Starbucks has officially deepened its relationship with Milan by launching The House of Coffee, a new cultural platform unveiled at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Milano just hours before Milan Men’s Fashion Week. Designed as an ongoing celebration of creativity, lifestyle and community, the initiative marks a new chapter in Starbucks’ evolving presence in one of Europe’s most influential fashion and design capitals.
The platform transforms the Milan Roastery into a living cultural space, blending contemporary art, fashion and design with Starbucks’ premium coffee experience. It also signals a more elevated, collaborative direction for the brand in Europe, positioning the Roastery as far more than a café — but a destination for cultural expression.
A Creative Collaboration Curated by Sarah Andelman
The House of Coffee is curated by renowned creative director Sarah Andelman, best known as the co-founder of Parisian concept store Colette, and features artwork by Italian illustrator and designer Lucas Zanotto. Together, they have reimagined the Roastery as an immersive, ever-evolving stage for modern creativity.
Zanotto’s playful visual language sits at the heart of the project. Using Starbucks’ iconic green cup as a foundation, the artist applies his signature bold shapes and expressive characters, transforming an everyday symbol into a centrepiece of contemporary design.
Limited-Edition Fashion, Lifestyle and Design Pieces
To mark the launch, Starbucks has released a series of limited-edition lifestyle creations, blending premium design with playful functionality. Highlights from the collection include:
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A K-Way waterproof jacket, merging Italian outerwear heritage with Starbucks’ modern aesthetic
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A pair of Nordica skis, nodding to Alpine sports culture
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A dog puffer jacket and travel bowl created in collaboration with Poldo Dog Couture
The wider range also includes tote bags, notebooks and enamel pins, all featuring Zanotto’s distinctive motifs and graphic storytelling.
Each item reflects the project’s aim to blur the lines between coffee culture, fashion and everyday lifestyle objects.
Learn more about Starbucks’ premium concepts at the official Starbucks Reserve website.
Milan’s Influence on Starbucks’ European Vision
According to Esther Van Onselen, Vice President of Brand & Customer Experience for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Milan has played a defining role in shaping Starbucks’ premium vision.
“Milan has always been a source of inspiration for Starbucks – shaping our vision of what a truly elevated coffeehouse experience could be. With The House of Coffee, we’re honouring that connection by bringing a new level of craft, creativity and personal expression to our Milan Roastery.”
She adds that the Milan Roastery is Starbucks’ most immersive European location, making it the ideal setting for high-profile creative collaborations that align with the brand’s premium ambitions.
The Apron Project Launches During Milan Women’s Fashion Week
The cultural platform will expand further in February, during Milan Women’s Fashion Week, with the introduction of The Apron Project — a new chapter also curated by Andelman.
The initiative will feature a limited-edition Starbucks apron, customised by Milan-based creatives including:
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Francesca Ragazzi
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Carolina Castiglioni
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Sara Battaglia
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Galib Gassanoff
Proceeds from apron sales will be donated to charities selected by the participating artists, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to community, creativity and social impact.
For more on Milan Fashion Week, visit the official Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana website.
A New Cultural Home for Coffee, Fashion and Community
With The House of Coffee, Starbucks positions its Milan Roastery as a cultural landmark — one that bridges Italy’s design heritage with global contemporary creativity. As the platform continues to evolve through future collaborations and fashion week moments, it reinforces Starbucks’ ambition to create meaningful, design-led experiences beyond the cup.
