Introducing Rialto, your new spot for interior gems at Hackney Downs Studios

Eat Work Art catches up with new interiors hotspot, Rialto, to discuss what we can expect from their new shopfront at Hackney Downs Studios.

Could you give us some background on yourself and Rialto?

We are interior architects at heart working mainly within the luxury retail market on store design and fit out. We always think architecturally and have always been inspired by a certain style of aesthetic which influenced our decision to open Rialto. We wanted to create a space that is inspired by our passions - objects, art, food, wine and fashion, all these facets go towards creating the present and the future of where we want the Rialto brand to go. 

Why did you choose Hackney Downs Studios to set-up shop?

In a word, community. We are local and have always seen the energy in the area around spring and summer. We believe in “Brand Hackney” and love how varied the borough is. The courtyard at Hackney Downs Studios feels like a central melting pot of all the local neighbourhoods in Hackney that come together.

Talk to us about the inspiration behind Rialto, how you came to set up the space and what you hope it will become. 

We believe that retail spaces aren't just about “shopping” it's about the design, the experience, the story of the product and what happens when retail hours finish for the day, “A retail space that blurs the lines". The concept was to design a space that had multiple visions, we wanted to create a community retail space that could also turn in to a space for gatherings, entertainment, talks and parties and draw in the creative community in Hackney and beyond. If you pop in on a weekend we might just have a bottle of wine open for a free glass…

You're working with some very interesting artists. Tell us about how you've curated these?

In a digital world we decided to cut through and think 'physical-first'. We wanted to provide a physical platform for local artists and makers. Curating a unique collective was important to us so you will find new and established makers using a range of techniques and materials, different aesthetics and different price points . Some we already had relationships with and others we sourced from the local community. We already have our eye on new makers to join the Rialto community, expect collaborations, exclusives and more.

What's your Hackney hidden gem?

Guinness bread sausage sandwich at Cafe Cecilia on a Saturday, we live near Victoria Park Village so a hidden gem for lunch is Shankeys on Well St with its Irish Indian cuisine, Closing off the day with friends in a corner at Yuki in London Fields.

Anything we can look forward to?

Our summer opening party! Waiting for the weather to get better so we can spill out into the courtyard. Watch this space in May!

Image credit: Teo Della Torre