Polène opens for the first time in Milan A corner of light in the heart of the city

There’s a new address to mark on the Milanese shopping map. The Parisian leather goods maison Polène opens its first Italian boutique in the heart of the Quadrilatero della Moda, among historic buildings, hidden courtyards and that understated elegance Milan knows how to wear better than anyone else. Designed by Norm Architects, the space draws inspiration from the most authentic Milanese architecture, with the contrast between sober façades and bright interiors capturing the soul of Polène at its best. The in-store experience has been conceived as a sensory journey that evolves through specific materials, colors and textures, starting with light tones and essential surfaces before gradually moving toward deeper, more intense shades. Each room represents a different stage in this exploration of material, from raw to refined, from instinct to precision, while the floor, inspired by historic Milanese designs, serves as a narrative base for a space that speaks of design in an extremely human way.

Polène's new store has just opened its doors with an event that lit up the heart of Milan, attended by some of the brand's friends, including Giulia Valentina, Nicky Passerella, Emily Pallini, Carlotta Bertotti, Beatrice Marchetti, Ginevra Mavilla, and Ambra Cotti. Here's everything you need to know about the new boutique.  

The undisputed first protagonist of the new boutique is undoubtedly leather. Polène showcases all of its savoir-faire, drawing inspiration from the work of the Ubrique ateliers in Spain. The leather is layered, stitched, cut and molded: every gesture tells the story of the craftsmanship of the artisans and the creative vision of the maison. After leather, wood comes into play—warm and tactile—dialoguing with leather and the other materials, setting the rhythm of the space and making the experience even more immersive. It is a visual and sensory pause before the grand finale, defined by the presence of ceramic.

In the final space, the eye is immediately drawn to a work by Italian artist Clara Graziolino. Visible from the entrance, the ceramic artwork surprisingly echoes the texture of leather, creating a perfect bridge between art and craftsmanship. The collaboration with the artist is a statement of intent for Polène, which aims to celebrate local know-how and root each opening in the territory that hosts it.

The leather orchestra as a tribute to Milan

Making Polène’s Milanese experience even more engaging is Craft at Work, an immersive project that continues with the Leather Orchestra. In a small dedicated space, visitors can conduct an orchestra made of leather panels, where material and sound meet in an interactive performance paying homage to Milan, the city of Opera. Polène thus arrives in the Lombard capital with a clear message: luxury today is made of experiences, materials and stories to live, not just to wear. And this boutique is the perfect place to begin.