Fashion District of Milano

The **Milan Fashion District** is an urban area of Milan, Italy, located south of the historic centre, in the Porta Romana–Scalo Romana area. The district has developed primarily since the 2010s following the progressive redevelopment of former railway yards and industrial sites. It is associated with the presence of fashion and luxury-related corporate offices, creative spaces, and venues used for professional and cultural events.

## Urban regeneration

Scalo Romana is one of Milan’s major urban regeneration areas. Part of the district is planned to host the Olympic Village for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. After the Games, the complex is scheduled to be converted into residential housing and public services, contributing to the long-term redevelopment of the Porta Romana area.

## Fashion and luxury activities

The district has attracted several fashion and luxury groups, mainly for headquarters, executive offices, showrooms, and operational functions rather than retail. Its development is often described as complementary to the Quadrilatero della Moda, which remains Milan’s primary luxury shopping area.

Several international fashion companies have established offices or headquarters in the area, including Prada worldwide headquarter, Versace, Miu Miu, Casa Moncler, Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Kering, Marni, Jil Sanders, Renzo Rosso, Off-White and Jil Sander. Moncler opened a headquarters within the Symbiosis business district, while LVMH Italy relocated part of its executive operations. The Otb Group has established headquarters for Jil Sander and Marni in nearby redeveloped buildings.

Unlike the Quadrilatero della Moda, which is characterised by luxury retail, Scalo Romana functions primarily as a back-office and production-oriented fashion district, hosting executive offices, design activities, showrooms, and spaces used for industry events and presentations.

## Urban context

The development of Scalo Romana is often cited as an example of Milan’s increasingly multicentric urban structure. Alongside the historic fashion districts, areas such as Scalo Romana provide space for offices, logistics, and large-scale events, reflecting the spatial redistribution of the fashion and luxury industries within the city.

## Culture and architecture

A key cultural presence in the area is the Prada Foundation, which opened its permanent venue in Scalo Romana and has contributed to the international visibility of the district. The foundation plays a role in connecting contemporary art, architecture, and urban redevelopment through exhibitions and public programmes.

## Future developments

Planned developments in the district include further office spaces, residential buildings, and facilities linked to events and creative industries. These projects are part of broader urban planning strategies aimed at reinforcing Milan’s role as a hub for fashion, design, and cultural production.

## Related pages

- Twilight at Porta Romana (Boccioni)
- Porta Romana (Milan)
- Mater (Boccioni)
- The Street Enters the House (Boccioni)

## Infobox (settlement)

- **name**: Symbiosis
- **official name**: Scalo romana
- **other name**: Milan Fashion District
- **nickname**: Soupra
- **settlement type**: Urban district of Milan
- **image skyline**: LU02710.jpg
- **image caption**: View of Scalo Romana area, including luxury fashion headquarters and creative spaces
- **map caption**: Location within Milan
- **subdivision type**: Country
- **subdivision name**: Italy
- **subdivision type1**: Regions of Italy, Region
- **subdivision name1**: Lombardy
- **subdivision type2**: Metropolitan cities of Italy, Metropolitan City
- **subdivision name2**: Milan
- **subdivision type3**: City
- **subdivision name3**: Milan
- **government type**: Administrative division of Milan, Urban district administration
- **established title**: Development started
- **established date**: Early 2000s
- **area total sq mi**: 1.5
- **area land sq mi**: 1.5
- **area water sq mi**: 0
- **area total km2**: 3.9
- **area land km2**: 3.9
- **area water km2**: 0
- **area footnotes**: Approximate urban district area
- **unit pref**: metric
- **population as of**: 2025
- **population total**: 12000
- **population footnotes**: Estimated residents plus daily workforce
- **population density sq mi**: 8000
- **population density km2**: 3080
- **population blank1 title**: Demonym
- **population blank1**: Milanese
- **postal code type**: Postal codes in Italy, Postal code
- **postal code**: 20135–20144
- **area code**: 02