about
Since 2000, the heart of design in Milan
FRAGILE was born in the late 1990s from the meeting of two antique dealers passionate about the 20th century, Alessandro Padoan and Gino Bosa, and today it is still led and managed by Padoan together with Alessandro Palmaghini.
Years of meticulous research and a vast collection of objects have immediately established FRAGILE nationally and internationally as one of the most vibrant realities in the antiques scene of the 20th century and historic design.
The New Headquarters
From the Evocative Space in Via San Damiano to a New Headquarters
In 2023, Fragile decided to start a new chapter in its history. After years of careful research and collection, it changed location and opened its new headquarters at Via Simone D’Orsenigo 27, in the heart of Milan. The former industrial space, designed in 1950 by Elio Frisia, was transformed into a multifunctional showroom that reflects our unique identity and passion for design.
Design as Experience
A New Way to Express Our Identity
Our new space is not just a location, but a place to discover — a reserved beauty that gradually reveals itself. With high ceilings and large windows that flood the space with natural light, our showroom is a flexible environment that hosts artworks, objects, and furnishings in a unique and captivating atmosphere.
Fragile is a blend of past and present. On one hand, we focus on design objects from the great names of the 20th century; on the other, we are engaged in research and production of contemporary design. Our catalog offers an exceptional selection of furnishings, lighting, jewelry, and signature ornaments — from icons of Italian design to rare and unique collectible pieces.
Preserving Design Culture
Continuing to Inspire and Create
In 2007, alongside research on historic design, FRAGILEdizioni was born and collaborations began with Claudio Salocchi, Carla Venosta, Anna Gili, Marco Zanuso Jr., and others. While maintaining a commercial soul, FRAGILE aims to preserve and document the heritage linked to the post-war design culture, launching historical exhibitions featuring original objects and furniture accompanied by publications. Notable examples include Franco Albini & Franca Helg in 2009, Nothing Less – The Power of Female Design in 2011, Bracciodiferro. Gaetano Pesce – Alessandro Mendini 1971–1975 in 2013.
Since 2011, FRAGILE has benefited from the valuable contribution of design historian Anty Pansera as curator of its exhibitions and publications, who in 2024 will curate an exhibition dedicated to the original collection of Arredoluce lamps, exhibited together for the first time.
Our History
Fragile was founded from the meeting of two antique dealers passionate about the 20th century, Alessandro Padoan and Gino Bosa. In 2007, the first large showroom opened in Milan on Via Rutilia.
The Parisian branch opened in a charming three-story building near the historic Paul Bert market.
Alessandro Mendini designed the space at Via San Damiano 2 in Milan, one of the last projects he worked on. Within the gallery complex (Palazzo Cicogna Mozzoni), FRAGILE opened a second space in the former carriage depot, dedicated to exhibitions.
FRAGILE acquired the historic lighting brand Arredoluce and launched the company’s relaunch project, culminating in 2018 with the publication of the monographic catalog by Silvana Editoriale. FRAGILE also became the Brand’s Historical Archive.
FRAGILE invested in a second line of offerings by opening “Scalo Merci” in Milan, a large space/bazaar dedicated to furniture, vintage, and collectibles operating as an intermediary between private sellers. In 2023, a dedicated gallery opened in the emerging NOLO district, showcasing a selection from Scalo Merci.
As part of new strategic developments, FRAGILE entered the 16th-century deconsecrated Basilica of San Paolo Converso in Milan, aiming to host events and offer a unique photographic set.
FRAGILE relocated its headquarters to Via Simone D’Orsenigo 27.