Maison Valentino's new flagship store, Madison Avenue. Cooperation with the Museum Magazzino Italian Art.

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Maison Valentino opens its new flagship store on Madison Avenue.

The space has been built according to the new global retail concept that the brand introduced in 2022 and that focuses on creating unique spaces.

By Lizzie Fedi

©Maison Valentino

Fashion, 18. November 2023: Maison Valentino opens its new flagship store on Madison Avenue. The space has been built according to the new global retail concept that the brand introduced in 2022 and that focuses on creating unique spaces.

Art cooperation

The partnership with New York's Museum Magazzino Italian Art is also new. At the opening of the store on Madison Avenue, five paintings by Mario Schifano, one of the most important representatives of Italian postmodernism, were on display. Mario Schifano's work combined the creative energies of Rome and New York, and the exhibition serves as a link between Italy and the vibrant heart of New York City. The Magazzino itself was co-founded by Nancy Olnick and Giorgio Spanu and champions Italian artists ranging from Arte Povera to the present day.

Italian arts and crafts

Naturally, many Italian artisans were once again involved in the new flagship store. The almost 1,142 square metre sales area extends over three floors and faces Madison Avenue and 60th Street. Imposing iconic columns and high windows characterise the architecture.

Customers enter the shop through a pair of large double doors with sculptural marble handles modelled by ceramist Massimiliano Pipolo. Inside, the monumental character of the building is revealed with seven metre high ceilings, exposed steel columns and a rough concrete surface punctuated by illuminated shelves for Valentino Garavani accessories. In the centre of the space is a green onyx display unit.

At the back is an area for shoes with floors and seating in travertine red and walls clad in red velvet. A monumental marble staircase leads to the second floor. There, the Valentino Women Ready To Wear collection is presented with a red lacquered wardrobe structure and matching seating, which is intended to contrast with the chequered floor in white Botticino and black Nero Marquina marble.

There are also two VIP areas. These rooms each have a living room and a dressing area. The seating and furniture are combined with chandeliers by Roll & Hill, chairs by Charles Zana and ceramic objects by Massimiliano Pipolo to emphasise the domestic effect of the rooms.