At Milan Design Week 2024 Valextra joined forces with the Bergamo-based design bureau Studio Temp
to unveil Valextra Vocabolario - a holistic project comprising an intervention of radical
architecture, state-of-the-art bag development, and a tailor-made repair and restoration service.
Designed by John Pawson in 2019, the Valextra flagship on Via Manzoni set the stage for an
unprecedented temporary takeover featuring floor-to-ceiling aluminium ‘blades’ that transformed the
minimalist temple into a maze of frosted panels in V-shaped intersections and blush pink carpet
across the two floors.
Studio Temp’s brutalist gesture created a bold statement of abstract geometries that continued throughout the visual identity of Valextra Vocabolario, with custom logo designs, special objects, and new hardware. The project’s progressive graphic language paids homage to the brand’s historic approach to luxury,
Both centrepiece and masterpiece of the project, Valextra presented the 3D-printed Iside Onda
handbag — a Futurist, curvilinear expression of the classic Iside trapezoid design sculpted from
a biodegradable corn filament.
Translating the codes of the Valextra Vocabolario project into progressive product, Valextra
unveiled Valextra Assoluto, a new unisex capsule collection of regenerated nylon maroquinerie that
embraces modern engineering whilst safeguarding the traditions of style and craftsmanship
inherent to the brand since 1937.
On the second level at via Manzoni, the metal labyrinth parted to reveal Valextra SPA, a dedicated
leather goods repair service for clients in a tongue-in-cheek ‘wellness’ installation
where artisans sat at a custom workstation alongside a space-age sauna. Clad in embossed
aluminium panels and featuring an engraved viewing window, the life-size sauna was a conceptual
architecture that announced the House dedication to extending the life cycle of our products.
Founded by Giovanni Fontana in 1937, Valextra is one of Italy’s most renowned and discerning
leather goods brands. Taking inspiration from its hometown of Milan, Valextra’s handbags and
luggage encapsulate its commitment to engineering beauty to conceive meaningful everyday
objects of desire.