Mutinelli cappelli
There was a time when it was not possible to do without. Today it is a stylish accessory to be chosen with the guidance of a master craftsman. Since 1888.
Five shop windows on the corner of Corso Buenos Aires and Via Palazzi tell the full charm and history of a truly iconic accessory – and offer the chance to meet Matteo Mutinelli, guided by that genius loci that leads us through Milan. The meeting point is the historic Mutinelli shop, housed since its origins in the same Liberty-style building, a survivor, as Matteo – the current fourth-generation owner – recalls, “of two world wars and various historical events. Although some of the neighboring shops suffered repeated and severe damage during the war, ours remained permanently intact. My grandfather used to say that with every bombing there was a risk the windows would shatter.” A miracle indeed. Nearly 150 years later, the shop still features its original flooring and retains a distinctly retro style. Photographs and vintage advertising posters line the walls, bearing witness to the evolution of fashion, while shelves of vintage hatboxes evoke tales of adventurous journeys. E poi una carrellata di modelli da indossare seguendo un preciso dress-code. Regardless of trends, here the hat is always the star. “Our collections come exclusively from Italian companies. We have the finest production in the world, and clients come to us from everywhere because we are a unique stage in the industry. In Italy, businesses like ours – handed down from generation to generation – are a rarity. The fact that I now run this shop is also the result of unforeseen and fortunate circumstances. Today, generational succession is more complex, and current economic dynamics can discourage younger generations.” Beyond protecting from sun and cold, hats are a statement of style. Today they are a personal choice – the pleasure of expressing oneself in a unique and original way.