In the heart of Milan, on the elegant Via Borgonuovo 21, lies one of the best-kept secrets of Italian design: the palace where Giorgio Armani lived and ran his house for more than four decades. Far from ostentatious, this residence—part of the historic Palazzo Orsini—is an architectural manifestation of his philosophy: silent luxury, understated elegance, and timeless functionality.
A 17th-Century Icon Reinterpreted by Armani
Palazzo Orsini, with its origins in the 17th century, is one of Milan's most iconic residences. However, its most significant transformation came in 1982, when Giorgio Armani acquired a section of the building to establish both his home and his firm's headquarters. The goal was not to create an ostentatious mansion, but rather a space where the design exudes calm and coherence.
The renovation project was carried out in collaboration with renowned architect Peter Marino, known for his sensitivity in integrating modernity with history. Together, they preserved the palace's original structure but gave it a new meaning: contemporary architecture without excess, focused on the essential.
Interior design: the visual language of a brand
The interior of Via Borgonuovo 21 perfectly reflects the Armani universe. The spacious spaces, high ceilings, and color palette—neutral tones such as grays, off-whites, and beiges—convey a sober and timeless aesthetic. Noble materials, such as fine woods, marble, velvet, and silk, work in perfect harmony with natural light, which becomes an active element in the design.
Each piece of furniture, mostly from the Armani/Casaline, is precisely positioned. From the clean-lined sofas to the sculptural-inspired lamps, everything reflects a coherent visual language where comfort and sophistication coexist without conflict. Subtle references to Art Deco and Japanese aesthetics are balanced and integrated.
Functional spaces with symbolic significance
Among the most iconic rooms are his personal library, a space for contemplation that speaks to his intellectual side, and his private study on the upper level, where he made key decisions surrounded by silence and concentration. An anecdotal but revealing element: a gorilla sculpture presided over his office, a symbol of restrained strength and uniqueness.
The palace also included a gym and spa, in line with his holistic vision of well-being, without dissociating the physical from the aesthetic environment. Everything was designed to support the rhythm of work and life that defined his legacy.
Via Borgonuovo 21: Architecture that transcends trends
With the recent news of his death, this property returns to the center of architectural and cultural debate. The palace is not just a high-value property: it is the space that embodied the founding principles of the Armani brand. It was his operational center, his creative space, and a material testament to his vision of design: discretion, continuity, sobriety, and structure.
In an industry obsessed with attracting attention, Armani demonstrated that true luxury is built on consistency,not spectacularity. Just as he redefined tailoring with suits that liberated the body, he also redefined the idea of a high-end residence: a place designed to be fully inhabited, not displayed.
