Philippe Nigro x Milan

Since being named Designer of the Year in 2014, Philippe Nigro’s star has just kept on rising, sparking numerous collaborations with MAISON&OBJET, including staging the MOM village.

How long have you been living in Milan?

Milan was my permanent home between 1999 and 2014. I’ve switched things up a little now, though, and share my time between two cities – Paris and Milan. I go to Milan once or twice a month for leisure or work, and I’ve kept a permanent pied-a-terre there.

Where would you say is the ultimate spot to get a real feel for the city?

I’d say right in the very heart of the city – the Brera district or the Duomo / Sant Ambrogio / Colonne San Lorenzo triangle. They’re most representative of the city because of their combination of architectural styles. Milan’s a city that’s both extremely Mediterranean, but also peppered with northern influences (French and Austrian) as a result of the various invasions and conquests. It’s a city where Renaissance Palaces from the 17th or 18th century stand shoulder-to-shoulder with imposing, stark buildings that sprung up between the 1920s and 1960s (the Stazione Centrale, the Stock Exchange, the Tribunal and the Cozzi swimming pool).
The places that simply ooze refinement and boast the strongest architectural presence are nonetheless those designed by Gio Ponti, BBPR and Portaluppi.

Which places do you find most culturally inspiring?

The Triennale, the Hangar Biccoca, the Fondazione Prada, the art galleries in the outskirts of the city or hidden away in the inner courtyards of Milan’s majestic Palaces. Plus certain historic concert halls and cinemas, the spacious squares, the covered passages (“galleries”)…

Which restaurant or café would you say best captures Milan’s vibe?

Milan is, of course, home to a multitude of outstanding restaurants, but what’s really typical of the city is l’aperitivo. It’s a social ritual that involves standing around enjoying a drink whilst tucking into the little snacks that appear on all the bars between 6pm and 9pm right across the city.

Which neighbourhood instantly springs to mind when we say “Shopping in Milan”?

Well, it’s not exactly a scoop, but I’d say the district that’s globally renowned for shopping is the one between Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, and Corso Venezia.

Do you have any secret addresses you’d care to share?

If I shared them they’d no longer be secret…

Where is the best place to stay for anyone keen to explore the city?

I think the absolute dream would be staying at the Tour Velasca or in one of the buildings on via Mozart or via dei Giardini. A more realistic answer would be a hotel in the Brera district, which is perfectly located for exploring the city.

Which design piece can only be picked up in Milan?

Globalisation makes that a rather tricky question, as everything is now instantly available everywhere. However, heading into a ferramenta (hardware store) to buy a rompitratta light switch designed by Castiglioni for VLM, or treating yourself to a Parentesi lamp, also by Castiglioni, at the Flos de Corso Monforte store, is so much more of a thrill than simply picking the same pieces up in New York, Paris or Tokyo, making them that little bit more special.