Brera's Evolution from Affordable Quarter to Milan's Premier Design District

The Brera district in Milan has evolved into a vibrant center of creativity, featuring around 230 showrooms and hosting 300 events during Milan Design Week. This transformation began in 1980 with the launch of Dilmos in a historic building designed by Vico Magistretti, drawing in brands like Boffi. Gilda Bojardi, who has been the editor of Interni since 1994, reflects on Brera's past affordability near Piazza San Babila. The Fuorisalone initiative was introduced in 1990 after Bojardi organized an event during a missed Salone del Mobile. In 2000, Paolo Casati acquired the Fuorisalone domain and created an online guide. He later founded Studiolabo with Cristian Confalonieri, leading to the establishment of the Brera Design District in 2010, which now boasts 70 showrooms, including recent additions like Time & Style and Tacchini. Casati emphasizes the area's density and quality as crucial factors in its success.