“A performance by Vanessa Beecroft or a painting by Agnes Martin” are comparisons that Studiopepe founders Ariana Lelli Mami and Chiara Di Pinto make to their boutique for fashion curator Avart — by which they mean it’s calming and welcoming, but with a strong, proud presence. Located under the arcade of Lugano’s Via Canova, the interior takes nude tones to new levels through micro-sand surfaces that blanket the walls, floors, ceiling, and a helical staircase that provides a sculptural focal point for the store. Other soft, natural, feminine colors are introduced by beige furniture pieces like the contoured Terrazza sofa by DeSede, and pink mirrors that conceal fitting rooms lined in rosy leather. Meanwhile, walnut podiums, stair treads, and an oval jewelry counter upstairs create moments of contrast.

The Milan-based studio used several of its own designs to populate the sparse interior, including their Lazybones armchairs for Baxter, the Bonfire lamp for Gallotti & Radice, the Lunar Addiction carpet for CC-Tapis, and the Affinità Elettive vases for Bloc Studios. Custom pieces include the irregular-shaped slabs of gorgeously veined Smeraldo onyx and Fusion Pink marble that form tops for tables.

Clothes in the store are hung from brass rods with invisible fixings that Studiopepe says “draw graphic games on the walls.” The gray glass screens that backdrop freestanding rails and divide the space are anchored by roughly cut chunks of stone, which also create perfect perches for handbags. Oh, and the door handles! Brass on the outside and walnut inside, they’re shaped like abstract human figures swan-diving from the glass panels into the travertine entryway.

PHOTOS BY SILVIA RIVOLTELLA