Get ready to dive into the world of luxury fashion and discover where some of Italy’s most iconic brands have set up shop. From industrial chic headquarters to historic palaces, these fashion powerhouses have transformed spaces into symbols of their unique identities.
Milan: The Heart of Italian Fashion
Milan, a city synonymous with fashion and design, is the obvious choice for many Italian luxury brands. But one brand stands out with its captivating headquarters: Prada.
Prada’s headquarters, a sprawling 100,000-square-foot space in the trendy Porta Romana neighborhood, embodies industrial chic. Its most striking feature is a three-story corkscrew metal slide, adding a touch of whimsy to the minimalist design. The building’s concrete floors and exposed stucco maintain the original character of the former industrial complex, while housing executive, administrative, styling, and design offices.
The Prada headquarters once housed the Fondazione Prada, a renowned art and culture center. However, the Fondazione has since relocated to a nearby former distillery, now offering 120,000 square feet dedicated to contemporary art exhibitions. This space, like the Prada headquarters, celebrates its industrial past, showcasing original sets and props from Wes Anderson’s latest film.
Rome: Where Fashion Meets History
While Milan may be the fashion capital, Fendi, one of Italy’s top brands, remains rooted in Rome. Its story began in 1925 with a small workshop in the city center, and today, the brand is known for its exquisite fur and leather accessories, like the iconic Peekaboo handbag.
In 2015, Fendi made headlines by relocating to Rome’s southern suburbs, setting up shop in the imposing Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, a relic of Mussolini’s fascist era. This striking example of rationalist architecture, with its symmetrical arches and marble statues, became Fendi’s new headquarters. The brand spent 18 months restoring the six-story building, now home to Fendi’s corporate offices and fur workshop. The ground floor is a public exhibition space, currently featuring “The Great Theatre of Civilizations,” a curated display by contemporary sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro.
Bulgari, another Roman luxury brand, is also making its mark in the city’s historical architecture. After years of negotiations, Bulgari is set to move into the Palazzo Ex Ristorante, a columned fascist building located next door to Fendi’s headquarters. This building, built for the 1942 Universal Exhibition, boasts a rich history, previously housing Rome’s urban planning department and the iconic Palombini cafe.
Beyond the City: Bulgari’s Piedmont Atelier
While Bulgari embraces Rome’s historical architecture, it also embraces the craft traditions of Valenza, a goldsmithing hub in Piedmont. In 2017, Bulgari opened a new atelier in this region, divided into two distinct sections: a high-security manufacturing area and a glass “farmhouse” for offices.
The factory, designed to bring a touch of Rome to Piedmont, features traditional Roman interior courtyards, emphasizing Bulgari’s commitment to security and tradition. With a massive footprint of 150,000 square feet, the Bulgari manifattura is one of Europe’s largest jewelry factories. The company is also expanding the property, adding four new LEED Gold-certified buildings by 2025.
Bulgari’s Valenza operation is deeply rooted in the local community, employing skilled craftspeople and investing in the future of goldsmithing through the Bulgari Jewelry Academy. This program trains young artisans to become Bulgari’s next generation of fine jewelry makers.
Solomeo: Where Fashion Meets Philosophy
For a truly unique perspective on Italian luxury fashion, a journey to Solomeo, a small hamlet in Umbria, is a must. This picturesque village, with a population of less than 500, is the heart of Brunello Cucinelli’s fashion empire.
Cucinelli, known for his luxurious cashmere creations, has made it his mission to revive his wife’s hometown, transforming it into a living embodiment of humanistic capitalism. The village is a testament to his vision, with its 14th-century castle headquarters, repurposed mills, artisan school, theater, amphitheater, library, and church.
Cucinelli’s headquarters started in the village’s 14th-century castle, overlooking the surrounding countryside. Since 2000, the company’s operations have expanded to include a 430,000-square-foot factory in the valley below. Cucinelli has meticulously restored and built upon Solomeo, making it a showcase for his philosophy of craftsmanship, community, and the pursuit of beauty.
Conclusion
From Milan’s industrial chic to Rome’s historic palaces and the countryside charm of Solomeo, Italian luxury brands are creating spaces that reflect their unique identities and values. These headquarters are not just places of business, but also expressions of their brands’ heritage, creativity, and vision for the future. Each space embodies the spirit of Italian luxury, from its craftsmanship to its commitment to preserving cultural heritage and fostering community.
