N°21 MILAN

 

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Photography: Helenio Barbetta
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N°21 has introduced its stunning 150-square-meter flagship store at 14 Via Santo Spirito, located in Milan's vibrant and prestigious 'Quadrilatero' district. Nestled in a historic building, the store embodies the brand's signature “modern Palazzo atmosphere,” a concept crafted by creative director Alessandro Dell'Acqua in collaboration with architect Hannes Peer.

From the outset, Dell'Acqua’s creative vision was clear: to create a space that seamlessly blends raw, tactile materiality with luxurious elegance. Hannes Peer was tasked with translating this vision into a compelling architectural narrative, focusing on layering materials and textures to deliver an environment that feels both sophisticated and accessible. The result is a striking architectural statement that reflects the rich creative contrasts defining N°21.

The store unfolds across three distinct rooms, each with its own character yet harmoniously interconnected. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the brand’s signature black-and-white layered marble flooring, paired with postmodern polycarbonate ceilings and custom-designed furniture. Backlit polycarbonate wall panels rise to door height before transitioning into sculptural concrete boiserie, creating a dynamic interplay of materials and textures.

Further inside, contemporary art influences take center stage, with mirrored displays creating a surreal, infinite effect. A striking Art Deco-inspired table, deconstructed into six sections and encased in glass boxes, evokes the conceptual works of Damien Hirst, adding an unexpected layer of artistic commentary. This area embodies the dialogue of contrasts—light and dark, raw and glossy, modern and historic—that defines the store’s aesthetic.

The final space, a lounge and accessory area, celebrates Milan’s architectural heritage. Walls are clad in Ceppo di Grè, a quintessentially Milanese stone used since Roman times in landmarks such as the Duomo and the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio. Alessandro Dell'Acqua explains, “Using this stone in the N°21 store is my homage to Milan and its extraordinary architectural history.”

The flagship store is a masterclass in restraint and refinement. Raw, unfinished surfaces coexist with elegant finishes, simple construction methods, and a carefully curated palette of colors and materials. Minimalist postmodern lighting highlights the interplay of contrasts, while considered design choices elevate humble materials into prominent features.

This space stands as an architectural extension of the N°21 brand, embodying its edgy, understated style and honoring Milan’s rich cultural and architectural legacy.