PRADA PASTICCERIA MARCHESI FLAGSHIP STORE IN MILAN
Prada opens the doors of its Pasticceria Marchesi on Via Montenapoleone in Milan. This is the ...
October 6, 2015
Prada opens the doors of its Pasticceria Marchesi on Via Montenapoleone in Milan. This is the first unit for the historical Prada Pasticceria Marchesi pastry shop since the original landmark venue was founded in 1824 in Milan’s Corso Magenta district. Marchesi recently acquired by the Prada group is one of the oldest and finest pastry shop in Milan and long revered as a symbol of excellence.
Angelo Marchesi, great-grandson of the founder and chief executive officer, admitted it made “a certain impression to see one’s name” on a storefront on tony Via Montenapoleone. “It’s the first time that we leave our historical location, which has not been changed [since the acquisition]. Prada is even more committed than we are to keeping our heritage,” said Marchesi.
The stone facade features an inlay of Marchesi’s classic gold leaf logo, while white awnings over two glass windows displaying the products recall the atmosphere of Marchesi’s original site. Aqua green marble walls in the entryway of the 1,296-square-foot store and a series of niches unfold a plethora of chocolates and sweets in their new elegant packaging. While a link with the first Marchesi shop, the central marble-topped bar with cherry wood and glass cabinets; the mirror-backed shelf with apéritifs, and the pastry display cases with curved glass hinge-tops are revisited in a contemporary way. Dark brown marble covers the floors, contrasting with light beamed ceilings. Marble topped tables and soft green velvet armchairs and sofas are the main elements of two seating rooms. A green floral jacquard silk wallpaper is a standout in the store, juxtaposed with marble walls.
The new menu, conceived for this location, is served on fine china custom-made by Rosenthal, with custom Sambonet sterling silvery cutlery. Marchesi has expanded the offer of its pastries, cakes, croissants and chocolates with new products, ranging from jams to chestnut candied in syrup or bite-sized dragées, displayed in 38 niches, strategically lit, with clear crystal shelves, and on the cherry wood counters. All pastries are freshly baked daily in a kitchen at the location. It is understood Miuccia Prada and Bertelli were actively involved in all the stylistic choices, from packaging and design to the products.
The unit serves from breakfast and lunch to apéritifs and is open all week, including Sunday.
