French leather bag brand Polène continues its global retail expansion, opening up shop in Milan‘s highly prestigious Duomo shopping district. The company has secured an elongated ground floor unit on the premises of a six-storey, 1950s office building on the corner of Via Manzoni and Via Pisoni, and tapped Copenhagen-based practice Norm Architects to create a retail setting inspired by Milanese interiors, their rich material palette, the tradition of enfilade spaces, and last but not least, Polène’s dedication to craftsmanship. Unsurprisingly, the store sees a series of rooms, offering shoppers a spatial journey adorned with materials often used in Milan’s architecture, ranging from stone and timber, to leather, brick, and fabric. This gradual deepening of tone and texture mirrors the making of the brand’s leather goods, and aims to establish a direct dialogue between product and space. Upon entering the store, the store’s spatial divisions are instantly visible, and invite shoppers to explore the space. Alongside a clearly defined axis, lined by large windows and installations on one side, various intimate nooks unfold, featuring beautifully crafted timber shelving units, cabinets, and counters, presenting various Polène bags, accessories and home products. At the far end, shoppers will find a wall-mounted ceramic installation can be found, elevating the shopping experience with a contemplative element. © superfuture