During Milan Fashion Week, the famous Quadrilatero—a pedestrian area that intersects Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Sant'Andrea, and Via Manzoni—has transformed into a stage for innovation: historic and emerging brands compete for prestigious spaces, in a revamped urban layout that signals a commitment to the vitality of luxury in the Lombardy capital.
A wave of openings that redefines the geography of luxury
Among the most anticipated inaugurations is that of Saint Laurent, which has practically doubled the size of its flagship store at 8 Via Montenapoleone, reaching 1.300 square meters spread across three floors. The restyling is based on a concept by Anthony Vaccarello, which blends fine materials—marble, bronze, eucalyptus wood—with Italian and international design.
A short distance away, Valentino has reopened at Via Montenapoleone 20 with a completely redesigned layout spanning 1.170 square meters across three levels. White dominates the space, punctuated by black accents, brass furnishings, and green velvet sofas, creating an elegant space where men's and women's fashion, accessories, and cosmetics coexist.
There is also international news: Dries Van Noten arrives in Milan with its first store, at Via Brera 11 (near the Quadrilatero). The "Gallery" concept—already tested in Paris and Brussels—is a space of approximately 50 square meters dedicated to accessories, perfumes, and beauty products, nestled in a characteristic setting with a stone vault and custom furnishings.
Even Italian brands like Alberta Ferretti e Ports 1961 participate in the transformation. The Ferretti store, at Via della Spiga 26, extends over two floors, spanning 250 square meters, and focuses on a minimalist, understated yet welcoming design. Ports 1961 opened a two-story store at Via della Spiga 8, playing on clean lines and select materials.
In parallel, FENDI A major step is underway: Palazzo Fendi Milano will be built under the arcades of Corso Matteotti. The six-story building will include retail, atelier spaces, and restaurants, in a hybrid format that blends luxury and hospitality. CELINE At Via Montenapoleone 25, the building will undergo a restyling and expansion. And on nearby fronts, Gucci has renovated its 1.800-square-meter flagship on Via Montenapoleone, favoring a brighter, more sober and minimalist architectural line compared to the Michele era.
A new "urban plan": between public interventions and semi-pedestrianization
The luxury brands' intervention isn't isolated: Milan's city administration is also involved in a strategic redevelopment plan for its shopping streets. Councilor for Commerce Franco D'Alfonso has announced that a project to semi-pedestrianize Via Montenapoleone, along with new paving and a redesigned streetscape, is under consideration.
The collaboration between institutions and private operators stems from the need to enhance the international appeal of the district, which in 2024 attracted 12,6 million unique visitors, a 15% increase over the previous year. This number marks a historic achievement for the area managed by the MonteNapoleone Association, which brings together over 130 luxury brands.
The goal is clear: to ensure Milan remains a must-see destination for high-end shopping, confirming the Quadrilatero as a global showcase of Italian luxury.
A newfound confidence in the heart of Milanese luxury
Behind the dramatic openings and ambitious projects lies a strong message: the luxury sector, despite global economic uncertainty, continues to invest in the city. The Quadrilatero is no longer just a shopping district, but a testing ground for new retail experience models, with immersive boutiques, hybrid concepts, and a close interaction between fashion, architecture, and the city.
The result is an evolving neighborhood, reaffirming Milan's position as a global luxury destination, capable of blending tradition and innovation.