7 Apples is a boutique gelato operator with deep Italian heritage, credited with introducing traditional Italian gelato to the Australian market on one of Melbournes’ most iconic strips Acland St, St Kilda. The brief called for an outside of box approach to a traditional kiosk expressing the brand’s soft pastel palette while performing exceptionally in a constrained, high-traffic shopping centre environment.
We developed a compact, cart-style concept inspired by traditional Italian mobile gelato carts. The solution splits into two clear components: a front-facing service cart that houses 24 gelato flavours and a back-of-house wall unit with wash-up and storage directly behind the cart.
The cart’s form & detailing touched like the bicycle wheels, rounded profiles and pastel finishes draw directly from Italian street-vendor aesthetics to communicate authenticity and heritage. Materials and finishes were selected for visual impact and durability in a busy retail setting: powder coated metals and mirror-finish stainless steel for hygienic, easy-to-clean surfaces; custom european refrigeration integrated into the cart; and bold neon accents including a playful cone motif and a fabricated “7 Apples” neon sign showcasing the logo originally designed by the amazing creative order, which was also supported by traditional rounded Italian light bulbs for a crafted, artisanal touch.
The cart was designed in Melbourne and manufactured in Italy and shipped as a complete install to Melbourne to preserve the bespoke refrigeration and finish quality. The final installation balances authenticity, functionality and adaptability, creating a boutique gelato experience that performs in a constrained, high-traffic precinct and reinforces the brand’s market-leading position.
Support: http://www.7applesgelato.com
