MILAN — Italian denim brand Replay inaugurated “The Stage,” its first restaurant-cum-bar located above the brand’s “Multiexperience Store,” which opened in Milan last September.
Facing Piazza Gae Aulenti, in the heart of the city’s Porta Nuova district, which is quickly becoming the new hot fashion destination in town, the restaurant and the store have been conceived by Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors. The studio is behind a range of New York locations, such as the Viceroy Hotel and the Top of the Standard in the Meatpacking District.
Matteo Sinigaglia, chief executive officer of Fashion Box, which controls the Replay brand, said the company turned to New York and its international vibe, aiming to re-create a set through the decor. “Cinema is one of the most powerful vehicles to communicate emotions, so we looked for people working in this sector to give shape to a new movie set,” he said of the decor, which is designed to resemble a luxurious boat. Speaking of the location, Sinigaglia said it was “not that obvious for Replay. Piazza Gae Aulenti represents the maximum expression of contemporary architecture, while our brand is very rooted in its heritage.”
With walls covered in polished wood, the restaurant has a ceiling in African mahogany carved in the shape of an overturned hull. Headed by Milanese chef Omar Allievi, the restaurant, which also has a sushi bar, serves a menu that mixes updated traditional recipes with new dishes. Cases in point: ragù tagliatelle with artichoke chips and Milanese veal cutlet with pink pepper, flanked by tuna saltimbocca or warm chicken and octopus with adzuki beans seasoned with mango chimichurri sauce.
A deck connects the main room with the Octavius bar, which carries 500 different high-end spirits and liquors. The bar is decorated with semicircular sofas and cream-toned leather pillows, glass shelves and details in raw brass and wood. The counter’s polished brass front resembles the bow of a boat.
The space also has a wine bar with a Champagne lounge, as well as a private VIP room with its own bar and DJ box.