Store Stories: AGNONA

Fashion : News

29 July 2019

Because there’s no place quite like the Great British high street – from its niche independents, to seasonal Pop Ups and those expansive yet elegant department stores – Because Magazine is on a mission to champion the bricks-and-mortar of London in all its glory. Each week, we’ll beeline to the rails of our favourite retailers to scope out the must-have pieces and in-store exclusives that are more than worth making an effort for. This week, we're at AGNONA's London Albemarle Street store to scope out the first display in its new Window Series.

Enlisting the help of design partnership and creative consultancy, Campbell-Rey – headed up by Duncan Campbell and Charlotte Rey – purveyors of sumptuous Milanese womenswear, AGNONA, launches the first in its Window Series.

Much like the brand itself, the display looks to the brand's Italian heritage to celebrate colour and craftsmanship. "The display is a lodge inspired by loggia architecture of Milanese courtyards," explains Charlotte. "The brief that they gave us was to think about the home of AGNONA. We're really fascinated with Milan specifically – from how the streets and houses look handsome and stern from the outside, but then when you walk inside they open up into these beautiful courtyards. It’s a lot about hidden pockets of interior style that aren’t, from the outside, obvious."

Commissioning a classically-trained decorative painter to gold and silver leaf the panel, while interspersing it with lapis lazuli paint (which, as Charlotte says, "is so life-like you can’t really tell it apart from a proper lapis lazuli!"), the display was drawn in 3D – and it came to life with Campbell Rey's signature trompe l’oeil.

While we had Charlotte, we asked her to whiz around the store and select her very favourite AGNONA pieces...

What... Top Handle bag in leather and suede.

Because... "I just really love the shape of this – it has a heavy zip in a sort of golden bronze colour. I think I’d wear it when I go into town shopping when I have quick errands. I think it would wear really beautifully as well and I love that it has a little key and lock and that it's not over designed. It's very simple and classic. I would probably try to do it properly Milanese; I’d wear it with a long coat, some mid-sized heels, some beat-up jeans and a silk shirt. Just something quite simple and comfortable but really nice materials."

What... White cashmere knit crewneck sweater.

Because... "I love this because it's very old school glamour. It's very classic – it would look great with a pair of jeans or some smarter trouser; maybe even a pair of slacks. I think it would look quite nice with a borsalino hat, or when you go skiing."

What... Camel cashmere double breasted formal jacket.

Because... "I chose this double breasted cashmere blazer because I think its very classic and very elegant. It's very cinecittà; ideal for an afternoon walk through a city. I love the little tortoise and gold button details and I’d probably wear it over something quite easy. I think it’ll soften a bit after you wear it so you can maybe roll up the sleeves and pair it with a polo neck."

Support bricks-and-mortar: visit 37 Albemarle St, Mayfair, London W1S 4JF.