Francesco Maccapani Missoni at work in his Milan studio
The artist, author, entrepreneur and scion of the Italian luxury fashion house opens his address book on Milan, garden cities, inspiration and his art
LUX: Where should an artist visit in Milan?
Francesco Maccapani Missoni: Three galleries: Spazio Maiocchi, in via Achille Maiocchi; Spazio MMXX, in via Donatello; and Matta, in via Privata Giacomo Favretto. All these have the best underground and alternative art vibes.
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LUX: Where do you go to in Milan to be seen?
FMM: Bar Basso, in via Plinio, a classic bar where you must have the “mistaken” Negroni, the Negroni Sbagliato, invented there in the 70s. Then there’s SottoSotto on the corner of via Albertini and via Paolo Sarpi, which has a great food and wine selection. And, of course, Camparino on Piazza Duomo.
Optical Dissuasions, by Francesco Maccapani Missoni
LUX: And where do you go to not be seen?
FMM: I stay home.
LUX: Is the influx of global wealth to Milan a good thing?
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FMM: No! Wealth makes things impersonal and inhuman.
LUX: Where can a visitor to the city find the best Milanese food?
FMM: Trattoria Masuelli San Marco, in viale Umbria, for the milanesine di vitello and risotto alla milanese; Trattoria Milanese dal 1933, in via Santa Marta – you must have the risotto al salto; and Al Matarel, in via Solera Mantegazza – ask for the rustin negàa, it’s the original cotoletta.
Aiming for Love, by Francesco Maccapani Missoni
LUX: What’s the best day trip from Milan?
FMM: Varese, my home town. It’s called la città giardino, or the garden city.
LUX: Where do you go to be inspired?
FMM: I don’t go anywhere for inspiration for my art. Any place can bring ideas.
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LUX: The most overrated part of Milan?
FMM: The quadrilatero shopping area: Manzoni, Montenapoleone… Predictable.
LUX: How has Missoni inspired your work?
FMM: That’s easy. I have grown up in a world of patterns and colours. They are in my spine.
Missoni with his mother Angela, grandmother Rosita and sister Margherita
LUX: What are your favourite places to see contemporary art in Milan?
FMM: Fondazione Prada and Pirelli Hangar Bicocca. They are simply the two best spaces to see art, especially big exhibitions.
LUX: What’s a secret city gem that you love?
FMM: Naviglio della Martesana. It’s a 40km-long canal, worth visiting for its quiet and picturesque atmosphere. The towpath is perfect for walking, running or cycling, away from the chaos and smog of the city.
LUX: What’s next for you and your work?
FMM: I’ve several projects I’m excited about. In Venice, we are talking about an exhibition with other artists during the Biennale. Then Bodrum for the summer. For September I’ve been invited to Parallel Vienna, an annual contemporary art fair in Vienna. And, well, there might be something big in October/November in Istanbul. Watch this space.
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