MILAN, Italy — Italian House Fendi opens its landmark flagship store, Palazzo Fendi: a unique boutique located at the crossroad between Via Montenapoleone and Corso Matteotti. The building, a rationalist historical structure, was designed by architect Emilio Lancia and constructed between 1933 and 1936.
The location will host a 910 square metres boutique spanning over four floors, including an in-house Atelier. In addition, the top three floors will feature three distinct dining concepts by Langosteria.
Palazzo Fendi © Delfino Sisto Legnani e Melania Dalle Grave
The majestic façade features an alternation of arched and squared windows, both at street level and on upper floors, with a covered walkway with arches on Corso Matteotti. A central tower dominates the architecture at the intersection of the two roads and develops the spaces vertically.
Subtle and streamlined details enhance the original façade, which remains untouched, except for the addition of the Fendi logo and organic-shaped door handles inspired by the soft movement of leather.
Palazzo Fendi © Delfino Sisto Legnani e Melania Dalle Grave
Palazzo Fendi © Delfino Sisto Legnani e Melania Dalle Grave
The new boutique concept, designed by the brand’s architecture department, fuses details echoing 1930s Milanese interiors with heritage elements. Starting from the softness of curves inspired by fur craftsmanship to arched shapes, these are placed in continuity with the clean silhouettes of Milan’s staircases and their signature contraposition of textures.
So begins a sophisticated balance of the building’s pre-existing marble patterns with the Maison’s special marbles, inspired by Ancient Roman floors.
Palazzo Fendi © Delfino Sisto Legnani e Melania Dalle Grave
Palazzo Fendi © Delfino Sisto Legnani e Melania Dalle Grave
The interior design is further enriched through a partnership with selected local foundations and galleries: Fondazione Officine Saffi, Fondazione Arnaldo Pomodoro, Mazzoleni, and Secci galleries.
by Chidozie Obasi