As far as power couples go, it’s hard to look past the always chic, impeccably dressed husband and wife duo, Patrick and Tamsin Johnson. Patrick, a tailor, started his eponymous label P.Johnson in 2009, while interior designer Tamsin is one of Australia’s preeminent design talents. P.Johnson, and its womenswear arm, PJ Femme, are characterised by distinctive tailoring, luxurious fabrics and pieces made to last a lifetime. Dedicated to crafting no-waste clothing with a low environmental impact, the ethos underpinning Patrick’s work is one of longevity. The same can be said for Tamsin’s approach to design. Vintage and antique pieces — the kind that are made using old school techniques and best-quality materials — form the basis of many of Tamsin’s projects. It’s not hard to observe the synergy the pair share in their respective design ethos.

It’s little wonder then that when P.Johnson opens a new store, Tamsin takes the reins on design. Their latest endeavour is PJ Femme’s spectacular new space at The Strand Arcade. Ahead of the store’s opening, we sat down with Tamsin to discuss her inspiration behind the fit out, what it’s like working with family and the PJ Femme pieces she has on high rotation.

Can you tell us about your personal design inspiration for PJ Femme’s new store at The Strand Arcade?

The store is petite and intimate, so it suited a treatment akin to a continental salon, with intensity, maturity, rich detail and finesse. An old salon can transport you, we wanted that feeling.

The new PJ Femme store is a family affair, between you doing the interiors and your husband Patrick taking the reins designing the collection. What did you enjoy most about this creative collaboration?

Patrick and I always collaborate. Our work always crosses over, the dialogue is continuous. We share so much of each other’s creative endeavour, and our connection to and fascination with beautiful things is a mutual passion. We push and pull hard, which is really good for the process, but ultimately we share the same language.

At PJ Femme’s core is a dedication to exquisite craftsmanship. What aspects of the store’s design reflect this?

All my spaces are crafted, nearly all finishes are custom and incorporate specialist trades. The contents, from the furniture to fixtures and decor, also celebrate beautiful object design. When I’m selecting antique and vintage furniture, I look for standalone strength — powerful designs that have a depth to them, both in their design and construction. The result is a layer of beauty and intrigue that can’t be achieved with speed or expedience.

What elements of the store’s design are particularly noteworthy or personal to you?

For me, the parchment-like walls are just exquisite. But there’s a lot — the antique Versailles parquetry, the yellow silk fringed curtains, the vintage Murano pendants with red trim and the Fornasetti sofa!

How did the architecture and history of The Strand Arcade inform your design for the store?

That feeling of making a special trip to the city to shop for a dress is a powerful memory and The Strand’s sense of permanence in our memories is particularly special in that way. Our goal was to create that same permanence in the appearance and feeling of the PJ Femme store. It’s the feeling of something occasional and special.

What drew you and Patrick to opening the next PJ Femme store at The Strand Arcade?

We have had a store at The Strand Arcade in the past and always felt that, despite the stores’ smaller sizes, there is a sensation there that can’t be found elsewhere. It’s a perfect spot for the CBD client to pop in and feel detached from the outside world for a minute.

What do you love most about the new PJ Femme collection?

Microsuede — it’s such a sensual cloth. We have used it across coats, trousers, shift dresses and minis. It’s stunning, and I love the collarless coat and the Katrina shift in particular. The gold strap dress is a standout too, very pure and very simple, and the mule is going to be a staple I think too. It’s really strong, and something that could be used as a daily ‘elevator’ sort of piece.

Can you talk a bit about Patrick’s inspiration for the new collection? Were there any new materials or techniques involved in the new collection’s creation?

There is a slightly utopian and futurist bent to the new collection. The designs are reductive, pure and versatile. The shapes are straighter and more frank but there is a feminine delicateness too, from layered organza, splittable cloths which create a fine hem, and various uses of quilting. Moire features too, and with its antique appeal it adds finer detail and a quasi-antique edge without the elaborateness. Knitwear features heavily, from cloud-like cashmere through to very chic and fitted knitted dresses in casual formats, as well as a striking backless knitted gown.

And finally, what pieces from PJ Femme do you wear on repeat?

Things from the core range that I can't do without are the Marella and Pamela pants, all the knitwear, from camisoles and tanks to knitted dresses, the denim and the Moire mules, which again are just so pure and elemental. They go with everything.

Visit PJ Femme on Level 1.