An architectural gem in Mexico City

A luminous, marble-effect ceramic monolith enjoys pride of place in Polanco, one of Mexico City’s most exclusive and lively neighbourhoods. Home to elegant shops and upscale hotels catering for a sophisticated clientele, the vibrant, glitzy district close to Avenida Masaryk was chosen as the location for the new Davide Signorin footwear boutique. This single-floor building is slightly raised with respect to the level of the courtyard, a creative and visually-striking patio that stands out for the presence of an original artistic installation – a paving of porphyry cubes that extends in an arc-shaped arrangement around a large central tree to form a partially-coloured surface reminiscent of a lava flow.
The concept of luxury is reflected architecturally in a building clad with large-size marble-effect slabs, whose mirror-polished surface finish and astonishing play of reflections and perspectives is enhanced by the masterful use of natural light. Statuario version slabs in a 320×160 cm size from the Marmi collection by AVA Ceramiche have been used to create a luminous, elegant façade cladding. The exterior envelope is punctuated here and there by spaces and windows of various sizes, which connect the courtyard and boutique visually and allow sunlight to penetrate inside. The interior is specially designed to showcase the classic men’s footwear collections created by fashion designer Davide Signorin based on his family’s many years of experience in the leather industry since 1958. The younger generation of the family decided to move into the world of fashion and design, and Davide Signorin in particular began by designing leather jackets, followed by accessory capsule collections (bags and belts) and eventually shoes. His intention was to combine Italian taste with his family’s tradition of fine craftsmanship in leather production.
The Italian influence is also reflected in the materials chosen for the project, including dry-pressed porcelain slabs which reproduce the harmonious veins and intense, varied colours of the most prestigious types of decorative marble. The latest digital printing technologies are used to faithfully recreate the colours and textures of Tuscan marble, the material of choice for Italy’s greatest artists and sculptors. The choice of ceramic also guarantees high levels of technical performance in terms of strength, durability and reliability.
The bright, ethereal interior is illuminated by natural light that enters through the openings in the façade. The floor stands out for its astonishingly natural-looking reflective surface. The colour white is reprised on the brick-covered walls, their surface pattern enhanced by the choice of a pale-coloured paint. This rarefied, comfortable atmosphere serves as the perfect backdrop to the collections of shoes and the designer furnishings chosen in a range of colours.
A miniature gem of architecture, this boutique store combines Italian-made products, creativity and craftsmanship with flair and elegance.