Ermenegildo Zegna in Partnership with UAE Trading Unveils its First Global Store in the Middle East Designed by Architect Peter Marino
Ermenegildo Zegna in partnership with UAE Trading Establishment, unveiled its first Global Concept Store in the Middle East designed by Peter Marino, the architect of modern luxury. Located within the new retail development the Dubai Mall, the store covers 437 square metres of luxury retail.
The Dubai Global Store is the fourth of the Peter Marino concept stores for Ermenegildo Zegna to open, following the Milan opening in Via Montenapoleone in October 2007, the New York Fifth Avenue opening in March 2008 and the Shinjuku, Tokyo opening in January 2009. These store openings are the result of a fruitful partnership between the world-renowned architect Peter Marino and Ermenegildo Zegna, with the architectural firm echoing the brand’s use of quality materials, integrity and modern style in the store.
The fabrics created at the Lanificio Ermenegildo Zegna since 1910, in Trivero Italy, have been a pivotal inspiration for the store design. The tactile adventure begins in-store with metallic strands in the windows; the texture created resembles the composition of woven textiles, artfully weaving raw fibres into fabrics of excellence. Stucco decorates the passages between the floors inspired by Zegna’s CashCo fabric, a corduroy blend of cashmere and cotton.
Traversing from floor to wall, the golden yellow radica marble stripe refers to the selvage on Zegna fabrics, the signature line at the edge of bolts of fabric to guarantee authenticity. A nod to nature is a core theme of the store design, from the masculine yet natural colour palette to the sourcing of sustainable woods and stones. The entrance area is devoted to shirts, knitwear, leather goods, textile accessories, sunglasses and perfume. Marble, stone, selected woods and modern metals, create a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere befitting the image of Ermenegildo Zegna.
Presented adjacent in their own individual rooms are the Upper Casual collection, the chic expression of Ermenegildo Zegna leisurewear; and the Zegna Sport brand, designed with technology and innovation for an active man’s lifestyle. The Upper Casual room uses natural warm tones with rose woods, stained oak floors
and bronze metal displays to convey a luxurious yet relaxed elegance. The active spirit of the Zegna Sport brand is embodied through brushed aluminium and metallic finishes combined with limestone floors. At the rear of the store an archetypal gentleman’s club has been created, with Zebrano wood, mahogany and stucco embodying the formal World of Ermenegildo Zegna. The Sartorial collection, which redefines a classical
Italian style with traditional tailoring, is presented alongside the Made to Measure service which specialises in a personalised tailor-made wardrobe. The Couture collection is the pinnacle of Ermenegildo Zegna’s tailoring and craftsmanship. A defined area is dedicated to black tie attire with the Ceremonia collections, showcasing long-standing links to the World of Classical Music and portraying world renowned Conductors wearing Zegna’s ‘Concert Suits’.
Paolo Zegna, President of the Ermenegildo Zegna Group, stated: “This is a challenging time for Ermenegildo Zegna, and we are proud to be launching our first Global Store in the Middle East partnered with UAE Trading Establishment. This reinforces our position as a leader and innovator in men’s global luxury. Peter Marino has successfully designed the store to echo our brand values & history, with all the styles and personalities of our brands evoked in the ideal House of Zegna.”
Peter Marino pointed out: “Ermenegildo Zegna is a historic brand, known for the unrivalled quality of its woven textiles. I used this imagery throughout the design. The action of the weaving machines heavily influenced me in intertwining stainless steel threads throughout. The materials and colours, sky blue and alpine green stones, come from the family’s strong commitment to nature evident in their Oasi Zegna in Northern Italy. The entire compartmentalization of products, each with their own shade of wood, makes up one whole House of Zegna, a brand that is a rising star in today's world of luxury."
Jihad Hajjar, General Manager of UAE Trading, said: “Ermenegildo Zegna is the ultimate celebration of masculine style and we are very pleased to be associated with this unique brand. It presents the finest in male fashion and blends itself effortlessly into the stylish male’s persona, thereby widening its appeal amongst men of class and enjoyed by the privileged few. Style and innovation truly fuse to offer a distinct identity matching the luxurious class of Zegna’s fabrics.”
Notes to Editors:
- The Ermenegildo Zegna Group is the world leader in luxury men's clothing, with 525 stores in 86 countries.
- The Ermenegildo Zegna Group was founded in 1910 in Trivero, in the Biella Alps by Ermenegildo Zegna.
- Ermenegildo Zegna is still a ‘family business’ and is managed by the fourth generation of the family: Paolo as Chairman, Ermenegildo as CEO, Anna, Benedetta, Laura and Renata Zegna.
- Peter Marino is the principal of Peter Marino Architect, the internationally acclaimed architecture firm founded in New York City in 1978.Peter Marino has received numerous architecture and design awards and was elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects in 2006.
- The 5th Avenue Global Store in New York, designed by Peter Marino, was cited for an ‘Award of Merit’ by the 2008 AIA New York State, Inc Design Awards Jury.
- Ermenegildo Zegna opened its first retail channel in the United Arab Emirates in 1997, in partnership with UAE Trading Establishment. UAE Trading was established 1972 by Atef Karam and is still owned and operated by him.
- The opening of the Global Store in the Dubai Mall, will be the third Ermenegildo Zegna boutique in UAE. The other two Ermenegildo Zegna boutiques in UAE are situated in the Dubai Mall of the Emirates and in the Dubai Emirates Tower.
