Blade runner: the closure of cutler G Lorenzi shook Milan – but all is not lost

When G Lorenzi, the Milanese cutler, shuttered its iconic shop on via Montenapoleone in February 2014, those who mourned included not only the city’s well-heeled residents, but also some of its regular, in-the-know visitors. Founded in 1929 by Giovanni Lorenzi, the boutique became a city institution and a global destination. With a stock of 100,000 items, comprising 20,000 different models – knives, scissors, brushes and other variations on blades and grooming tools, sought out and selected by Giovanni’s son Aldo – it was the place to pick up an original gift for a discerning friend.
One local who was particularly crushed by the store’s closing was Guglielmo Miani, president of the Montenapoleone Association, and CEO and president of clothing, tailoring and lifestyle boutique Larusmiani. Miani’s grandfather started out as a tailor in Milan and founded a shop in 1954 directly opposite G Lorenzi. A dashing gentleman who skips about town in Venetian slippers and bespoke suits, Miani is a walking tribute to Italy’s stylistic heritage. ‘I wrote Aldo Lorenzi a letter; I told him I would not accept the closing of G Lorenzi,’ Miani recalls. ‘We couldn’t afford for it to disappear.’
‘He really worked hard to court me,’ admits the 80-year-old Aldo, who had been working in the shop since he was 15. ‘He reminded me of myself when I was young.’ Aldo’s passion for knives was a ‘total love affair’ that sent him travelling across Europe (by Moto Guzzi Galletto and car) and America (by camper van).
Over 60 years, he meticulously curated the G Lorenzi collection, which included 100 styles of nail clippers and 300 different hairbrushes alone. Without an heir apparent, Aldo was looking forward to retiring in anonymity. But Miani’s wooing worked. Aldo finally agreed to sell Miani his leftover stock: 20,000 examples of 3,000 models, including beautiful knives, chic picnic sets, walnut cufflink boxes and regal-looking nut crackers. The precious inventory, and the original shop furniture, have now been transported to the basement of the Larusmiani boutique.
‘It all fits perfectly,’ Miani marvels at the walnut and burl wood glass-front cabinets (lent by Aldo). But what will happen when the stock runs out? Miani says he is considering creating new products in the Lorenzi vein, but with the Larusmiani label, as well as continuing with many classic G Lorenzi pieces. ‘Right now, we’re starting to understand what items we can actually sell,’ he says. ‘We’re in a new space, with new clients. For now, I just want to know this world better.’
‘It was the best of the best,’ Aldo says of his famous product range. ‘I created an assortment that was unique. I’ve done my job. Now, it’s his turn.’
As originally featured in the March 2016 issue of Wallpaper* (W*204)
The store’s original display cabinets, here filled with a selection of knives, have been transported to the basement of the Larusmiani boutique
With only 20,000 pieces left in the collection, what will happen when the stock runs out? Miani says he is considering creating new products in the Lorenzi vein, under the Larusmiani label
INFORMATION
For more information, visit Larusmiani’s website
Photogaphy: Alberto Zanetti
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
JJ Martin
-
Must-visit cinemas with award-worthy design
Creativity leaps the screen at these design-led cinemas, from Busan Cinema Centre’s record-flying roof to The Gem Cinema Jaipur’s art deco allure
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
The modernist home of musician Imogen Holst gets Grade II listing
The daughter of the composer Gustav Holst lived here from 1964 until her death, during which time the home served a locus for her own composition work, which included assisting Benjamin Britten
By Anna Solomon Published
-
This fun and free-spirited photography exhibition offers a chromatic view on the world
‘Chromotherapia’ at Villa Medici in Rome, explores how we view colour as a way of therapy, and how it has shaped photography over the last century (until 9 June 2025)
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Hermès’ new Florence store is a haven of sophisticated design
The Renaissance building on Via degli Strozzi boasts interiors by architect Denis Montel of RDAI, bespoke furniture pieces and an expansive collection of artwork
By Nick Vinson Published
-
Ceramics brand Mutina stages a poetic tribute to everyday objects
Design meets art as a new Mutina exhibition in Italy reframes the beauty of domestic stillness, juxtaposing ceramics, sculpture, paintings and photography
By Laura May Todd Published
-
Rooms with a view: a new book celebrates the Italian approach to interior design
Laura May Todd's survey of Italian interiors is the perfect antidote to January gloom, taking a look inside 50 distinctive Italian homes
By Ali Morris Published
-
Vincent Van Duysen reimagines a historic palazzo for Molteni&C in Milan
Molteni&C teases images of Palazzo Molteni, a sprawling and immersive new design destination in Milan, ahead of its official opening in April
By Ali Morris Published
-
New exhibition, ‘Architecture for Dogs' celebrates the human-canine bond
As a showcase of designs for dogs opens in Milan, we find out why inviting our four-legged friends into exhibitions benefits everybody.
By Ali Morris Published
-
The future of Salone del Mobile: new report quantifies impact of the world's biggest furniture fair
For the first time, Salone del Mobile reports on its size and impact. ‘Milan Design (Eco) System’ puts Salone into numbers, allowing its future and challenges to be addressed
By Cristina Kiran Piotti Published
-
Design Dynasties: the powerhouse families of Italian furnishing
We profile the powerhouse families of Italian furnishing, uncovering the secrets of their legacies and stamina
By Laura May Todd Published
-
Gather round: ‘Inequalities’ symposium at the Triennale Milano
Ahead of the 24th International exhibition at the Triennale Milano next year, 26 leading thinkers, curators and activists unpicked the theme ‘Inequalities’
By Will Jennings Published