Coco Brandolini d'Adda's Milan Residence: A Canvas of Curated Collections and Family Heritage
Coco Brandolini d'Adda, the creative force behind the fashion brand d'AddA and a descendant of distinguished tastemakers, offers a glimpse into her Milan residence. The apartment, shared with her husband, Matteo Colombo, and their three daughters, serves as a testament to her eclectic collecting habits and deep appreciation for craftsmanship. What began as a cozy three-bedroom space has gracefully evolved through an expansion, seamlessly integrating a professional studio and a more spacious dining area, reflecting Brandolini d'Adda's personal and professional journey.
Coco Brandolini d'Adda's Eclectic Milan Abode
In her Milan apartment, the founder of the fashion label d'AddA, Coco Brandolini d'Adda, stands proudly before an antique French cabinet in her vibrant living room. This particular piece, she explains, is just one of her many "cabinets of curiosities." Within its depths reside an array of treasured items: delicate Murano glass vases, gifts from her Venetian grandfather; a striking artwork by Alighiero Boetti, acquired after her move to Milan; and a miniature brass-and-bronze bird, a creation of the renowned Milanese designer Gabriella Crespi, whom Brandolini d'Adda deeply admires for her embodiment of Italian artistry in a male-dominated field.
Her passion for collecting extends beyond this single cabinet. A nearby glass-topped chest, custom-made by Dimorestudio, houses an assortment of small jewel boxes and even a rare Fabergé spoon. The recently expanded apartment, renovated with the assistance of her childhood friend, London-based AD100 interior designer Leonora Hamill, now provides ample space for her diverse acquisitions. These include rich textiles sourced from Bhutan and Uzbekistan, vintage fabrics adorning family heirloom furniture alongside pieces by Gio Ponti, and artworks by Francesco Clemente and Andrea Bowers. A 1940s Russian tea service, a unique screen by Lilou Marquand, and a collection of plates discovered during a Greek holiday further enrich the home's narrative. Her philosophy on decor is as unconventional as her finds, valuing an object's intrinsic appeal over its origin, exemplified by a lamp she proudly retrieved from the street.
The apartment's expansion was a response to the growing family, which now includes three daughters: Nina, Lea, and Cora. What began as an intimate three-bedroom dwelling, cherished for its coziness, transformed to accommodate the family's needs. The acquisition of an adjacent apartment allowed each daughter to enjoy her own bedroom, fostering a more harmonious environment. The former living room was reimagined into a generous dining space, now comfortably seating fourteen, a significant upgrade from the days when Brandolini d'Adda would host gatherings of thirty or forty people in a more confined setting, proving that while atmosphere always prevailed, space certainly adds to comfort. The ultimate luxury of this expansion is the dedicated in-house design studio for d'AddA, her artisanal, by-appointment-only fashion label, launched in 2022. This creative sanctuary allows her to work in the tranquil morning hours before her team arrives.
Born and raised in Paris, Brandolini d'Adda's aesthetic was shaped by a lineage of stylish women. Her grandmother, Countess Cristiana Brandolini d'Adda, was celebrated for her elegant taste, notably commissioning design legend Renzo Mongiardino for a Parisian residence. Her mother, Georgina, dedicated years to working with Valentino. Brandolini d'Adda's own career began with an eight-year tenure under Oscar de la Renta, who became her mentor and a profound source of inspiration. Following her return to Europe, she contributed her talents to Alberta Ferretti and Tomas Maier at Bottega Veneta, before spending a decade at Dolce & Gabbana, where Domenico Dolce encouraged her to establish her own brand, recognizing her distinctive personal style. He urged her to embrace her heritage, a narrative she initially sought to avoid, but ultimately found liberating and authentic, resonating deeply with those who appreciate honesty in design.
The journey of Coco Brandolini d'Adda serves as a compelling narrative, reminding us that a home is more than just a structure; it's a living canvas that evolves with its inhabitants. Her dedication to collecting, her appreciation for diverse cultures, and her commitment to preserving family legacies resonate deeply. It's a powerful testament to the idea that true style is a deeply personal expression, a carefully curated reflection of one's life, experiences, and passions. This story inspires us to look beyond trends and embrace authenticity, to find beauty in the unconventional, and to allow our personal spaces to truly tell our unique stories.