The Necchi family and completed in 1935, at the height of the Italian Rationalist movement, Villa Necchi is one of Milan's finest twentieth century villas
When the last Necchi sister died, the villa was donated to Italy’s non-profit artistic and natural heritage organisation, Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI), who restored and re-opened it for public enjoyment. It regularly features on the Salone del Mobile and fashion week programme, this year playing host to Fabrica, Benetton's communication research centre, which has designed an object for each room, reflecting the character of the building and the Necchi family
Ceramic pots for the veranda, sponsored by Bosa
The four ceramic pots are held together by a metal mesh with different textures, evoking the range of decorative motifs found in the Villa. The object echoes the theme of greenery, but also touches upon the matter of security
Ceramic pots for the veranda, sponsored by Bosa
Fireside accessories for the smoking room, sponsored by Vanzo Ferrobattuto, Sartori Marmi
As well as their practical use for stoking the fire, the fireside accessories also create an attractive display in front of an empty fireplace. They feature marble handles, which echo the material of the fireplace
Fireside accessories for the smoking room, sponsored by Vanzo Ferrobattuto, Sartori Marmi
Fireside accessories for the smoking room, sponsored by Vanzo Ferrobattuto, Sartori Marmi
Table for the library, sponsored by Zanotta
The table reveals a secret drawer at the back, lined in the same green fabric that covers the top of the library card tables
Table for the library, sponsored by Zanotta
Coffee table for the salon, sponsored by Atelier F
The fringe of the coffee table, which conceals the space beneath the top, echoes that seen in the hangings and on the sofas in this room. The shape of one of the four corners is inspired by the pattern of the carving on one of the desks in the room
Coffee table for the salone, sponsored by Atelier F
Door stop for the entrance, sponsored by Atelier F
The door stop is a simple wooden wedge hung with a string of pearls
Door stop for the entrance, sponsored by Atelier F
A view into the dining room
Dinner service for the dining room, sponsored by Richard Ginori 1735
The raised decoration of the dinner service is inspired by the pattern on the ceiling: floral elements and stars. On the back of each plate is a recipe inspired by the dishes that the family used to serve its guests
Dinner service for the dining room, sponsored by Richard Ginori 1735
Dinner service for the dining room, sponsored by Richard Ginori 1735
Key rack for the main office, sponsored by Atelier F
The wall-mounted key rack, inspired by the internal intercom system, reinterprets the Villa's floor plan. Each room has its own graphic symbol, making it easier to associate it with its key
Key rack for the main office, sponsored by Atelier F
Glasses for the second office, sponsored by Arrex Le Cucine
In honour of the numerous guests of the villa, this set comprises eight glasses. Each glass is different from the next so as to evoke the personalities and tastes of the guests. Made from Murano glass, the glasses have curved bases, so they have to be stored on the tray they are presented on
Glasses for the second office, sponsored by Arrex Le Cucin
Leather bag for gun room, produced by Fabrica
The leather-bucket-shaped bag has a handle shaped like a fox tail and is inspired by the Necchi Campiglio family's passion for hunting
Leather bag for the gun room, produced by Fabrica
Travel chair for the study, sponsored by Italian Chair District
The travel chair draws inspiration from the one concealed in Campiglio's 'travel table'. The design and practicality contrast with the classic look of the materials: a perfect synthesis between traditional and contemporary style
Travel chair for the study, sponsored by Italian Chair District
Rug for the stairway, sponsored by Nodus
The large rectangular rug is inspired by the long narrow carpet runner on the Grand Staircase. In addition to recreating the appearance of the stair carpet, the rug's design creates a magical three dimensional effect
Rug for the stairway, sponsored by Nodus
Decorative objects for the gallery, sponsored by Gallia e Peter
These objects are inspired by the hatboxes found in the last cupboard in the Gallery. There are three boxes, a lamp and a basket. The designs merge the container and its contents (the hat)
Decorative objects for the gallery, sponsored by Gallia e Peter
Gigina and Angelo's chamber
Pedestals for Gigina and Angelo's chamber, sponsored by Vhernier DeVecchi design
The pedestals are specifically designed to display a private passion of the Necchi sisters- their somewhat curious collection of cat-shaped ceramic ornaments
Pedestals for Gigina and Angelo's chamber, sponsored by Vhernier DeVecchi design
Mirror for Gigina and Angelo's chamber, produced by Fabrica
The mirror conceals two hidden compartments, one for him and one for her
Mirror for Gigina and Angelo's chamber, produced by Fabrica
Gigina and Angelo's bathroom
Glass bell jars for Gigina and Angelo's bathroom, sponsored by Massimo Lunardon, perfumes made by Daphné Bugey from Firmenich
The glass bell jars, one for him and one for her, stand on wooden bases imbued with two new essences, one masculine and one feminine, concealing the ephemeral refinement of perfumes
Glass bell jars for Gigina and Angelo's bathroom, sponsored by Massimo Lunardon, perfumes made by Daphné Bugey from Firmenich
Nedda's dressing room
Silk scarves for Nedda's dressing room, sponsored by Larioseta
These silk scarves are an ironic reinterpretation of the Christian Dior ones in the closet, which feature personal dedications to the sisters.
Silk scarves for Nedda's dressing room, sponsored by Larioseta
Linen towels for Nedda's bathroom, sponsored by United Colors of Benetton
The linen towels feature a beautiful gold thread design inspired by the works of art in Nedda's bathroom
Linen towels for Nedda's bathroom, sponsored by United Colors of Benetton
Vases for Nedda's bedroom, sponsored by Bosa
The vases with the leather labels are inspired by the floral tributes presented by Nedda's suitors and 'secret lovers'. They are punctured by small holes, through which different leather labels - with a printed date and a space for recording the giver's name - can be hung
Vases for Nedda's bedroom, sponsored by Bosa
The prince's bathroom
iPad case for the prince's bathroom, sponsored by Francesco Lionetti Florence
The travel set is inspired by the prince's large suitcases and the beauty sets of yesteryear. The leather case provides invaluable protection for today's essential iPad, whose screen becomes the mirror of the past
iPad case for the prince's bathroom, sponsored by Francesco Lionetti Florence
Desk set for the prince's bedroom, sponsored by Moleskine
The desk set is a miniature reproduction of a work desk, inspired by the elegant burr walnut writing desk in this room, designed by Portaluppi. Made from wood and leather, each module contains pens, notes and other stationery
Desk set for the prince's bedroom, sponsored by Moleskine
One of the guest bathrooms
The housekeeper's bedroom
Lamp for the housekeeper's bedroom, produced by Fabrica
The table lamp with two sail-shaped elements that form its shade, is inspired by the recurrent sailing ship motif in the maid's room. The two-dimensional nature of the scarves which adorn the wall acquires a third dimension and a new function on the lamp
Lamp for the housekeeper's bedroom, produced by Fabrica
Personalised accessories for the housekeeper's bathroom, sponsored by Agape
The beautiful personalised accessories were a luxury that maids could not afford. This new set, specifically designed for the housekeeper, is therefore a small treat and a dutiful tribute to a figure who played such an important role in the home
Personalised accessories for the housekeeper's bathroom, sponsored by Agape
The linen room
Thimbles for the linen room, sponsored by Vhernier DeVecchi Design
A set of exclusive silver thimbles complements the fine fabrics in the linen room. Each of the new thimbles is unique, inspired by the inhabitants' silhouettes and resembling the small hats loved and worn by the Necchi sisters
Thimbles for the linen room, sponsored by Vhernier DeVecchi Design
Outdoor cushions, sponsored by Moroso and tray, sponsored by Alessi
This outdoor cushion and tray are designed for pool-side lounging. Their shape is directly inspired by the workmanship of the pool surround at Villa Necchi
Outdoor tray, sponsored by Alessi
Outdoor cushion, sponsored by Moroso
Installation view of the exhibition on the top floor, detailing the backstory of each project
Installation view of the exhibition on the top floor, detailing the backstory of each project
Sketches and inspiration pictures for the scarves
-
The design-led restaurants to know in 2025This year’s most read-about restaurant openings to inspire your 2025 cravings, from a playful diner in New York to an art-and-dining hub in Marrakech
-
From Polestar 1 to Polestar 6, a definitive guide to the acclaimed EV brand's cars and conceptsNow that the new Polestar 3 and 4 are on the road, we take stock of Polestar’s progress and chronicle its evolution, cataloguing all the EV car company’s models and concepts to date
-
The brutal harmony of Villa Caffetto: an Escheresque Italian modernist gemThe Escheresque Italian Villa Caffetto designed by Fausto Bontempi for sculptor Claudio Caffetto
