We spoke to Mai Timblick, Chief Creative Officer of Standard International, about the exciting recent opening of The StandardX hotel in Fitzroy. This new addition to The Standard family brings the brand's signature style and ethos to Melbourne's vibrant arts district. Timblick shared insights on how The StandardX embraces local culture while maintaining The Standard's global appeal:
ProjectsFitzroy Meets The StandardX
Next ArticleFitzroy Meets The StandardX
A New Era in Melbourne Hospitality
10 September 2024
How does The StandardX, Melbourne's design reflect and integrate with Fitzroy's eclectic and artistic character?
The hotel embodies Fitzroy's vibrant, eclectic spirit, drawing inspiration from the neighbourhood's diverse culture and creativity. This is reflected in the architecture, interior design, and styling of our spaces.
Lead architect Peter Miglis of Woods Bagot is native to Fitzroy and considers it his backyard. The respect he has for his community plays an important part in our connection to our new location. The architecture is designed to make our building feel as if it has always been part of the local fabric, seamlessly integrating with the existing landscape through its industrial aesthetic.
The hotel engages with the community through features like organic bench seats and open windows, connecting with local ventures such as the Rose Street Market.
Emblems of local creativity are visible throughout the spaces, blended with The Standard’s signature wink — including works by Sarah Parkes, Adam Goodrum, Dean Norton, Aileen Colbett, Georgia Stevenson, and Brodie Kokkinos.
In what ways does The StandardX build upon the aesthetic and guest experience established by The Standard brand?
The Standard celebrates raw materiality with white-washed brick, rattan ceilings, and terrazzo floors, balanced by industrial elements like powder-coated metal and exposed beams. The StandardX, Melbourne combines this soft industrialism with youthful eclecticism throughout its public spaces, including The Box, BANG, The Roof, and the lobby.
Unlike typical hospitality trends, The Standard prioritises genuine guest connections. Our Guest Experience Management team (endearingly called GEMs) ensures personalised experiences across all our properties, nurturing loyalty among creative tastemakers and some of the world’s most notable VIPs. This focus on human connectivity is core to The Standard brand. At The StandardX, we aim to connect guests with the local community through curated experiences, bringing people to new destinations.
What are some unique features or concepts introduced in The StandardX that guests can look forward to?
The Box is a retail concept that offers a cabinet of curiosities ranging from daily essentials, wellness items, and fashionable goods to delicious snacks and drinks born out of local partnerships The StandardX has created. Guests will discover a plethora of collaborative products celebrating local industry and designers, found only at The Box.
Look forward to special brunches and summer DJ sessions at BANG during weekends to celebrate and integrate with the Rose Street Market.
The crown jewel can be found in the stunning panoramic views from The Roof, with the Dandenong Ranges on one side and Melbourne's skyscrapers on the other. Hotel guests will have access to the best spot for sundown cocktails this summer.
What inspired the creation of BANG, The StandardX Melbourne’s Thai-focused restaurant, and what can customers expect?
The successful establishment of The Standard's Asia flagship in Bangkok and our integration into a new country, city, and culture was BANG's source of inspiration. Through The Standard's global footprint, our paths crossed with Chef Justin Dingle-Garciyya, whose experiences across Asia have greatly influenced the menu. The foundation of BANG rests on authentic Thai flavours while harnessing local and seasonal ingredients enriched by the chef's unique execution of traditional recipes. True to its name, BANG's dishes provide an explosive sensory experience. Just when you think you know Thai food, Chef Dingle-Garciyya reinvents it.
In what ways does The StandardX, Melbourne aim to be a "playground for big stories and bold moments"?
We're holding a grand opening party later in the year and look forward to bringing the flavour of The Standard's legendary fun to Fitzroy.
With lifestyle, music, art, and fashion being core pillars of the brand, we will engage with Melbourne's diverse cultural calendar. Melbourne Fashion Week in March will be a moment for celebrations, similar to how we contribute to and celebrate Fashion Week in London and New York.
