Polène’s Accessible Luxury Expands to Milan, Marking a Global Fashion Footprint
Polène has solidified its global presence with the recent opening of a flagship store in Milan, marking its arrival in the world’s four major fashion capitals. Following successful inaugurations in Paris (Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées) and London (Regent Street), alongside locations in Beijing, Hamburg, and Copenhagen, the French accessible-luxury brand is continuing its expansion at a rapid pace. The Milan boutique, its eleventh worldwide, builds upon its existing presence in New York’s SoHo, which has been operating for the past two years.
Located at 37 Via Alessandro Manzoni, within Milan’s prestigious Quadrilatero della Moda, the store makes a striking impression with five prominent window displays. Polène showcases its signature bags, ranging in price from €260 for the Neiti clutch to €540 for the Mokki and €420 for the Cyme. Consistent with its other boutiques, the Milan store’s design prioritizes natural materials and incorporates local architectural elements.
The store’s interior, designed by Norm Architects, is thoughtfully divided into distinct areas, each dedicated to a specific material. Visitors are first greeted by stone flooring inspired by traditional Milanese design, followed by a section showcasing leather in various forms to highlight artisanal craftsmanship. Wood elements provide a warm contrast, leading visitors to a final space dominated by ceramics. This final area features a unique piece by Italian artist Clara Graziolino, a ceramic sculpture designed to evoke the texture of leather, emphasizing Polène’s commitment to supporting local artistry and integrating each store into its surroundings.
Beyond simply selling products, Polène is focused on creating a distinctive and immersive in-store experience. Building on the “Cabinet of Curiosities” concept launched in its Paris flagship, which spotlights the production process of its bags crafted in Ubrique, Spain, the brand is extending this approach to Milan. The “Craft at Work” experience includes the “Leather Orchestra,” a dedicated space where visitors can interact with leather panels, creating a unique sensory experience that connects to Milan’s operatic heritage.
Drawing inspiration from established luxury houses, Polène is meticulously crafting a ritualistic customer relationship and carefully orchestrating its brand presentation. In Beijing’s Taikoo Li Sanlitun flagship, opened in December, the entire environment is constructed from leather bricks made from repurposed offcuts compressed using a proprietary process. The store required 12 tonnes of these bricks and extensive planning to ensure successful implementation, resulting in a tactile and visually striking space.
Founded ten years ago by Antoine, Mathieu, and Elsa Mothay (descendants of the Saint James founders), Polène has experienced significant growth, averaging double-digit annual increases. Revenue is estimated to have reached nearly €350 million in 2025. Despite its success, the brand, which prioritizes a long-term vision, faces challenges related to managing product shortages and scaling production.
To address production constraints, Polène is investing in its future by establishing its own factory in Andalusia, though its opening has been delayed until 2027. The brand is also expanding its product range to include jewellery and accessories while maintaining leather as its core material. Furthermore, Polène is focused on training local teams and standardizing sales rituals to maintain brand consistency as it expands internationally.
Backed since 2024 by L Catterton (affiliated with LVMH and the Arnault family), Polène is continuing its aggressive expansion plans in 2026. Upcoming openings include a location in Tokyo’s Ginza Six shopping centre, with Singapore also under consideration. The brand is also targeting expansion within the United States, specifically in California and Chicago, and will open a store in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates, further extending its reach into new markets.
