Designing Manolo Blahnik’s new Milan boutique presented an opportunity to translate the brand’s refined elegance into a physical space that feels both timeless and contemporary. Located on Via Pietro Verri, in the heart of Milan’s luxury shopping district, the three-storey, 300-square-metre boutique is the brand’s first standalone store in the city and a celebration of craftsmanship and material integrity.
As architects on the project, our approach centred on creating a calm yet expressive interior backdrop – one that would allow Manolo Blahnik’s footwear and accessories to take centre stage, while subtly reinforcing the brand’s heritage and attention to detail. A key part of achieving this balance was the specification of the Bespoke Engineered Wood Flooring range from German flooring brand Parador, selected for both its aesthetic warmth and technical performance.
Exploring flooring as a unifying architectural element
The interior unfolds across multiple levels, requiring a material that could visually connect the space while standing up to the demands of a high-traffic luxury retail environment.
The generous plank format of Parador’s Wide Plank Engineered Wood Flooring in the Sienna colourway establishes a strong sense of continuity and flow, enhancing the perceived spaciousness of the boutique as visitors move between floors. The rich, warm undertones of Sienna introduce depth and softness to the interior, offering a refined counterpoint to the boutique’s sculptural forms and monochromatic detailing.
Performance for luxury retail
Beyond aesthetics, engineered wood was a considered choice for longevity and stability. The bespoke nature of Parador’s flooring allowed it to integrate seamlessly with the architectural detailing, ensuring durability without compromising on design intent which was an essential requirement for this flagship retail environment.
The warm Sienna tone of the wide planks not only enhances the boutique’s atmosphere but also forms a subtle border around the main central carpet, framing the space and complementing the store’s sculptural forms and monochromatic details influenced by the sculptural work of Constantin Brâncuși. By combining visual elegance with practical performance, the flooring creates an interior that is both inviting for visitors and resilient to the demands of daily retail operations.
Neel Bradham, Parador CEO, spoke to D5 Design Magazine of the project:
“We are honoured that the Nick Leith-Smith and the Manolo Blahnik design team selected Parador flooring for their new Milan boutique. Our Bespoke Engineered Wood Flooring in Sienna provides the perfect balance of warmth, durability, and sophisticated design that luxury retail environments demand.”