© Acayaba + Rosenberg / Photography: Maíra Acayaba

Founded in 2008 by São Paulo-based designer Maria Fernanda Sodré, A Mafalda is an independent women’s shoe and bag brand which has gone from strength to strength since its inception. Handcrafted by a team of artisans, the brand is known for its relaxed style and comfort, and during the pandemic, it’s exactly these qualities which have attracted an even bigger clientele than ever before. As of late, A Mafalda has its very own retail space in Pinheiros, the city’s most happening neighbourhood du jour. Occupying a fully redeveloped ground floor of a residential home, the retail space measures 150 sqm. (1,615 sq.ft.) set across a street side section and an elevated space in the back, but also display sub levels in between. The slabs of concrete forming steps leading to the door, one of two razor-sharp cutouts in the façade, loosely hint the Brutalist architecture-inspired interior design by local architecture practice Acayaba + Rosenberg.

A rectangular volume, used as display space, runs from the façade to the back, while overhead, a similar volume seemingly protrudes from the ceiling to demarcate this specific corner, creating a layered visual dynamic along the way. Below, more rectangular volumes can be found, and combined with singular slabs of concrete, the serve either as steps, displays, and seating. The elevated back section sees a similar aesthetic, albeit paired with original elements of the building, including an exposed brick wall and metal beams. The austerity is softened by way of wall sections covered in floor-to-ceiling curtains and select furnishings, notably an elliptic display which takes centre stage. The new A Mafalda boutique carries the brand’s full range of women’s shoes and bags.

A Mafalda
Rua Mateus Grou 580 (Pinheiros)
SP 05415-040 São Paulo
Telephone: +54 11 23385762
Mon-Fri 10am-7pm
Sat 10am-5pm

© Acayaba + Rosenberg / Photography: Maíra Acayaba