What makes a boutique truly special in Milan? Beyond the well-trodden paths of Rinascente and the Quadrilatero, a new destination for discerning tastes has quietly emerged. In early April 2025, Fortela’s third store opened its doors at Via Sirtori 32 in Porta Venezia. This isn't just a retail space; it's a nearly 400-square-meter sanctuary of style, a personal vision brought to life by founder Alessandro Squarzi and designer Alessia Giacobino. Here, Fortela’s men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collections are just the beginning. The store offers an immersive experience, a living archive curated with Squarzi’s personal vintage finds, artisanal accessories, authentic Navajo jewelry, hand-woven ethnic blankets, and rare books.
Fortela: A Wearable Archive of Timeless Quality
“They aren’t buying a brand or a logo; they’re buying a lifestyle and a quality that can be passed down,” Squarzi shared with us. Born in Forlì in 1965, this icon of Italian style entered the fashion world at 27. Fueled by a passion for vintage collecting, he founded Fortela in 2014, drawing directly from his vast personal archive. The brand’s aesthetic is rooted in the classic elegance of the 1950s and 1960s, using exceptional materials like Japanese Okayama selvedge denim and natural fibers such as linen, cotton, and cashmere to create pieces rich in texture and character. From vests handcrafted from vintage military sleepwear to retro-inspired Rocky Mountain down jackets and suits showcasing refined Italian craftsmanship, each item tells a story.
The store, designed by Alessia Giacobino, who also leads Fortela’s women’s line, reflects this philosophy of curated authenticity. Details like antique lamps, aged wooden cabinets, and vintage mirrors transform the space. “We built this store to feel like my home… and this is exactly what I wanted,” Squarzi said. The displays—featuring durable Alden shoes, Sperry Top-Siders, and vintage watches crafted in collaboration with Bernardini—are a window into his private world. His hope is that every guest feels “like they entered a house and are stepping out of their own home.”
Squarzi's Milan: A Symphony of Taste and Authentic Living
Squarzi’s recommendations for Milan are not a list of trendy spots but a reflection of his effortlessly refined lifestyle. For lunch, he praises Pescatore’s fresh fish, noting, “it’s very difficult to find a good restaurant for the fish now.” Ribot, named after a legendary racehorse, is his choice for its exceptional beef, an ideal setting for relaxed business lunches or meetings with friends. In the evening, he heads to the Bvlgari bar, but for one drink only: an Americano. “I drink only Americano… in the shop it’s just for an Americano,” he states, a charming mark of his unwavering taste.
