MARK/GIUSTI: LONDON CALLING

Minimalism inspires by the Byzantine

Mark Farhat had a cosmopolitan upbringing, he was born in Lebanon, and as the son of a diplomat, spent his formative years travelling through the Middle East and Africa. During that time he developed a passion for architecture and geometrics, inspired by the Byzantine mosaics in what was once Ancient Constantinople. Now, decades on, the fabrics and prints used in the design of Mark / Giusti men's bags and accessories are inspired by those designs.  

Mark explains, “It’s a perfect union: my love of Byzantine mosaics and my love of fashion. Every collection I create compliments the one before it. To me there is a story, a timeline and a mood to each collection, but there is also a continuation, a progression and a step closer to my idea of perfection.” 

In particular, I'm a fan of the new "London Calling" collection, based on the intricate Cosmati pavement in front of the High Altar at Westminster Abbey. “London is a city where magic happens, where theatre meets art and style, and therefore where the Mark/ Giusti brand was born,” Farhat says. “Its iconic landmarks, architecture, history, seasonal colours, everything it offers – it all inspires me. And so the London Calling collection is by far one of my favourite collections yet and the closest to my heart.” The collection consists of small accessories, such as passport holders and card cases, as well as document and iPad covers, all handmade in calfskin (from £95).

www.markgiusti.com