After three years of restoration, Louis Vuitton has reopened its Milanese flagship on Via Montenapoleone 2 — and what a triumph. Housed inside the grand 19th-century Palazzo Taverna, the space, designed by architect Peter Marino, is part Italian mansion, part French maison. Think: care in detail. An inner courtyard, warm Milanese tones, and a layout that connects fashion, food, art and design. Each floor subtly pairs heritage with contemporary collections. Even the stair railings are finished in soft leather.
Art de vivre
This time, we had a great guide walking us through each level. Shall we?
Nicolas Ghesquière’s world opens above. His creations are modern, sculptural and wearable. Since 2013, he’s brought architectural strength to the house, balancing sharp tailoring with understated drama. There’s a quiet corner that feels made for private appointments.
Elsewhere in the maison: the world according to Pharrell. Under his creative direction comes playful luxury with effortless cool. The new menswear floor feels fresh and unexpected — vaulted chambers, exposed brick, curated art. Pharrell fuses streetwear with tailoring, creating pieces that speak to joy and individuality. You spot the small blue leather crossbody, the Shopper Tote MM — a bold leather bag stamped only with the signature name. His Louis Vuitton man is vibrant, expressive, and very now. And yes, he loves accessories.
The ground floor welcomes you with icons from past, present and what’s next. Trunks, bags, timepieces, scarves, leather goods. Across the floors, classic travel trunks from the early days make their return — some filled with eccentric, decorative bags, others lined with porcelain service sets. A clear reminder that Louis Vuitton’s legacy of travel and craftsmanship still shapes the collections today.
Step into the palazzo’s courtyard and you’ll find the Da Vittorio Café Louis Vuitton. For something light: a panino with confit tomato and three kinds of mozzarella, or a ristretto. For something grander: book a table at Il Ristorante by Da Vittorio — where they serve saffron risotto shaped like the LV monogram flower. Yes, really.
The Home Collection takes over an entire floor. Launched during Salone del Mobile, it features Objets Nomades, tableware, and collectible furniture. I spotted the statement blue record player, the hanging egg chair, and my favourite: the mahjong set. The house mascot — Vivienne, an anime-like flower figure — quietly oversees the room. And yes, even a monogrammed champagne case. Perfect.
And did you know Louis Vuitton also publishes a series of city guides? Amsterdam, yes. Hong Kong, of course. And naturally: Milan. A detail that completes the maison’s global vision of style, one city at a time. In Milan, Louis Vuitton ties it all together: fashion, interiors, archives, icons. For yourself, your dog, and your home.
Discover more: www.louisvuitton.com
All images taken by author, courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
