Behind the Scenes with Rita Millat: Our New Concession Store

As Lakeland Leather turns 70, we’re excited to share the first of our key in-store projects for this milestone year – the opening of our brand new concession store in Chelmsford, Esssex. The space has been thoughtfully brought to life by our very own ‘interior design master’, Rita Millat. Blending her flair for interiors with a deep understanding of fashion, Visual Merchandising Consultant Rita has created an environment that’s not only beautiful but also enhances the way our collections are discovered and enjoyed in-store. 

Style in the Details: Rita’s Design Inspiration

Located in Chelmsford’s only independent department store, the Quadrant concession marks an exciting step for Lakeland Leather as we introduce our brand to a new part of the UK.

Rita shares her inspiration behind the design: “Working on the Quadrant project, I aimed to balance the brand’s classic and rich heritage with a fresh, modern feel. I wanted the space to highlight the craftsmanship of the leather pieces while celebrating the versatility and energy of the new season clothing collections.”

Rita selected the store’s neutral colour palette to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements the collections without overwhelming them. Natural materials and bespoke fixtures, such as elegant display tables and shelving arrangements, evoke a sense of understated luxury.

More than just a retail space, the concession is designed to immerse customers in the Lakeland Leather lifestyle. “I wanted to create an environment that feels chic, comfortable, and stylish,” Rita adds. “It’s about more than showcasing products - it’s about inviting customers to step into our world and discover something special.”

The store features a carefully curated selection of our latest collections, thoughtfully arranged to inspire and delight. “Each piece has been selected to work seamlessly together,” says Rita. “The leather items are paired with versatile wardrobe staples, offering options for every occasion.”

Quadrant and Beyond: Discover What’s Next

Nestled among well-known brands such as French Connection and Barbour, our Quadrant concession offers an elevated shopping experience shaped by design, craftsmanship and heritage. This curated space reflects not only the quality of our new season collections, but also the creative vision of Rita, whose expertise has brought the concept to life.

📺Want to see Rita in action transforming more spaces? Tune into Series 6 of Interior Design Masters, airing at 8pm on Thursday 10th April on BBC One. Watch as she brings her signature style and expert eye to a whole new set of design challenges.

📲 You can also follow her design journey over on Instagram @ritamillat, where she shares behind-the-scenes inspiration as well as styling tips.

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