Pupi Solari

Milanese shop, which for more than 30 years has not only sold fashion, but has “made it happen.” Stamping ground of those wealthy clients who prefer not to shop at the high-profile boutiques of the individual designers. Pupi Solari (born Genoa, 1927) opened a small childrenswear shop in Milan in 1969. The store, on Via Alpini, sold labels such as Nouveau-Né, Valerie Goad, Chipie, and C.P. Company. Intelligence, business flair, and an innate attractiveness were rewarded, and 10 years later, the shop moved to Piazza Tommaseo and womenswear also became available. Safe classic fashions were soon followed by labels such as Fusco, Jil Sander, and the minimalist outfits of Zoran. The shop expanded to include a tea-room and wedding dress department (Pupi Solari “Il matrimonio”). In 1991 the menswear department opened, stocking Aspesi, Car-Shoe, Piombo, William Lockie, and the in-house range Host-Uomo, co-ordinated by Pupi’s son Andrea Host-Ivessich. Since 1985 Pupi Solari has also been available in Genoa, with an outlet on Via Roma.