MARK / GIUSTI PRESENTS ITS LATEST AW24 ARCHINTSUGI BEAUTY COLLECTION
ITALY, January 13th, 2024 — Renowned luxury brand MARK / GIUSTI proudly unveils their latest collection, ARCHINTSUGI Beauty, a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and innovation. This symphony of architecture, geometry, and rich heritage sets new standards in handcrafted bags and leather accessories, redefining elegance through innovation, intricate detail, and masterful craftsmanship.
Guided by a legacy that reveres Italy's artisanal heritage, MARK / GIUSTI once again redefines function and aesthetics, embarking on a journey where architecture, geometry, and the organic beauty of leather converge to create a testament to the pursuit of timeless elegance.
The collection draws inspiration from the world of architecture and geometric lines, echoing the harmonious interplay of form and function seen in the most captivating buildings.
"Each piece within this collection echoes our dedication to infuse architectural elegance into functional art," remarks Mark Farhat Giusti, Creative Director & Founder at MARK / GIUSTI. "Our aim was to create pieces that resonate with the symmetry of architectural masterpieces while offering unparalleled practicality."
Central to the collection's narrative is the exquisite natural vegetable-tanned leather, serving as both canvas and story. The collection celebrates the unique patterns that organically emerge in this material, representing genuine signposts of the leather's authentic journey.
"In our exploration of the Art of Kintsugi, a key inspiration in this collection, we notice that distinctive marks are everywhere: in design, architecture, and humans. These marks are what makes them unique. In the distinctive look ingrained in the leather, we discover unparalleled beauty that exposes the soul of the material, demonstrating its true authenticity," Giusti continues. "These marks are glimpses into the soul of the material, where scars are tales of resilience and strength etched into the leather's being. Here, I would like to quote Rumi:"
“The wound is a place where the light enters.” - Rumi
A remarkable technique showcased within this collection involves crafting pockets by delicately cutting and re-joining the leather. This creative approach symbolizes the evolution from perceived scars to captivating features, mirroring the philosophy of Kintsugi's wabi-sabi, where imperfections elevate an object's essence and guide us to accept them as jewels, like gilded stripes on a tiger’s skin.
MARK / GIUSTI's collection weaves the philosophy of embracing imperfections into a rich tapestry of art, architecture, and heritage. Just as architects incorporate cracks into their designs, these pieces honour the passage of time, fusing history, and design into a seamless continuum.
This landmark collection is unveiled during a significant transition for the brand, marking its first full showcase since relocating from London to Milan to be closer to their local artisans and reduce the carbon footprint caused by travel and shipping. The collection marries geometric shapes with the warm embrace of natural Tuscan vegetable-tanned leather—a testament to MARK / GIUSTI's commitment to sustainability. Concealed behind the perfectly balanced asymmetrical slanted detail, are exterior functional pockets, designed for effortless access during travel.
This gender-neutral range presents options suitable for all, while also catering to women with select offerings. A palette of new hues—such as Ibiza Nude, Ocean Blue, and Como Taupe—complements the existing Midnight Blue, Jet Black, and Port Red colours. The bags are named after Italian cities, a nod to the brand's new presence in the Italian market.
The collection is handcrafted from the finest materials with meticulous care and attention to detail. The brand's signature mosaic leather evokes a textured feeling reminiscent of ancient mosaic treasures, reflecting a commitment to reviving historic art through craftsmanship and innovation.
The mosaic pattern, a signature detail of the brand, for this collection is inspired by the original mosaic marble decorations found in the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy, built in the 6th century AD. The pattern is thoughtfully incorporated both on the interior and the exterior of the pieces.
This integration of mosaic into a bag that accompanies us everywhere signifies a continuous respect for the story of all those who contributed to its creation. By carrying this mosaic art, the legacy of its makers lives on, preserving the essence of a rich heritage. The bag becomes alive, and its spirit is the spirit of all the elements that make it.
For more information, high-resolution images, or to explore the collection, please contact Press@markgiusti.com