How can retail connect people? Yinka Ilori poses the question at his maximalist pop-up store in East London, which brings a colourful dose of fun to the high street.

The British-Nigerian designer’s maximalist aesthetic draws on his heritage and the architecture, fabrics and art of West Africa. Ilori has also employed psychology inside the Club Row space, daubing walls and floors in blues, pinks and purples – colours that evoke hope and optimism.

‘The high street plays such an important role in our communities but in recent years we have experienced a steep decline with many independent businesses struggling,’ says Ilori. ‘With this pop-up I wanted to bring retail back and design a fun, engaging space that tells a story. I want to start a conversation about the future of our stores, how we curate these spaces and what experiences we can create to force deeper, more meaningful connections.’

Shelving units borrow their forms from the houses and mosques of Burkina Faso and are topped by pink pyramids – a playful riposte to the architectural columns of the Victorian space.

Ilori’s homewares range (launched in 2020 during the height of the pandemic) plus artworks are available to purchase, with the designer donating 5% of proceeds to UK housing charity Shelter. He’s also hosting a series of events, including signings, an Ayo tournament and a palm wine evening, between now and 3 January 2023. Follow his Instagram for more.

9 Club Row, London E1 6JX

Read next: Mayfair pub The Audley blends Victorian bones with arty maximalism

London’s Africa Centre is an embassy for optimism