If Rossana Orlandi is the godmother of emerging talents, Nina Yashar is the undisputed queen of historical and ultra-luxury collectible design. The founder of Nilufar, Yashar has built an empire where furniture is treated with the reverence, precision, and exclusivity of Haute Couture. And you can see it in Milan 2026
For the Milan Design Week 2026, Nilufar solidifies its status as the pinnacle of the Fuorisalone. To truly understand Yashar’s impact on the global design scene, you must experience the two radically different energies of her permanent spaces, as well as her highly curated city-wide partnerships.
Here is your insider’s guide to navigating the aristocratic and monumental universe of Nilufar in 2026.
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PART 1: The Two Temples of Nilufar
1. Nilufar Depot (Viale Lancetti, 34)
This is not just a gallery; it is a staggering architectural spectacle. Located in the northern part of the city, the Depot is a 1,500-square-meter former silverware factory transformed by architect Massimiliano Locatelli. Its soaring atrium and three-story balconies are directly inspired by the layout of the Teatro alla Scala.
- The 2026 Theme: “Time Traveler”. Nina Yashar is a master of contrast. Expect to see mid-century masterpieces by Italian legends like Gio Ponti and Piero Fornasetti placed in direct dialogue with ultra-exclusive contemporary works.
- The Highlights: Look to the “corti” (the open alcoves surrounding the central atrium). This year features heavy brutalist materials—cast bronze and raw stone—curated alongside new pieces by Martino Gamper, a long-time collaborator of the gallery.
- The Vibe: Industrial, grandiose, and deeply sophisticated. It attracts the absolute “royalty” of the design world: star architects, creative directors, and elite collectors.
2. Nilufar Gallery (Via della Spiga, 32)
If the Depot is a theater, the original gallery located in the heart of the Quadrilatero della Moda is a jewelry box.
- The 2026 Focus: This space is dedicated to intimate solo shows. For 2026, the focus is the “Architecture of Light.” Expect to see jewel-like lighting fixtures, rare lacquered woods, and precious metals.
- The Vibe: “Quiet luxury.” It is aristocratic, hushed, and flawlessly curated.
PART 2: The Ultra-Luxury Partnerships
While other curators partner with mass-market consumer tech, Nina Yashar focuses her external collaborations strictly on ultra-luxury brands and art institutions. Here is where you can find Nilufar’s golden touch across Milan:
1. Nilufar x Ginori 1735 (Brera)
Located at the flagship store on Via de’ Pontaccio 17, this is one of the week’s most elegant collaborations. Yashar curates a selection of avant-garde furniture to interact with Italy’s finest porcelain, creating a highly visual and opulent installation.
2. Nilufar x GUBI (Bagni Misteriosi)
The Bagni Misteriosi is one of Milan’s most beautiful historic swimming pools. Here, Nilufar brings a touch of vintage Mediterranean glamour to the Nordic aesthetics of GUBI, creating an unforgettable outdoor furniture installation right by the water’s edge.
3. Nilufar x CC-Tapis (Via dell’Orso)
CC-Tapis is the gold standard for contemporary handmade rugs. In their Brera showroom, you will find exclusive collections launched in partnership with Nilufar—rugs designed by artists like Bethan Laura Wood or Martino Gamper that look and feel like abstract expressionist paintings.
4. Nilufar x Mutina (Via Cerva)
At the Spazio Mutina, Yashar curates an exhibition demonstrating how high-end ceramic surfaces can be elevated into sculptural, collectible furniture pieces, often featuring names like India Mahdavi or Patricia Urquiola.
5. Audrey Large at Dropcity
French designer Audrey Large is one of Yashar’s most exciting protégées. Known for 3D-printed pieces that look like digital glitches rendered in physical form, her work will not only be at the Depot but also in a stark, concrete pop-up installation within the industrial tunnels of Dropcity (Central Station).
Insider Survival Tips for the Nilufar Circuit
- Plan the Journey to the Depot: The Nilufar Depot is located outside the main Brera circuit (Viale Lancetti). Plan your trip using the M3 (Yellow) Metro line to the Maciachini station, or take an Uber. It is entirely worth the detour.
- Access and Registration: During the day, the Depot generally accepts the digital Fuorisalone ID for entry. However, evening cocktail events are strictly RSVP or invite-only.
- The Secret “L’Appartamento”: Yashar frequently furnishes a secret, historic apartment in Milan to showcase how her collectible pieces live in a real domestic setting. Keep a close eye on Nilufar’s Instagram—the address is usually dropped at the last minute. Furthermore, Yashar is famous for hosting exclusive dinners at her actual private residence; while strictly invite-only, merely walking past the building offers a glimpse into the elite networking of Milan Design Week.
Visit us in Milan / Book a meeting.
While the city pulses with the energy of the Fuorisalone, the true essence of luxury design awaits you at Rho Fiera. We invite you to visit the Home’Society Collective (Pavilion 15, Stand A01-A03)at milan 2026 for artisanal excellence by BRABBU, Rug’Society, Boca do Lobo, and more. To explore a new era of private luxury, join Maison Valentina at EuroBagno (Pavilion 6, Stand C32)and see how we transform the bathroom into a high-design sanctuary. Come visit us and let’s shape the future of high-end interiors together!
