Hong Kong, 24 September 2024 – Mandarin Oriental, Milan offers design lovers a range of new experiences to dive deep into the mesmerising world of the whimsical Italian atelier Fornasetti, founded in Milan in the 1940s by Piero Fornasetti and internationally recognised for the design and decoration of finely crafted pieces of furniture, home accessories and porcelain.
From the hotel’s one-of-a-kind Fornasetti suite to the sophisticated private dining room Saletta Duomo, sipping a new CaraLina cocktail in the Mandarin Garden to enjoying a signature hospitality package available only in Milan, guests can discover this multifaceted collaboration between two points of reference of Milanese lifestyle.
Dine & Design
An exclusive Dine & Design offer has been crafted for those wishing to live a truly immersive experience in the mesmerising world of the Milanese atelier. The offer includes a stay in the unique Fornasetti Suite and a delicious seven-course menu crafted by Executive Chef Antonio Guida, served in the privacy of the Saletta Duomo at the hotel’s two Michelin-starred restaurant, Seta. A generous breakfast offered in the elegant suite, or in the vibrant Mandarin Garden, completes the package, as well as a VIP welcome in the spectacular Fornasetti Store, located only a 10-minute walk from the Hotel. This true cabinet of curiosities lets you gets lost in a world of imagination, creativity and exceptional craftsmanship. This offer is valid year-round and is subject to availability.
The Fornasetti Suite
The unique gem of the Fornasetti Suite, found nowhere else, sits on Mandarin Oriental, Milan’s second floor, known as the hotel’s ‘noble’ floor. Beautifully appointed with original Fornasetti pieces, it measures 100 square metres and is divided into a living area, a bedroom, a master bathroom and a separate guest bathroom. Reflecting the highest levels of Milanese creativity, this suite is an expression of Milanese style and a tribute to a great Italian Master, Piero Fornasetti, a versatile and eclectic artist characterised by an unstoppable creative flair that made him one of the most prolific figures of twentieth century Italy.
The focus of the living area is a pillar, adorned with wallpaper aptly named ‘Riflesso’ (reflection), produced by Cole & Son. It acts as a divide between the ‘Ultime Notizie’ table and its ‘Capitello’ chairs in the dining area, the ‘Fly’ coffee table, the ‘Guscio’ sofa and the ‘Boss’ black leather armchair. The trumeau ‘Architettura’ and a chest of drawers named ‘Palladiana’ complete the furnishings of the lounge area. The green walls are adorned with mirrors by Fornasetti while ‘Nuvolette’ wallpaper covers the ceiling and is reflected in the curtains.
Passing through the corridor with its ‘Architettura’ console table, guests reach the king size bedroom, fully dressed with ‘Chiavi Segrete’ wallpaper. The room is furnished with a writing desk, a small table from the ‘Farfalle’ collection and two large interfacing mirrors, combining for a stay which is an immersion between imagination and exceptional comfort.
Dining at Saletta Duomo
The intimate Saletta Duomo is a private space inside the two Michelin-starred restaurant Seta, in the heart of the hotel. The name refers to the fascinating Duomo Sommerso (Submerged Cathedral) panel, positioned at the centre of the right-hand wall and inspired by a 1951 drawing by Piero Fornasetti, in which the symbol of Milan becomes a dreamlike underwater image, with fish of various shapes and colours swimming around it.
To celebrate the Saletta Duomo, Executive Chef Antonio Guida has devised a seven-course menu that pays homage to the world of the Atelier, featuring historic dishes and new recipes such as the Risotto Fornasetti. This graphic creation featuring cuttlefish ink with a shellfish and turmeric sauce is an open tribute to Barnaba Fornasetti, the guardian of his father’s legacy who guides the brand with courageous and unconventional choices, shepherding it towards the international renown and vitality it enjoys today.
CaraLina – A Fornasetti cocktail
CaraLina is the signature drink overtly inspired by Lina Cavalieri, Fornasetti’s muse. Served in an elegant glass from the “Tema e Variazioni" series, the cocktail is a twist on the classic Negroni: Campari, Mezcal, a bitter note of Ancho Reyes, a spicy touch of Cocchi Barolo Chinato and captivating Chocolate Bitter all feature in this signature created by Mandarin Garden’s talented mixology team. Finished with a disk of chocolate on top of the glass and a touch of smoke, this drink unveils a surprise: the elegant glass features the face of the opera singer Lina Cavalieri at the bottom. Sip by sip, her enigmatic and unique gaze adds an ironic touch to the drink, in perfect Fornasetti style.
CaraLina is available exclusively at Mandarin Garden at the price of EUR 25.
