David Chipperfield designs Furla's new flagship in Milan's historic Piazza Duomo
Gio Ponti, Vico Magistretti and Achille Castiglione inspire the brand's newest Milan boutique
In February, Italian accessories label Furla unveiled its redesigned sans serif logo, its sleek typography inspired by arches found inside the palazzo of the brand’s Furla Foundation in Bologna. The city too is renowned for its signature porches. It's this architectural element which has inspired the construction of the brand’s newly renovated flagship in Milan’s historic Piazza Duomo, designed by David Chipperfield Architects Milan.
‘We were inspired by the history of Milan, the heritage of the great Italian designers pervades the city even now,’ Chipperfield explains of the design of the double floor space, which has been enlarged to 263 sq m. ‘Gio Ponti, Vico Magistretti, Achille Castiglione, Gae Aulenti and many others.’ Arches are a focal element, noted not only in the boutique’s architecture, but also in the curving shapes of fixtures and furnishings, formed from anodized aluminium. The store’s walls have a tactile finish, coated in rough plaster formed from different clays, which contrast with original enclaves and niches, which have been left intact.
Tactility is integral to the space, which also features smooth flooring formed from pastellone plaster, tables in lacquered wood and sugary coloured marble and circular hemp carpets.
Chipperfield – who has designed retail spaces for Bally, Valentino and SSENSE – remains positive regarding the endurance of bricks-and-mortar retail. ‘Although our shopping habits are changing and our lives have become more influenced by the virtual, we still value the physical experience and the quotidian rituals of urban life. In designing the Furla store we continue our commitment to the importance of the physical qualities of the retail experience and the importance of presentation of beautiful objects,' he says. The space also features an additional physical space, for pop-ups and events.
In light Covid-19 restrictions, Furla fans keen to get a glimpse of its new space, will have the chance to do so digitally, with an online 3D virtual tour.
INFORMATION
davidchipperfield.com
furla.com
furlaopeningparty.com
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
Molly Goddard on creating a community of contemporary brides
As new Molly Goddard bridal wear is released, the designer talks about creating romantic but real wedding dresses, while three recent brides tell the stories behind their own Goddard gowns
By Jack Moss Published
-
Palazzo Roma embodies the heritage of Roman noblesse
Palazzo Roma, part of the Shedir Collection, boasts eclectic and eccentric interiors by Giampiero Panepinto
By Luke Abrahams Published
-
Boise Passive House’s bold gestures support an environmentally friendly design
Boise Passive House by Haas Architecture combines sleek, contemporary design and environmental efficiency
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
AlphaTauri’s Salzburg HQ is a science fiction fantasy
Browse in-store, buy online: the future-focused mentality of AlphaTauri
By Simon Mills Last updated
-
Manu Atelier's first boutique nods to Le Corbusier in Istanbul
The cult Istanbul-based label introduces bold, sculptural expressionism into this first bricks and mortar store
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Louis Vuitton's Ginza Namiki flagship evokes a rippling pillar of water
Japanese architect Jun Aoki creates a water-like facade for Louis Vuitton's Ginza Namiki Tokyo flagship
By Danielle Demetriou Last updated
-
Alternative retail websites for fashionable festive gifting
Look to luxury etailers Rêve En Vert, APOC Store and Doda the Store, Aspect and Zero-Living for feel-good gifting options that support emerging creatives and artists, and have a sustainability-focused mindset
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
David Chipperfield delves deep for very personal bag design
‘It has been an opportunity to design a bag that suits my lifestyle,’ says the architect of the collaborative project with German accessories label Tsatsas
By Yoko Choy Last updated
-
Aspesi’s upcycled shirt is a winter wardrobe staple
The Italian brand's Shirt-Jacket 13 silhouette is well padded with eco-credentials
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Morocco-based Marrakshi Life combines traditional techniques with a New York aesthetic
Clothing brand Marrakshi Life champions a unisex, hand-tailored line
By Grace Cook Last updated
-
Tiaan Nagel’s art collector-inspired store in Johannesburg
Tiaan Nagel has partnered with interior-architecture studio Tonic Design on a new flagship store in Johannesburg's Hyde Park Corner
By Sean O'Toole Last updated