Where The Wild Things Are
Maurice Chia of The Stalk Room explores new frontiers in floristry
Pushing the boundaries of floristry, The Stalk Room celebrates the power of the flower, and features an eye-opening edit of jewels, books, and homeware alongside a beautiful selection of botanicals. Founded by Maurice Chia, who previously honed his skills as a visual merchandiser at Lane Crawford, selections at the boutique are dizzying in their creativity.
Beginning at a vivid yellow rubber door, sections are themed and there is an inspiring juxtaposition of products; from piles of vintage tomes with jewel-like covers though to whimsical gems, including Chanel’s iconic Camellia designs and works by local success story Heting. And then there are the actual flowers. Seasonal buds bloom from a wide range of vases, inspiring those seeking more than just a beautiful bouquet.
Elsewhere, Chia’s plantscapes are a play with texture, merging rocks and sands with sprouted plants. Stepping into the Sheung Wan store is like Alice stepping into Wonderland – it’s a transporting environ, where the only struggle is settling upon just one treasure.
As part of Lane Crawford’s PLATFORM initiative to help grow and nurture tomorrow’s new talent, we have invited Maurice Chia to handpick furniture and design new botanical displays at our newly renovated Womenswear and Fine Jewellery departments at our ifc mall flagship. Here, he talks inspiration, imagination and that Gucci ashtray…
A highlight of The Stalk Room is a stacked staircase created from multiple layered tables that acts as an arresting product showcase. The structure has since featured in many architectural magazines and design blogs. Where did the idea come from?
You know, it’s something I’m proud of, although it happened late one night, quite by accident. I needed to change a light up in the ceiling. I arranged the tables so that I could climb them and as I did it, I thought, “That’s a good idea, why don’t we do that in-store?”
A literal “light bulb” moment?
Exactly!
The store appears quite minimalist. Is that how you’d describe your style?
No, not really. The uncluttered look is unintentional. The store is about only about 60 per cent full. I am still exploring, looking for more treasures to add.
One treasure, a Gucci ashtray from the 1970s, is on display. Can I buy it?
Ha! That piece isn’t for sale. I just can’t part with it…
How has your background working in fashion helped guide the store’s direction?
I feel like the shop is a total culmination of my life and work to date. The stacked tables remind me of the stilt houses I lived in during my time in Brunei. The wood flooring is like the walkway I recall, which was laid across the white sand at the beach. There’s a definitive pared-back style from my time working in visual merchandising at Armani, and there’s a brilliant sense of quirky style from Lane Crawford. I’m still learning. Maybe the best is yet to come…
About half the product offering is devoted to plants and blooms. What flowers do you love right now?
I like flowers that are a little wild looking, not man-made or cultivated. They have a special kind of energy that brings you closer to nature. I also remain intrigued by the shape and the subdued quality of orchids. They are an architectural wonder.
Are Stalk Room creations different to others?
Some florists contort flowers to create a bouquet, but I think this suffocates them. We look at the petals, leaves, the shape of a flower. We listen to the flower and let it guide us. That differentiates us.