The relationship between Milan and design is unparalleled, and the city seemed to be overflowing with people during Milan Design Week 2025. Perhaps a little too much. In fact, it felt as if people in Milan were deliriously searching for something they didn’t quite know what: it was like watching rats in a cage trying desperately to escape, but never managing to do so. A frenzy (almost) bordering on the psychotic.
There were so many events and novelties on offer, it felt almost impossible to choose. The city was so packed with events and happenings that it seemed impossible to work or even walk the streets of Milan. Not to mention the sky-high prices, which made the city feel uninhabitable and led industry professionals to avoid coming to Milan whenever possible, unless absolutely necessary. The result was a Design Week that seemed to be growing more provincial than international and in need of order and cleanliness to make design truly desirable again and not just an object of gift-seeking by the young Milanese, who didn’t even care about what they were seeing.
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However, there were also positive moments, like a pitstop one evening at Odachi. Located within the elegant Casa Brera, Odachi is the place to try now in Milan. During Design Week, it was a true discovery for those seeking a refined dining experience with a contemporary twist. This chic Japanese fusion restaurant offers a perfect blend of traditional Japanese flavors and innovative Italian influences. The atmosphere is sleek and modern, yet warm, making it an ideal spot for both casual meals and more intimate dining experiences.
The menu at Odachi is a celebration of seasonal ingredients, expertly crafted into dishes that are both visually stunning and rich in flavor. The sushi is meticulously prepared, while the innovative fusion dishes delight the palate with unexpected yet harmonious combinations. Whether you're a design enthusiast or simply a lover of exquisite cuisine, Odachi is an unmissable destination. Its unique concept and stylish setting make it the perfect new hotspot to explore while in Milan (also) during Design Week.
Now, let’s dive into the new releases from some of the most iconic fashion brands, as observed during Milan Design Week 2025.
Ralph Lauren Home
In Ralph Lauren’s “Home” presentation, the spaces of the house are presented through four iconic settings, each representing a different lifestyle. The Estate style evokes the elegance of English country homes, with richly layered textiles, intricately carved mahogany furniture, and romantic floral fabrics. The Island style offers bright and relaxed spaces, featuring white fabrics, natural materials like jute, and vibrant tropical color accents. The Penthouse embodies contemporary luxury: modern and essential interiors, enhanced by innovative materials such as carbon fiber and fine woods, combined in a sophisticated, international aesthetic. Lastly, the Western style celebrates the authentic rusticity of the American West, with furnishings crafted from rustic oak, hand-treated leathers, and motifs inspired by Navajo culture. Each space tells not only a story of living but also a philosophy of life, where natural materials, artisanal craftsmanship, and refined details create environments that transcend simple decoration, transforming the home into an experience of style and emotion.
Elie Saab Maison
The latest collection from Elie Saab Maison, showcased in their new flagship showroom in Milan in via Mascagni, is a stunning embodiment of the brand’s philosophy of blending timeless elegance with contemporary design. Each piece within the collection is a celebration of artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation, resulting in furniture that is as functional as it is sculptural. Signature items, such as the Eclisse Sofa, stand as bold statements of modern luxury, with its sculptural lines and monogrammed details adding a unique touch of sophistication. Meanwhile, the Layl canopy bed’s geometric design and luminous metal frame reflect a striking harmony of proportion and material, offering both visual drama and serene elegance. The Dorio Table, with its elliptical marble top and geometric metal base, exemplifies the collection’s signature balance of sculptural form and understated luxury. The collection also pays homage to the intricate craftsmanship and heritage of Elie Saab, incorporating hand-finished metals, carefully selected fabrics, and luxurious marbles that bring tactile richness to each piece. The materials are layered in a way that speaks to both high design and enduring quality, making each piece a statement of refined living. The new collection is a vision of future living, where every element tells a story of beauty, craftsmanship, and timeless sophistication.
Karl Lagerfeld
During Milan Design Week 2025, Karl Lagerfeld Maison unveiled the highly anticipated K-Wellen collection, designed by Toan Nguyen. This new line features twelve striking pieces of furniture inspired by the iconic letter “K,” blending minimalist elegance with futuristic design. The collection includes sculptural tables, mirrors, and shelves that merge functionality with art, showcasing clean lines and bold metallic finishes. The K-Wellen pieces embody Lagerfeld’s signature minimalist style, with a futuristic aesthetic that captures the visionary spirit of the renowned couturier. A tribute to Lagerfeld’s passion for architecture and design, this collection marries craftsmanship with contemporary vision.
Fendi
Fendi Casa, on the occasion of Milan Design Week 2025, continues its exploration of new stylistic balances, advancing the brand’s distinctive language and aesthetic philosophy. The new collection is a refined blend of innovation and iconic pieces, reimagined with updated materials, colors, and finishes to evoke entirely new moods. It embraces both contemporary and timeless sensibilities, responding to the unpredictability of trends while maintaining the brand’s strong stylistic coherence. The collection also underscores Fendi's commitment to discovering and supporting new creative talents, championed by Silvia Venturini Fendi. A notable collaboration with British designer Lewis Kemmenoe brings his artistic vision to the Fendi Casa boutique in Piazza della Scala, where his curation of the window displays defines a unique narrative. Kemmenoe’s arrangement of materials and shapes pays tribute to artisanal craftsmanship, offering a metaphysical scenography that blends luxury with natural textures, creating a beautiful contrast between the sensuality of metallics and the understated elegance of organic materials. Among the collection's new pieces, the Later sofa by Ceriani Szostak combines rigid frames with soft curves to create a welcoming, comfortable embrace. Fendi Cover, a versatile sofa, showcases a sartorial concept with luxurious fabrics and leather details, while the Twist chair by Stefano Gallizioli captures the fluid elegance of a ribbon through its sinuous armrests. An exclusive collaboration with British designer Lee Broom introduces the sculptural Fendi Idol chandelier, a reinterpretation of the Maison’s iconic codes. Crafted from hammered glass elements, its silhouette plays with light and shadow, subtly recreating the FF logo. The Efo coffee table and its matching side table and cabinet are new additions by Peter Mabeo, whose signature soft lines and rhythmic play of separation and reunion echo the FF logo. The collection also includes updates to existing designs, such as the Lunar coffee table, Arches table, and the Peekasleep bed, with new materials, finishes, and proportions adding depth and elegance to Fendi Casa's expanding universe.
Armani/Casa
I love finishing any Milanese appointment with Armani, because the strength of the company lies in its ability to offer a style that is both reassuring and calming, thanks to its timeless nature. When I arrived at Corso Venezia, it was almost amusing to find that Mr. Armani and I arrived at the store around the same time. Being near a legend like him creates an energy that’s hard to describe.
As I entered, the space immediately conveyed the essence of the new collection: a timeless journey through the Far East. Giorgio Armani’s Inchiostri d'Oriente collection celebrates the 25th anniversary of Armani/Casa, paying tribute to Milan and the dynamic connection Mr. Armani has cultivated with the city.
“The dialogue with Milan has become an essential part of my work as a creative and entrepreneur, especially during the Salone when the city is alive and international,” said Giorgio Armani. “After two years at Palazzo Orsini, I wanted to focus on the Corso Venezia store, a space designed to adapt to various configurations and create new visual experiences. The installation, along with the new pieces, showcases the finest craftsmanship and is visible to anyone passing by.”
The Inchiostri d'Oriente collection reflects Eastern symbols such as bamboo, dragons, and lush jungle vegetation, inspiring intricate applications on textiles, fine woods, and lacquered surfaces.
Among the most notable pieces is the Virtù cabinet, featuring a katana-inspired handle and a gold-leaf dragon. The Albert three-seater sofa showcases a vibrant, hand-embroidered jungle scene, while the Seine console, clad in green velvet, presents a striking three-dimensional dragon motif. The collection also introduces new pieces like the Play interlocking bookcase, the Ambra padded chair, and the Vivace bamboo-motif lacquered table and armchair. The Trocadero black lacquer table with brass inlays and the softly rounded Viso seating add further refinement to the collection.
The most astonishing pieces are covered in hand-embroidered satins and velvets, created in collaboration with de Gournay. These works of art blend up to fifty materials, including metallic threads, sequins, glass beads, and silk organza, making each furniture piece a true work of haute couture.
Punctuating the neutral palette, the viridian green Amedeo bed and the deep red Aladino floor lamp bring color and depth to the collection, which perfectly captures Giorgio Armani’s poetic vision of living.
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