Marsèll, the renowned Italian craft footwear and accessories brand with a passion for art and culture, opens the doors to its highly anticipated flagship store located at Via della Spiga 42. Spanning two levels and 400 square meters, this stunning space is dedicated to showcasing Marsèll’s iconic and timeless collections.
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The Concept: Where Art and Architecture Converge
Marsèll’s ambitious project brief called for a space that harmoniously blended the modular environments of architectural virtuoso Marcel Breuer with the serene ambience crafted by Carlo Scarpa. The collaborative endeavor between Marsèll and Berlin-based design studio, Lotto Studio, has resulted in a sanctuary-like store that invites visitors to escape and immerse themselves in the brand’s unique offerings. The space is intended to be open, contemporary, comfortable, and solemn, serving as a perfect canvas to exhibit Marsèll’s creations.
The Space: A Haven of Creativity
The exquisitely designed Marsèll store spans two expansive floors. Upon entering at street level, customers are greeted by an extensive display of the men’s and women’s collections. Additionally, an exclusive gallery area is reserved for presenting collaborations and showcasing site-specific art projects. Descending to the basement level, visitors will find a versatile forum that effortlessly fulfils dual purposes. Not only does it showcase the Marsèll Gomme family, but it also serves as a venue for meetings, exhibitions, and conferences. This space features long terraces that enclose a central area conceived as an exhibition space. A magnificent walnut bookcase, an enduring work of art in itself, extends seamlessly between the floors, connecting them in a visually striking manner. The smart integration of a curtain system allows for flexible subdivision of the space, effortlessly adapting to shifting needs and accommodating an ever-evolving public.
“The space was conceived and developed by imagining the perfect Marsèll house, a place where everything that has always defined us merges into a perfect whole.” – Marco Cima, Creative Director and Founder of Marsèll
The Materials: An Inspired Symphony
Meticulously chosen materials, meticulously researched, delineate various zones with their distinct finishes. These materials not only exude elegance but also seamlessly blend functionality with beauty. The two primary contrasting elements, stone-earth and space-air, define the interior’s geometry. Travertine, symbolizing the women’s area, and walnut wood, representing the men’s section, gracefully demarcate the different realms. Stainless steel, glass, leather, and hues from the Marsèll DNA intermingle with translucent fabrics, creating an ethereal ambience. Moreover, the walls, an innovative blend of cement and pebble grit from the river Brenta, provide a contemporary and flexible perimeter for presenting artistic creations and collaborations.
“An obsession with and constant research into materials and how to combine them made it possible to create a space that skillfully combines design and craftsmanship.” – Marco Cima, Creative Director and Founder of Marsèll
A Timeless Journey: Past, Present, and Future
The store design thoughtfully reflects Marsèll’s distinctive aesthetics through striking forms and finishes, creating a timeless space. Whether described as experimental or retro-futurist, the design meticulously contextualizes both the products and the brand, encapsulating Marsèll’s multifaceted philosophy forged over two decades of illustrious history.
“This is an important moment. For the first time, we will enter into a direct dialogue with the people who are interested in what we do.” – Marco Cima, Creative Director and Founder of Marsèll
Special Thanks to:
Roberto Cima – Founder and President, Marsèll
Andrea Rossi – Founder and Vice President, Marsèll
Riccardo Cima – Collections Coordinator, Marsèll
Edi Marin – Em Editing
Casey Lewis and Mirko Ihrig – Lotto Studio
Loris Moretto – Head of Communications, Marsèll
Martina Uderzo – Brand Image Manager, Marsèll
Their invaluable support was integral to bringing this extraordinary project to life.
About LOTTO Studio:
Designers Mirko Ihrig and Casey Lewis form LOTTO Studio, an interdisciplinary practice specializing in industrial design, interiors, custom furniture, and other exploratory works. Rooted in research, narrative, and re-contextualization, the duo skillfully transposes objects, materials, and industrial processes into unexpected contexts. With a delicate balance of precision and experimentation, LOTTO Studio embraces the serendipitous and the unforeseen, fostering new forms of expression.
About Marsèll:
Founded in 2001 near Venice, Marsèll epitomizes a cultural movement. The brand is renowned for its genderless, limited-edition leather products impeccably tailored for daily use. Marsèll transcends mere branding, positioning itself as a soulful project dedicated to the exploration and study of form in all its facets.
Image credits:
Alessandro Saletta – DSL Studio
Instagram profile: @alessandrosaletta @dsl__studio
