Milan Chic

Description

Milan Chic explores Milan, where a unique skyline emerges, combining the aesthetics of history and tradition with the innovations of modernity. Milan reveals itself through Stefano Boeri’s Vertical Forest and Rem Koolhaas’s Fondazione Prada, along with the imposing Milan Cathedral and the grand iron-and-glass dome of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. But the true essence of the metropolis lies hidden behind the façades of the striking buildings. Whether that means the interior design creations displayed at the numerous design fairs or Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper, housed in Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan, requires a local guide to comprehend all its secrets and treasures. Author Massimo Nava and photographer Oberto Gili are happy to oblige.

The magnificence of Milan is a reflection of its inhabitants: the designers, architects, artists and restaurateurs who lend their brand of style to the city. In Milan Chic, readers are taken on an intimate tour, making stops at the homes of sought-after designers, the studios of gifted artists and the headquarters of prominent architects. This book illustrates the allure of this elegant industrial and cultural centre.

Born in Milan, Massimo Nava was introduced to journalism at a young age, joining the editorial staff of Avvenire at the age of nineteen. Graduating from the University of Milan with a degree in literature and philosophy, Nava then earned a position at Corriere della Sera, Italy’s leading national daily newspaper. In the following decades, he covered numerous noteworthy conflicts around the world, worked as a correspondent in Paris and wrote several nonfiction books and novels. Nava is currently a columnist at Corriere della Sera.

Oberto Gili began taking photographs at an early age, but the idea of becoming a photographer was planted when he saw the film Blow-Up, by Michelangelo Antonioni. In the early 1970s, he moved to London to work as an assistant to photographer Michael Joseph, after which he moved to Milan to work for the publisher L’Esperto. He has been travelling the world, taking pictures ever since. Gili has worked for Condé Nast, New York Magazine and The Washington Post Magazine.

About Assouline:

Founded in Paris in 1994 by Prosper and Martine Assouline, Assouline is the first luxury brand on culture. It began with the desire to create a new, contemporary style of book, using the couple’s experienced eye for visually rich stories and compelling narratives. Guided by their passion for knowledge, culture and travel, the Assoulines have since expanded their vision to 1,700 titles in three main collections, along with special editions and unique library accessories—a grand oeuvre of inspiring creations. Over the last quarter of a century, the brand has established a network of international boutiques in prominent locations worldwide. Assouline has also inaugurated a curated library service, working closely with clients to visualise, design, and develop bespoke, one-of-a-kind libraries.

With a distinguished team of creative talents, which includes the founders’ son Alexandre, the brand continues to reinvent the notion of true luxury. Assouline’s roster of collaborators consists of some of the world’s most respected brands, artists, photographers, writers, and designers. Assouline continues to exude an unparalleled signature style and elegant savoir-faire, which has globally redefined the modern publishing landscape. Learn more