Located off the coast of Venice, Italy, Murano is home to numerous glass factories and individual artists’ studios. It has been the cradle of glassmaking since the 13th century. The technique behind the delicate craft is closely guarded, and glassmakers are considered master artisans creating unparalleled works of art that continue to captivate the world.
These pieces are now available at Corso Como 88, the multi-brand luxury boutique at One Ayala, known for its high-end Italian fashion brands. The Murano pieces were unveiled during the store’s “Masque of Style “celebration.
“We are excited to present our Murano pieces, so people can appreciate them up close when they visit the store. Each piece of blown glass is unique and cannot be replicated. Because of the intricate technique, the glass cannot be shaped in the same way as the first piece was produced. We will have new Murano pieces at Corso Como 88 every two months,” store owner Imelda Menguito
Corso Como 88 was born out of the owner’s love for anything Italian. “It was such a happy place for me because there were lots of beautiful things,” referring to the finely crafted leather products. Back then she was working in Florence, famous for its skilled artisans and quality craftsmanship. On her free time, she would roam the streets and shop to her heart’s content.
At first, it was a fun hobby. Hand-picking shoes and bags from different stores was a welcome breather from her hectic work. “I started doing this back in 2005. The bags I was sending to Manila were not even the top brands. Most of the bags come from small shops, made by a family of artisans, but very stylish and very fine quality.” It eventually grew into a thriving import business, and a lifestyle store.
