We sat down with our HAY Melbourne assistant store manager, Micah Chai, to chat all things HAY and design in Melbourne. Read on for his favourite local spots and designs from the HAY collection.
Originally from South Korea, Micah has 10 years of retail experience, specialising in fashion and visual merchandising.
As a result of spending the majority of his time at home during the lockdown, he picked up a passion for design and believes that aesthetic yet functional design elevates the mood of a space.
Why did you join the HAY team?
It’s a blessing to be able to work with such beautiful people and designs. The HAY Melbourne store is full of inspiration - every day is new. Our new store has been open for a few months now and it's a privilege to build the HAY brand in Melbourne and develop a regular base of customers.
HAY Melbourne / 176 Johnston Street in Fitzroy
Favourite local spots near the HAY Melbourne store?
Hope Street Radio - great food, great music, great space, great people. Can’t ask for more. Milney’s is another favourite, a night out with friends always starts here.
HAY x Hope Street Radio for the opening of the HAY Melbourne store plus the HAY Phaidon book and HAY's 20th anniversary
Favourite furniture design from the HAY collection?
The Colour Cabinet by Muller Van Severen. I love the clean and minimalistic design with the element of vibrant colours. This adds a playful and fun character in both private and public settings.
Colour Cabinet by Muller Van Severen for HAY
Favourite homewares from the HAY collection?
I love how HAY works closely with creatives across different industries to continuously push the boundaries, the Sobremesa Collection I’m particularly fond of.
I think this collaboration with the chef, Laila Gohar is the perfect example of HAY’s philosophy and vision to provide good design accessible to the largest possible audience.
Sobremesa collection by Laila Gohar for HAY
Favourite lighting design from the HAY collection?
The PC Portable Light - it’s the perfect companion when I’m hanging out at parks or going camping during the summer. Great design, easy to use, and more importantly, it fits in my bag!
PC Portable Lamp by Pierre Charpin for HAY
Say hello to Micah at the HAY Melbourne store /
176 Johnston Street, Fitzroy 3066
