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
From the very beginning,Farhat wanted every bag and accessory to tell a story, one that honoured the artisans of the past, celebrated the skills of the present and inspired the generations to come.
Going beyond what they create, their mission is to keep giving back – supporting communities, preserving craftsmanship and promoting cultural diversity. Each piece is travel-inspired, designed to be both beautiful and practical and a reminder that the things people choose to carry should be made with purpose. MARK / GUISTI are a lifestyle brand creating artistic masterpieces with soul.
“At present, we have one flagship space and creative hub in Milan, in the heart of the Porta Venezia Design District,” explains Mark Farhat, Creative Director and Founder of MARK / GIUSTI. “We call it “This is Not a Store” because it is so much more than a retail space; it is a home for the brand. It is a place where people come to connect, experience craftsmanship first-hand and step fully into our world.”
Beyond Milan, their collections are available through their online boutique, allowing them to connect with clients anywhere in the world. Whilst there are plans to open more stores in 2026, Farhat highlights that for him, it has never been about having the stores, it is about having the right spaces, the right partners and the right experiences that truly embody the business and what it stands for.
Looking forward, the company’s expansion strategy follows two parallel paths: evolving their product offering to represent a complete lifestyle brand and strengthening their presence in markets where their values of heritage, craftsmanship and sustainability truly resonate. Ultimately, the ambition is to make their creations not just something people carry, but something they live with, a lifestyle and an attitude.
For MARK / GIUSTI, a positive guest experience starts long before someone steps into their flagship; it begins the moment they first connect with the name, whether that is online, at a pop-up, or through a personal introduction.
Their Milan space is a 360-degree experience where guests are welcomed warmly, encouraged to explore at their own pace and invited to engage directly with their artisans and team. “From live demonstrations to curated music and scents to our original 1800 liberty flooring and Japanese kintsugi art on their walls, every detail is designed to offer a multi-sensory experience that reflects our nature of hospitality,” Farhat comments.
Like many in their sector, they have embraced the opportunities that e-commerce and social media offer, but have operated in these areas in a way that stays true to their ethos and vision. As social media offers a powerful storytelling platform, they have built a dedicated team that manages and posts regular content across their channels. Farhat still personally approves everything before it goes live and believes that this medium offers a window into the world of MARK / GIUSTI.
As for AI and automation, he feels the key is to use them as tools to serve creativity and human connection, not replace them. He says that today, clients expect more. They want experiences, emotional connection and engagement with the brand, not just a product on a shelf. Thy want authenticity and transparency.
Whilst sustainability has become non-negotiable in recent times, the founder feels that, for him, it has never been a buzzword; more something he lives by. “It is deeply personal and rooted in how I see the world. It is about respect for the Earth, for the materials we use and most importantly, for the people behind each creation.”
The company was born from the idea of making something meaningful and something that lasts. It began with bespoke pieces, crafting bags to be cherished forever, passed down, loved and repaired. Even today, they produce in small, intentional runs because they believe in making only what is needed. No waste, no excess, just thoughtful design.
The conversation digresses into the realm of customer loyalty and engagement, a topic Farhat feels strongly about. “For us, loyalty is built on genuine relationships, not just transactions. Many of our clients have been with us for years, some even since the launch, because they feel seen, heard and valued. We regularly check in with them, sharing updates on new collections, inviting them to previews and rewarding them for their loyalty.”
In addition, their loyalty program “The Giusties Club”, allows clients to collect Mosaic Points through engagement with the brand and purchases, which can be exchanged for gifts or discounts. They also surprise top clients with a small birthday gift as a thank you.
“As for key drivers to our success over the years, I would say it has always been staying true and authentic to our ethos and our offer. It is simple, we aim to create truly unique pieces you will not find in the mainstream, logo-driven market – pieces that combine heritage, craftsmanship and authenticity with a deep emotional connection to our clients,” Farhat comments.
With an eye on the future, the Founder excitedly talks about what is round the corner for the brand. In November, they are due to launch a landmark collaboration with House of Architects (HOA), which will unveil a bespoke three-metre portal door installation that connects Milan and Shanghai in real time through an immersive metaverse experience, fostering a seamless cultural dialogue without boundaries.
They are also expanding the Casa Giusti lifestyle line into interiors and hospitality, working on private commissions and resort pop-ups in Milan and abroad, laying the foundation for their next store opening in 2026.
“The future is exciting and there’s so much more to come. Whether through our collection, lifestyle projects or immersive experiences, my hope is that everyone who steps into the world of MARK / GIUSTI feels not just like a customer, but like family,” Farhat concludes.
