The spirit of the brand is livelier than ever. The pathway into the contemporary world taken by Sara, Vera and Mari Giusti, the third generation at the helm of the historic Marches-based shoe manufacturer AGL, is one of responsibility and intuition. Reworking the strong points of the past, blending them with a modern style, while keeping faith with production 100% Made in Italy, done in the company’s facilities in the Marches, in collaboration with Italian suppliers and historic Tuscan tanneries. In this outlook of renewal, the Giusti sisters didn’t hesitate to call on the architect Glenn Sestig to design a new showroom in Milan, on Via della Spiga, with the aim of replicating the concept prepared for the openings of the brand’s flagship stores.
“We asked Glenn to work with us because we adore his work and his aesthetic, which is so close to the values of AGL,” says Vera. “Glenn is able to design spaces that perfectly blend form and function, shaping architecture that is simultaneously artistic and erudite, of very high quality and pragmatism. He has collaborated with me and my sisters on the concept of balance between opposites: femininity and androgyny, art and concrete practice.”
The showroom is the result of the joining of two spaces, with the opportunity to move the entrance and to thus insert a reception area, offices, meeting rooms and additional services in the new wing. Conceived as an empty, pure and luminous architectural space, in which the furnishings can be moved, revealing their multifunctional character. Every single element has been custom designed as an exclusive for AGL, and produced by Gio Bagnara, choosing excellent accessories like the upholstery covering of the seating, from the Kvadrat/Raf Simons collection.
“The aim was also to bring out the international attitude that has always been a part of me, and of my sisters,” Sara adds, “because the mixing of different materials represents the glocal approach of our brand: the Iranian titanium travertine blends perfectly with classic Italian travertine. Furthermore, delicate materials like pink leather and fabrics have been juxtaposed with concrete and black iron. The result is a modern, minimal open space in which we can express our creativity.”
Photo © Omar Sartor
