyal following, Cicciolina and its provocative associations, renown food and service, needed to expand...but not too far. Balaclava would do, in the old Bank by the rail bridge. So then evolves something fresh and different yet familiar and even cosy. A chance to combine interior design with an iconic building, client with context, not to mention the patrons.
A lounge, a salon, perhaps cocktail bar or fine dining restaurant. Neither nor but never a bore. It is this overlap and conjunction of style, type and operation that reflect and define a contemporary position.
Project Team: Grant Amon, Stephen Herbst, Justin Fagnani, Robyn Bettie, Rosalind Poerwantoro
Builder: McKimm Developments
Mechanical, Electrical & Hydraulic Consultants: Scheme Group
Photos: Shannon McGrath
