(Image credit: "ROMA-NZA" by MARK/GIUSTI.) 
 
Even though I'm personally not a huge fan of slicked back hair and flawlessly formal suits (primarily due to the fact that I couldn't pull them off, even if my life depended on it), I can't deny the fact that MARK/GIUSTI is a brand which I genuinely admire, and the work of Lebanese accessories designer and label founder, Mark Farhat is most definitely worth observing. For those of you, who are not familiar with the work of Mark Farhat, please do let me enlighten you. Farhat was born in Lebanon, yet spent a vast amount of his childhood growing up in Africa. After graduating with a BA in Business Administration from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon, Mark then moved to London, United Kingdom, where he went on to study an MA in Marketing Management at the University of Westminster. I know what you're thinking. This guy's had quite the education, right? 

In addition to an overwhelming education - after graduating from the University of Westminster, Mark grabbed a job with luxury accessories brand, Capelli New York, where he became responsible for men's accessories in the United Kingdom. Once he was done with Capelli New York, Mark then moved to Milan, Italy where he attended Instituto di Moda, Burgo (during which he also worked with an array of brands, including Costume National during Milan Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2010.) Once he had finished up in Milan, Mark then made his last move and headed back to the United Kingdom, where he now designs day-in and day-out in his studio, which currently resides in Chelsea, London.

A feature which I've found to be particularly admirable when it comes to the work of Mark Farhat would have to be his use of contrasting colours and materials. Mark has developed a signature style, and tends to mix both the use of high-quality leathers and mosaic prints. If you take a look at the majority of Mark's work, you will notice that even though the exterior presents us with something formal, professional and all-out easy on the eye, the interior gives us something fun, exciting and eye-popping, with the use of materials which replicate native floor mosaics and wall patterns. 

The most recent addition to Mark's steadily growing portfolio of designs is the MARK/GIUSTI Autumn/Winter 2012 collection titled "ROMA-NZA", which Mark launched mid-January, during Milan Fashion Week. When it comes to the concept behind "ROMA-NZA", Mark states that the collection is "inspired by a romance in Roma in the early 1950’s and at the heart of it is the brand’s signature patterns that can be seen on the interior of all products." Adding, "This collection has been inspired by the Basilica di San Lorenzo Fuori Le Mura (The Papal Basilica of Saint Lawrence outside the Walls)." 

Each and every piece from MARK/GIUSTI is handmade in Italy by what Mark describes as "the finest artisanal craftsmen", and everything from the dust bags to the packaging is sourced locally in Italy, which is said to reflect the brands "dedication to quality and sustainability." 

The "ROMA-NZA" look book will be arriving on the MARK/GIUSTI website shortly, but in the meantime, you can browse additional products right here!