Milan’s Via Monte Napoleone has just welcomed back an icon. Valentino has reopened its historic flagship store after a full renovation, reclaiming its place at the very heart of the city’s luxury district. This boutique has always been more than just a store. Since first opening in 1969 with an entrance on Via Santo Spirito at the corner of Monte Napoleone, it quickly became a destination for the international jet set and a cultural reference point for Milan itself. Over the decades it expanded and evolved, eventually taking its present form at number 20. To see the space return now, polished and renewed, feels like both a homecoming and a fresh start.
The reimagined boutique spans more than 1,170 square meters across three levels, each one unfolding into a different chapter of the Valentino universe. From the women’s entrance at number 20, visitors are drawn into the Valentino Garavani world of handbags, small leather goods, eyewear and beauty. Upstairs, the journey continues with women’s footwear and ready to wear before culminating in eveningwear displayed in expansive salons and private rooms designed for truly personal experiences. On the men’s side, a separate entrance leads to a full exploration of ready to wear and accessories, connected internally by a staircase that allows both sides to remain in dialogue while preserving their own intimacy. It is an architectural expression of balance, history and modernity woven together.
The reopening came with plenty of surprises. The Valentino Garavani Vain handbag line has been enriched with two limited editions created exclusively for Milan, offered in a refined green shade and crafted in precious skin. Visitors were also treated to an early preview of the Valentino Garavani and Vans collaboration since the re-opening in early September, the collection is now available here and on valentino.com. And perhaps the most charming detail of all happened just yesterday. On September 24th, Valentino took over the flower kiosk between Via Manzoni and Via Monte Napoleone, gifting passersby with floral creations designed by Thierry Boutemy. Watching people leave with fresh flowers in hand felt like a reminder that fashion is not only about clothes or accessories but also about gestures that make the city more beautiful.
This moment also signals an exciting new creative chapter. With Alessandro Michele now leading the artistic vision at Valentino, the energy around the maison feels charged with possibility. Known for blending tradition with a playful sense of wonder, Alessandro brings a perspective that resonates perfectly with Valentino’s heritage of mastery and emotional beauty. His presence promises to reframe what the brand can be, allowing this historic Milanese address to serve as both a stage and a symbol for what is to come.
Valentino has been part of Milan’s story for over half a century, shaping the city’s image of glamour and elegance while remaining a touchstone for international style. The reopening of this flagship is not just about polished marble or new collections. It is about reconnecting with that legacy and looking forward to what the next chapter will bring. With Alessandro at the helm and the streets still scented with yesterday’s flowers, Valentino is reminding us that fashion’s true power lies in the joy it can create.
