Step inside a new showroom for Stuart Weitzman

When iconic footwear brand Stuart Weitzman decided to step into the men’s footwear market, its showroom in Milan was to provide the ideal backdrop – but the space first needed an update. New York-based parent company, Tapestry – owner of three high fashion couture brands – appointed Agilité to bring the brand's vision and design requirements to life.  

The launch of its SS24 Collection – attended by the likes of UK model and photographer, Brooklyn Beckham – saw Stuart Weitzman taking the opportunity to showcase its new home in central Piazza San Babila 5, one of the most renowned luxury shopping areas within Milan.  

Stuart Weitzman creates beautiful shoes that combine form and function. For over 30 years, every pair has been handcrafted using the finest materials and meticulously engineered for a flawless fit – so its latest showroom needed to replicate such attention to detail.  

The herringbone parquet floor is a signature feature of the layout of Stuart Weitzman's showrooms and – in a nod to its New York counterpart – the showroom follows the latest luxury trends that see craftsmanship take on a central and aesthetic importance.  

A preliminary study of the fastening system preceded the laying of the floor in the various spaces, as the surfaces were of different heights – owing to a pre-existing floating floor, made from metal sheets. Compensation panels and substrate were subsequently installed to make the flooring uniform in all spaces.  

Due to the showroom’s central location in Italy’s fashion capital – and the wider construction work happening in Piazza San Babila for the inauguration of the M4 metro line – Agilité managed the complex logistical and construction challenges associated with such a central and privileged location. 

The refurbishment of the store saw Agilité updating the space’s electrical infrastructure as well as painting and joinery – works that called for meticulous planning and communication with Tapestry in the US. A specialist logistics company needed to be appointed to ship the centrepiece sofa – as well as other specific fixtures, fitting, and furniture – to meet the client’s deadline. What’s more, Agilité efficiently managed safety regulations, access protocols and communication throughout the delivery of the project.  

The spacious showroom occupies the building’s third floor, and the expanse of open space gives way to just one ‘staff only’ area, built using drywall partitions and glass panels to create private office space, a meeting room, and a kitchenette. 

The rest of the space is dedicated to showcasing the iconic Stuart Weitzman footwear – with shapes and colours selected to create a simple and refined environment – and one where the bright wall paint harmonises with the furnishings.  

The furniture itself is predominantly minimalistic but was carefully chosen to convey elegance. For example, in the use of golden brass display units, and soft pink tones – which coincidentally compliment Pantone’s colour of the year for 2024.