MALONE SOULIERS PRESENTS AW24 COLLECTION AT LONDON FASHION WEEK
Synonymous with enduring style, Malone Souliers’ AW24 collection pays homage to mid-century Italian design. The period between the 1940s and ‘60s saw the rise of architects and designers, such as Gio Ponti, Carlo Scarpa, and Gae Aulenti, whose seminal creations remain iconic today. The use of clean lines, contrasting materials – such as wood, metal, and glass – and a raw, earthy colour palette inspires the collection.
Malone Souliers’ London Fashion Week presentation took place within the storied Heal’s Building on Tottenham Court Road, itself a former furniture factory. Its concept is derived from theItalian architect Gae Aulenti’s ‘art collector’s house’, a Milanese apartment which sherenovated for the Agnelli family. The environment is cleverly structured around its artworks, their presence pivotal to its aesthetic. With stainless steel, stacked bricks, concrete and gloss finishes, our own space nods to the unorthodox materials central to this era of design. Today, it is shoes and handbags that become works of art. A botanical installation, inspired by the wild yet simple landscaping of Carlo Scarpa brings an abundance of greenery to the space.
Mona, the definition of contemporary-classic, is a sleek mule embellished with a crystal- encrusted crest. Meanwhile, Ponti’s ‘811’ armchair, characterized by its balanced wooden frame, inspires the elegant Yuna sandal. Finally, the Cristi mule explores material play by
combining contrasting fabrics such as croc-embossed leather or patent with mesh.
Another of Ponti’s creations – the D.555.1 coffee table, with its diamond pattern, informs the velvet ribbons that cross at the ankles of our Spencer ballet flat. Geometric crystals decorate the Jazz slingback, while ankle boot Rossella is distinguished by its sharp lines and half crest decoration. Referencing Italian couture, Raffaella is adorned with a dramatic marabou feather pompom.
The Vivien bag receives a streamlined reimagining, its hero iteration punctuated by lines of shimmering crystals. New style Vittoria is a precious clutch, meticulously hand draped to achieve a soft yet statement silhouette.
Commenting on the collection, Malone Souliers’ Co-Creative Directors explain, “Italian craftsmanship is intrinsic to the heritage of Malone Souliers. Every trip to Italy is a design pilgrimage and the AW24 collection is a love letter to the radical influence of the country’s unparalleled aesthetic, which we have long and deeply admired.”
The Malone Souliers AW24 collection launches in June 2024 online at MaloneSouliers.com and Harrods concession in Shoe Heaven.
