12.10.2023
Nina+Co X MONC
The brief for MONC’s first bricks and mortar store was to design something temporary, with longevity in mind; to create a flexible space that can adapt from a shop by day to hosting events in the evening, with elements that could easily transfer to a future space.
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For the project to be viable for the young brand, it needed to be mindful of the initial short-term lease, and also multi-functional to enable them to diversify their offering.
MONC challenged Nina+Co to realise their first store using materials that will easily disassemble for eventual recycling, or return to the earth as nourishment. Leave no trace. MONC is committed to driving change within the eyewear industry. Their eyewear is made in a family run workshop in the mountains of Northern Italy with a highly considered approach to every element of design and the service they offer.
“In store we wanted to capture some of that rugged rock and snow-capped scenery, and also channel the uncompromising nature of a brand that strives for quality, design, and sustainability in equal measure.” Nina
The main ingredients are: mycelium, hemp, layers of cornstarch foam and a big slab of apricot recycled plastic. Added to this are accents of one of MONC’s main materials, bio-acetate; a biodegradable and petroleum-free version of the acetate widely used in eyewear. Locally salvaged concrete also features, plus aluminium with an average recycled content of 23% which is in turn easily and infinitely recyclable. Plus a good lick of peachy, no-nasties clay paint.
East London fabricators EJ Ryder were commissioned to realise the bespoke elements. EJ Ryder’s challenge was to join the furniture using only mechanical fixings, no toxic glues, so that it can all be unbolted and the different materials separated for reuse or recycling. The largest pieces, built from the Smile recycled plastic, are either on wheels or can be flat-packed to manoeuvre to events or future spaces.
Every element of the project was scrutinised to meet the high sustainability criteria of an ethical designer, a resolute client and of savvy customers.
“We dug deep, bettered our knowledge along the way, and as a team created something special; an alluring store with a warm embrace, unexpected materiality, and a lasting impression on visitors — all while treading lightly on our planet.” Nina