Marni Japan opens flower cafe

Known for using fur in contemporary designs, Italian fashion brand Marni has opened its first flower cafe, in Osaka.

On the third floor of the Umeda Hankyu Department Store, the 50 sqm (535 sqft) the Marni Japan cafe and shop combo is designed as a meeting place serving focaccia bread and Italian-styled cakes, as well as customised Marni products.

It resembles a child’s playhouse, a reflection of the off-beat bohemianism associated with the creations of lead designer Castiglioni, who started the brand in 1994. Initially its focus was on womenswear “for women who eschew styling themselves sexy for men in favour of dressing for other women”.

Marni went on to launch its own menswear line and now produces ready-to-wear clothing, handbags, eyewear and jewellery.

At its opening event in Osaka, Marni Japan created a picnic set with wooden lunch boxes, multicoloured furoshiki (wrapping cloths), vacuum flasks, floral bags, PVC vases and porcelain sets featuring the company’s colourblock patterns. The store itself features a green onyx counter, interwoven PVC stools, small tables crafted from brass and green marble, and a bright blue sofa.
The first of many Marni Japan stores planned, the cafe store will change its product lineup every four months.

Part of the OTB Group that includes Diesel, Maison Martin Margiela and Viktor & Rolf, Marni has outlets in 16 countries with boutiques in Beijing, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Moscow, New York, Shanghai and Sydney.