Kenzo’s new store in Milan does not have any of the fancy curves and sweeping open spaces that earmark most star-architect retail mausoleums. Rather, the shop is a prime example of the sort of good design and practical functionality that comes along when a talented in-house team takes the retail reigns themselves. Designed by Kenzo creative directors Carol Lim and Humberto Leon, the shop is a re-fit of an existing space in Milan’s Via Manzoni, using a concept that the duo debuted in Asia last year.
Upon entering the 246 sq m space, guests are met with a giant sculpture of a hand forking a plate of spaghetti. Also designed in-house, the surreal artwork is a humorous take on Milan’s obsessive food culture. The rest of the shop, however, is less playful. A grid of fluorescent lights hangs overhead, illuminating cleanly drawn racks made from a dark blue anodized aluminum. Each zone has its own colour tone: shades of blue for the boys and peaches and pinks for the girls.
Marble is an ongoing theme; recreated underfoot on veiny carpets tossed on the concrete floors, or on tables that are an arrow configured intarsia of stone and steel. The most compelling architectural component of this boutique is the all marble staircase and adjoining cash wrap desk that looks as if its been crafted from a glowing blue lapis lazuli stone. That together with the custom made furniture, like the navy blue leather pouf with a shaggy navy goat hair back, give the sort of wink and nod for which this brand is known.
The most compelling architectural component of this boutique is the all marble staircase and adjoining cash/wrap desk that looks as if its been crafted from a glowing blue lapis lazuli stone
The dynamic flagship was designed in-house by creative directors Carol Lim and Humberto Leon
The shop is a re-fit of an existing space in Milan’s Via Manzoni, using a concept that the duo debuted in Asia last year
Marble is an ongoing theme; recreated underfoot on veiny carpets tossed on the concrete floors
A series of leather poufs with a shaggy navy goat hair back, give the sort of wink and nod for which this brand is known
A grid of fluorescent lights hangs overhead, illuminating cleanly drawn racks made from a dark blue anodized aluminum
Each zone has its own colour tone: shades of blue for the boys and peaches and pinks for the girls
ADDRESS
Kenzo
Via Alessandro Manzoni, 25
20121 Milano, Italy
-
Unlike the gloriously grotesque imagery in his films, Yorgos Lanthimos’ photographs are quietly beautifulAn exhibition at Webber Gallery in Los Angeles presents Yorgos Lanthimos’ photography
-
Remembering architect David M Childs (1941-2025) and his New York skyline legacyDavid M Childs, a former chairman of architectural powerhouse SOM, has passed away. We celebrate his professional achievements
-
At the Institute of Indology, a humble new addition makes all the differenceContinuing the late Balkrishna V Doshi’s legacy, Sangath studio design a new take on the toilet in Gujarat
-
‘He made something not merely popular, but the rage’: unpacking Elio Fiorucci’s fabulous fashion legacyAn expansive new retrospective at Triennale Milano explores the colourful life and work of Elio Fiorucci, who is synonymous with 1970s hedonism and glamour
-
How fashion designer Ilenia Durazzi designed her ‘elegant, rigorous’ Milanese studio – all the way down to the furnitureIlenia Durazzi of Durazzi Milano tells Wallpaper* the story behind her new Milanese studio, a labour of love built entirely to her exacting design
-
‘What does a Luca Faloni jacket look like?’: this suede bomber marks the brand’s first foray into outerwear‘Made for years to come’, this lightweight bomber marks Luca Faloni’s entry into outerwear and encapsulates the label’s provenance-focused approach
-
Milan Fashion Week S/S 2025 highlights: Dolce & Gabbana to Bottega VenetaWallpaper* fashion features editor Jack Moss selects the best of Milan Fashion Week S/S 2025, from Dolce & Gabbana’s homage to Madonna to childlike wonder at Bottega Veneta
-
Rovi Lucca is the Milanese label creating ‘elevated workwear for garden lovers’Rooted in Italian craft, Bradley Seymour and Fabrizio Taliani’s horticulturally inspired Rovi Lucca finds inspiration in the gardens of Lucca, Tuscany
-
Luca Magliano takes Wallpaper* on a tour Bologna, the home of his non-conformist fashion labelLuca Magliano gives Wallpaper* an insider’s guide to Bologna, Italy, the lifeblood of his on-the-rise label – from a museum of queer history to a mystical cemetery (and plenty of gelato)
-
Women’s Fashion Week S/S 2025: what to expectNext week sees the arrival of Women’s Fashion Week S/S 2025, with stops in New York, London, Milan and Paris. Here, our comprehensive guide to the month, from Alaïa’s arrival in New York to Alessandro Michele’s Valentino debut
-
Milan Fashion Week Men’s S/S 2025 highlights: Prada to ZegnaWallpaper* picks the best moments from Milan Fashion Week Men‘s S/S 2025, from 15 years of MSGM to Prada’s celebration of youth, and an appearance from Mads Mikkelsen at Zegna
