Luxury Italian house ZEGNA has transformed an iconic Manhattan townhouse into an Italian villa, creating a space replete with the brand's storied history. The VILLA ZEGNA experience, inspired by the founder's original home and nestled in the heart of New York's Carnegie Hill neighborhood on the Upper East Side, provides a rare glimpse into the world of one of fashion's most enduring legacies.
As you step through its doors, you're immediately transported to the rolling hills of Piedmont, Italy. The journey begins with a nod to Oasi Zegna, the 100km2 natural paradise that underlines the brand's philosophy of co-existence and harmony with nature. Striking video installations and lush, moss-filled spaces create an atmosphere that's truly serene and charged with creative energy.
At the heart of this experience is the captivating story of Ermenegildo Zegna's 1938 voyage to America. Known affectionately as "Il Conte" (the Count), a title bestowed for his achievements as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and businessman, Zegna embarked on a pioneering mission aboard the SS Rex. His goal: to introduce his exquisite fabrics, already renowned in Europe, to America's burgeoning market. This pivotal moment in fashion history is beautifully reimagined throughout the villa, with each room offering a new chapter in the narrative.
The New York VILLA ZEGNA experience, the second chapter following Shanghai's "An Oasis of Linen," pays homage to Ermenegildo's fateful journey. It recreates the founder's connection with Italian-American tailors, whom he regarded as the "best ambassadors of ZEGNA fabrics." The experience culminates in a grand dining room, reminiscent of the 1938 gala dinner Ermenegildo hosted for the Professional Italian Tailors of America – an event that cemented ZEGNA's legacy in the USA.
In the grand dining room, a magnificent portrait of Ermenegildo ZEGNA presides over a space that invites viewers to experience the elegance of a bygone era. Here, guests traverse history through an evening dinner prepared by Sant Ambroeus, with menus inspired by that fateful 1938 visit.
For one exclusive week, by invitation only, this multisensory journey through the brand's history unfolds across three floors, coinciding with the global celebration of ZEGNA's Fall Winter 2024 campaign featuring Global Ambassadors Mads Mikkelsen and Wu Lei.
Guests seeking unparalleled tailoring can explore a dedicated private lounge showcasing products not found in retail stores, including the new "Il Conte" jacket – a fitting tribute to the founder's noble title as Count of Monte Rubello. Crafted in Oasi Cashmere, this jacket is more than just a garment; it embodies the founder's values and vision, featuring rounded edges and a versatile stand-up collar.
Throughout the week, ZEGNA will host a series of exclusive breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and talks, gathering the brand's closest friends, opinion leaders, and clients. These events not only celebrate this landmark installation but also honor Ermenegildo Zegna's pivotal 1938 trip to New York, fostering emotional connections to the brand's rich legacy of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and commitment to excellence.
