FENDI opens Palazzo Fendi flagship in Milan at Via Montenapoleone

Situated on via Montenapoleone, the new FENDI store in Milan measures no less than 910 sqm. (9,795 sq.ft.) spread across four floors of a Rationalist-style, mid-1930s building by Italian architect Emilio Lancia (1890-1973).  The façade of the building features a rhythmic arrangement of arched and square windows, while a covered promenade with graceful arches runs along its side on Via Matteotti.

Aptly called Palazzo FENDI Milano, the flagship store features an interior design created by its in-house design team in the Italian capital, fusing details reminiscent of Milanese interiors from the 1930s with FENDI‘s signature design codes. The settings see curves and arched forms, inspired by FENDI‘s fur craftsmanship, creating not only a contrast between the clean silhouettes and textures of the materials found in Milan’s architecture.

Adding another visual layer, one that further elevates the shopping experience, is an exceptional sprinkling of artworks through collaborations with select local art foundations and art galleries, such as Fondazione Officine Saffi, Fondazione Arnaldo Pomodoro, Mazzoleni Gallery, and Secci Gallery.

The ground floor, which presents FENDI‘s elaborate women’s bags and accessories collection, sees walnut arches of the women’s accessories area on the first floor harmonize with Calce Romana, reminiscent of ancient Roman columns, and ribbed travertine marble walls. A sculptural travertine marble wall at its centre stands out as the focal point of the space.

The soft, undulating drapes adorning the walls are reminiscent of Roman Baroque sculpture, while the Domus-style floor beneath is inspired by the geometric patterns found in ancient Roman villas. The focal point of the space is a sculpture by Swedish-Chilean artist Anton Alvarez. At the heart of the first floor is a hexagonal space, featuring two staircases leading to the upper floors and an impressive column housing the elevator.

The staircase entrance is adorned with two symmetrical artworks by Dutch artist Levi van Veluw. Also situated on the ground floor, albeit on Via Matteotti, is a grand entrance to both the FENDI flagship store and a new outpost of the Langosteria restaurant chain on the upper floors. Here, geometric patterns and Langosteria hot air balloons are intricately carved into walnut paneling. A sculpture by Roberto Sironi serves as the space’s focal point.

The accessories and jewellery section features walls alternating between niches in ribbed travertine marble with curvaceous lines and textured off-white plaster. Mind you, the ceiling is dominated by a contemporary fresco in pink, burgundy, terracotta neon blue by artist Edoardo Piermattei.

The second floor is the men’s domain, and here the setting comprises teak parquet floor, ribbed silver travertine walls, and a striped ceiling, oozing unapologetic opulence. Paying homage to Italian architect Piero Portaluppi‘s Villa Necchi Campiglio, a perforated silver-nickel doors opens to the sophisticated space of a lavish Men’s V.I.P. Room with ribbed dark walnut walls and silver travertine floors. Here, a painting by London-based artist Daniel Crews-Chubbs commands immediate attention. Also to be found on this floor is a kids section with a playful interior design.

The third floor is home to FENDI couture and the brand’s fur collection. Equally sumptuous, the setting here sees lacquered ivory-coloured walls with travertine Ascoli marble arches, while gold metal displays add a glamorous accent. And that’s not all. Two women’s ready-to-wear salons feature a sophisticated design that blends the aesthetics of Rome and Milan.

Inspired by the building’s historic floor patterns, various marbles are integrated with the Anastylosis display and the restored original geometric ceiling. The Quartier Romana wall, inspired by the rolling leather rolls and the façade of the new FENDI factory in the rural town of Fermo, adds a unique touch to the space’s shoe display. Two symmetrical doors, combining wood and glass, lead to two sunlight-filled women’s V.I.P. rooms. One is a space reserved for high jewellery, featuring a Travertine Ascoli marble console and a powder pink colour palette that creates an elegant harmony.

The other room is an exclusive space offering a magnificent panoramic view of Piazza San Babila. Upon entering the fourth floor, shoppers are greeted by a Nick Cave sculpture, and the elevator doors open to reveal the FENDI Atelier, a space that embodies Roman excellence. A custom-made aluminium display, inspired by Franco Albini‘s designs, showcases FENDI‘s most iconic pieces.

Also to be found here is the FENDI Apartment, and a special arched foyer inspired by Rome‘s Pantheon welcomes shoppers into its hyper elegant space. A heavy metal door reminiscent of the monument’s iconic coffer ceiling opens onto a V.I.P. salon. A striking curved ceiling, featuring circular lighting evocative of the Pantheon‘s skylight, is paired wirh a vibrant marble mosaic floor.

Agostino Bonalumi‘s artwork vies for attention with Arnaldo Pomodoro‘s Tracce I triptych. A custom-made ceramic bar cabinet, crafted using the Japanese Raku ware technique, opens to reveal a selection of products that epitomise the inimitable opulence of the FENDI universe.

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