Completion: November 2007

Occupying a small space directly in front of their existing boutique on Via Della Spiga in Milan, this is the first accessory flagship store for Marni, with a completely new concept to mark the launch of their accessory fit-outs globally.

Creating a dramatic perspective is the focus of this design, as the walls and ceiling are slightly ‘pinched’ and the soft grey carpeted floor gently sloped to the rear of the shop, all appearing to disappear into infinity.

Highly lacquered walls present an array of backlit fibreglass display cases individually designed to accommodate sunglasses, bags, shoes and jewellery. The sloping floor is then punctuated with a series of random cuts from which a new bespoke collection of natural finish fibreglass mannequins are displayed in elegant composition.

Two large elliptical ceiling cut-outs covered in stretched fabric softly illuminate the space with the only other light emanating from behind the display cases. Bamboo stools and boxes increase display capacity without dominating and the cash / stock areas are concealed behind the glossy walls. An elegant clear glass shop front simply framed in stainless steel is utilised to emphasise the drama unfolding inside.