Costume National, Milan catwalk show in January 2012 (Photo Pixel Formula)

The creation of a “large, comprehensive fashion centre” in Milan – a project which appeared to have been abandoned after numerous announcements – is finally going to see the light of day. “The idea is to create a space dedicated to fashion and suits, encompassing several different activities,” said Stefano Boeri, Milan’s deputy-mayor in charge of culture, fashion and design. Pushed forward by the left-wing members of the city council that were voted in last June, this ambitious project will allow Italian fashion to have a reference point in Milan.

"The centre will contain a large museum dedicated to suits, as well as other areas showcasing collections by Made in Italy, a training centre, a space for gathering start-up textile companies and another one for organising catwalk shows," explained Stefano Boeri. The centre will be located at the Palazzo delle Scintille, a historic building with a total area of 8,000 square metres, situated in Milan’s old congress and exhibition centre. “It is a symbolic location; the only building of the old ‘Fiera Milano’ that was preserved after the exhibition was transferred to the town of Rho, in the outskirts of the city," said the deputy-mayor.

Currently in redevelopment, this vast area, which previously hosted Milan trade shows, should now be transformed into a new residential area. "It is too early to provide more information on this new fashion centre. We will reveal more details at the launch of the tender for the management of the centre,” concluded Boeri.

FashionMag Italy