Founded 42 years ago by entrepreneur Aldo Carpinteri in the Sicilian town of Trapani, multi-brand boutique Modes has since expanded with a number of outposts across Italy, but also in Switzerland and Paris. Only three-and-a-half years after establishing a presence in the country’s fashion capital Milan, the retailer has relocated its boutique on Piazza Risorgimento. The redesign sees a renewed collaboration with Berlin-based architecture practice Gonzalez Haase which has previously designed a number of Modes‘ retail spaces, in addition to Modes Assembly, a sleek and futuristic-looking ephemeral pavilion of sorts which stood right outside of the Milanese boutique during last year’s Salone de Mobile.
Interestingly, the new retail space is situated on the opposite side from the former store on the ground floor of a large residential structure built in 1900. The new design codes break away from conventional retail aesthetic and aim to offer a tantalising layering by retaining large swathes of the building’s original architectural elements. The existing concrete flooring was in good condition, and the wasteful use of energy and resources could be avoided. Another design characteristic of the Modes store is the repurposing of materials used for last year’s pavilion, most notably its inflatable canopy, which, now partially cut up and deflated, is framed by steel rods and serves as wall screens. The retail space, now featuring walls in a soft yellow hue, is L-shaped, curving around the corner of the building.
The walls on both ends are clad with large black mirrors, albeit that the black surface gradually fades into a clear mirror. Furnishings are few and simple, comprising of various displays, such as a circular metal table and matching tiered display, and a glass cabinet, in addition to wall-mounted shelving. Two complementary shapes, covered in a striking blue fabric, also serve as displays. Lighting, in the form of bands of linear lights overlaid with metal frames, adds a dynamic visual element to the setting. The new Modes store carries a curated selection of men’s, women’s and kids apparel, accessories, bags and shoes by a wide range of luxury and on-trend brands, such as Zegna, Fear of God, The Attico, AMBUSH, Nensi Dojaka and Maison Margiela.
Modes
Piazza Risorgimento 8 (Risorgimento)
20129 Milan
Telephone: +39 02 45497839
Daily 10.30am-7.30pm
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