Luxury reshapes Milan’s Quadrilatero with a wave of dazzling new flagships Clutch Fire

Saint Laurent, Fendi, Celine, Valentino, Dries Van Noten, Alberta Ferretti, Plan C, JW Anderson, Ports 1961 — these are just a few of the luxury heavyweights ushering in a new chapter for Milan’s high-end retail scene. As Milan Fashion Week kicks off on Tuesday, September 23, the city is witnessing an unprecedented wave of flagship openings that are reshaping the heart of the Lombard capital. At the center of this transformation lies the iconic Quadrilatero district and its surrounding streets, now buzzing with renewed energy and strategic investments. Together, these launches reflect a confident rebound in the luxury market — and a bold commitment to Milan as a global style capital.

Dries Van Noten

Dries Van Noten is making his Milan debut with the opening of his very first boutique in the trendy Brera district, at 11 Via Brera — a historic cobblestone street in the city center. The 50-square-meter “Gallery” concept, already launched in Paris and Brussels, is dedicated to fragrances, beauty products, and accessories.

With vaulted ceilings, stone walls, and a patinated finish, the space retains the charm of the 19th-century palazzo it inhabits while offering a chic, intimate atmosphere ideal for discovery. Among the standout design elements are a striking 1970s Venini Venetian glass chandelier and a 1950s desk by Silvio Berrone.

Saint Laurent

Kering’s fashion house Saint Laurent has unveiled a stunning transformation at its flagship located at 8 Via Montenapoleone. Spanning three levels and nearly 1,300 square meters, the completely renovated and expanded space is now twice its previous size. This boutique marks the Italian debut of the brand’s new store concept, designed by creative director Anthony Vaccarello, which “pays tribute to Italian craftsmanship and innovative design.”

Marble, ceramics, bronze moldings, and eucalyptus wood were among the materials used to create a space that blends glamour with contemporary design. Artworks, furniture, and signature pieces by Gio Ponti, Carlo Scarpa, Osvaldo Borsani, Marco Zanuso, Aldo Tura, Gaetano Pesce, and Vincenzo De Cotiis are thoughtfully placed throughout the space, evoking the ambiance of an elegant Milanese apartment.

Valentino

A few doors down at 20 Via Montenapoleone, Valentino reopened its historic boutique — first inaugurated in 1969 — earlier this September following a major renovation. Entirely outfitted in white with bold black accents, the contemporary three-level store spans 1,170 square meters. Velvet green sofas, Art Deco lighting, and brass furnishings add a glamorous touch, reflecting the eclectic aesthetic of creative director Alessandro Michele.

The boutique features two separate entrances, each leading to dedicated spaces for women’s and men’s collections. One side showcases women’s ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags, small leather goods, eyewear, and beauty products, while the other side presents menswear and accessories.

JW Anderson

Nearby, at 16 Via Sant’Andrea, JW Anderson is preparing to unveil its revamped boutique. Opened in May 2023, the flagship of Irish designer Jonathan Anderson is undergoing a transformation that mirrors the evolution of his brand since he took over as creative director of both Christian Dior’s menswear and womenswear.

The aim is to offer a full lifestyle concept — from knitwear to ceramic objects and designer chairs — with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship. Like the newly launched London store, this Milan location is being reimagined as a true cabinet of curiosities.

Plan C

Founded in 2018 by Carolina Castiglioni — daughter of Marni founder Consuelo Castiglioni — Plan C is opening its first standalone boutique at 21 Via Manzoni. Known for its timeless, detail-rich design, the Italian luxury label has already won over 160 top retailers globally, including La Samaritaine and Merci in Paris. It is now entering a new era of retail.

Named “Plan C Frame,” the 380-square-meter space was designed by Castiglioni in collaboration with April and architecture studio (AB)Normal. It features geometric forms and a vibrant palette, structured like a concept store with distinct colored areas for different product worlds.

A pale green pop-up corner showcases jewelry by Aliita, the brand founded by Venezuelan-Dutch designer Cynthia Vilchez, who is celebrating its 10th anniversary. A dramatic red spiral staircase leads to the lower level — a stepped amphitheater-like space designed to host conferences and now transformed into a bookstore and magazine kiosk.

“It’s a living, modular, dynamic space that reflects Plan C,” explains Castiglioni. “The idea is to welcome a variety of brands, designers, and product categories that will rotate regularly.” She adds, “This boutique is a key milestone for us. It’s an investment meant to increase our visibility and reach a wider audience.”

Fendi and Celine… with Christian Dior on the horizon

Following the grand spring openings of Bulgari, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co., LVMH is now rolling out another highly anticipated series of launches along the famous Via Montenapoleone.

Leading the charge is Fendi, which has unveiled its Palazzo Fendi Milano — a row of showcases located at the end of the street, continuing beneath the arches of Corso Matteotti. Housed in a majestic six-story building that pays tribute to Milanese architectural heritage, the new space features a 910-square-meter boutique spanning four floors, a leather and fur atelier showcasing the brand’s artisanal expertise, and three restaurants developed in partnership with Langosteria.

Just a few doors away at 25 Via Montenapoleone, Celine will soon reopen its boutique with an expanded layout and refreshed interior. Christian Dior is also expected to open a major new location in Milan in the coming months.

Alberta Ferretti

Italian fashion house Alberta Ferretti is opening a new flagship at 26 Via della Spiga, parallel to Via Montenapoleone. The new concept reflects the vision of Lorenzo Serafini, who took over as creative director last year. Developed in collaboration with Re-Design Studio, led by Riccardo Furlani, and Alessandro Fantetti Workshop (AAFW), the store spans two floors and 250 square meters.

A soft, minimalistic palette in warm white tones defines the space. “The choice of materials emphasizes soft textures and neutral shades, complemented by integrated lighting to create a natural, welcoming ambiance. Every element contributes to an intimate, refined shopping experience that aligns with the house’s signature timeless elegance,” said the company in a statement.

Ports 1961

Also on Via della Spiga, at number 8, Ports 1961 has opened its new flagship boutique. Spread across two levels and covering 200 square meters, the refined space features a minimalist color palette, clean geometric lines, and carefully selected materials.

Founded in Toronto in 1961 by Japanese-Canadian designer Luke Tanabe, Ports 1961 is now owned by Ports International Enterprises, which is affiliated with the Hong Kong-based group PCD. The label’s creative studio is based in Milan’s Brera district. Last year, Francesco Bertolini was appointed creative director, marking a significant new chapter for the brand.