Page 32 - #201 September 2025

Interview

Creating with Purpose

The MARK / GIUSTI brand was founded in 2009 with a simple vision - to
provide unique and treasured pieces that carry meaning, protect mosaic
heritage and support communities. We get the chance to catch up with Mark
Farhat, Creative Director and Founder on the origins of the company, its
evolution and its future.

R O M T H E V E R Y B E G I N N I N G , Farhat Their Milan space is a 360-degree experience where
wanted every bag and accessory to tell a story, guests are welcomed warmly, encouraged to explore at
F one that honoured the artisans of the past, their own pace and invited to engage directly with their
celebrated the skills of the present and inspired the artisans and team. “From live demonstrations to curated
generations to come. music and scents to our original 1800 liberty flooring
Going beyond what they create, their mission is to and Japanese kintsugi art on their walls, every detail
keep giving back - supporting communities, preserving is designed to offer a multi-sensory experience that
craftsmanship and promoting cultural diversity. Each reflects our nature of hospitality,” Farhat comments.
piece is travel-inspired, designed to be both beautiful Like many in their sector, they have embraced the
and practical and a reminder that the things people opportunities that e-commerce and social media offer,
choose to carry should be made with purpose. MARK but have operated in these areas in a way that stays true
/ GUISTI are a lifestyle brand creating artistic master- to their ethos and vision. As social media offers a powerful
pieces with soul. storytelling platform, they have built a dedicated team
“At present, we have one flagship space and creative that manages and posts regular content across their
hub in Milan, in the heart of the Porta Venezia Design channels. Farhat still personally approves everything
District,” explains Mark Farhat, Creative Director and before it goes live and believes that this medium offers a
Founder of MARK / GIUSTI. “We call it “This is Not a window into the world of MARK / GIUSTI.
Store” because it is so much more than a retail space; As for AI and automation, he feels the key is to use
it is a home for the brand. It is a place where people them as tools to serve creativity and human connection,
come to connect, experience craftsmanship first-hand not replace them. He says that today, clients expect
and step fully into our world.” more. They want experiences, emotional connection
Beyond Milan, their collections are available through and engagement with the brand, not just a product on
their online boutique, allowing them a shelf. They want authenticity and transparency.
to connect with clients anywhere in Whilst sustainability has become non-negotiable in
the world. Whilst there are plans to recent times, the founder feels that, for him, it has never
open more stores in 2026, Farhat been a buzzword; more something he lives by. “It is deeply
highlights that for him, it has never personal and rooted in how I see the world. It is about
been about having the stores, it is respect for the Earth, for the materials we use and most
about having the right spaces, the importantly, for the people behind each creation.”
right partners and the right expe- The company was born from the idea of making
riences that truly embody the busi- something meaningful and something that lasts. It
ness and what it stands for. began with bespoke pieces, crafting bags to be cher-
Looking forward, the company’s ished forever, passed down, loved and repaired. Even
expansion strategy follows two today, they produce in small, intentional runs because
parallel paths: evolving their prod- they believe in making only what is needed. No waste,
uct offering to represent a complete no excess, just thoughtful design.
lifestyle brand and strengthening The conversation digresses into the realm of
their presence in markets where customer loyalty and engagement, a topic Farhat feels
their values of heritage, crafts- strongly about. “For us, loyalty is built on genuine rela-
manship and sustainability truly tionships, not just transactions. Many of our clients
resonate. Ultimately, the ambition have been with us for years, some even since the
is to make their creations not just launch, because they feel seen, heard and valued. We
something people carry, but some- regularly check in with them, sharing updates on new
thing they live with, a lifestyle and collections, inviting them to previews and rewarding
an attitude. them for their loyalty.”
For MARK / GIUSTI, a positive In addition, their loyalty program “The Giusties
guest experience starts long before Club”, allows clients to collect Mosaic Points through
someone steps into their flagship; engagement with the brand and purchases, which can
it begins the moment they first be exchanged for gifts or discounts. They also surprise
connect with the name, whether top clients with a small birthday gift as a thank you.
that is online, at a pop-up, or through “As for key drivers to our success over the years, I
a personal introduction. would say it has always been staying true and authen-