The Wilde: The Private Members Club In Milan That’s Rooted In Fashion
The Club Room | Photo Credit: Giulio Ghirardi
A year ago, this month I was asked to take a tour of The Wilde, a then, soon-to-be private member’s club that was expected to be the talk of the town, and almost ready to open (in November 2024). As I walked over concrete bags, passed saws, and saw beautifully painted walls peeking from behind plastic, I knew this was going to be a special place. This week, as I walked back into the club, I was mesmerized. Walking through the gate, the wraparound entryway is grand and kept me intrigued. With Milan Fashion Week in full swing, The Wilde is hyped up on kinesthetic energy and hosting guests. Watching Milan’s well-to-do businessmen and women enter, was like watching a runway show.
Milan is unique to the rest of Italy. Its sea of tailored suits that spearhead the financial capital of the country, can be found at The Wilde. Milan has become a haven for Brits, something about its tax friendliness is the appeal. According to a 2025 Henley & Partners report, Milan has 115,000 millionaires, and is ranked 11th (out of 50) in their World’s Wealthiest Cities report.
It’s a stone’s throw from Via Montenapoleone (the city’s street of luxury fashion stores), in Brera, located at Via Dei Giardini 16. The Wilde and fashion are related, you see. The building that the club sits in used to be the home of Santo Versace, the brother of the famed fashion designer who passed 1997. Its founder, Gary Landesberg was part of the Arts Club founding in London. Also, Alasdhair Willis is a founder. He’s married to fashion designer Stella McCartney. And, fashion brand owner of Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, Rihanna is a stakeholder.
Open from 8am to 1am, The Wilde was created to be a next-generation member’s club for its mostly Italian members, yet extends its hand to international guests who find themselves in Milan often. Without a doubt, the best part about the club is the staff. Everyone is beyond friendly, welcoming, and hospitable. It’s luxury flair with down-home genuine hospitality.
On the ground floor, you’ll find The Club Room and Garden with seasonal dishes and carefully crafted cocktails. It’s in or outside that people like to either have a quick meeting or bring a group and dine. It’s nice to sit near the bar, watch the barman make a well-crafted drink, and then drink that drink. I was recommended the Grapes Escape, a club creation, and a not-too- sweet and not-too-dry cocktail with Altamura vodka, St. Germain, and red grapes. The Rose Valentino, Yugen, and Ruby are must tries on their club creation menu. Classic cocktails can be found from a Spritz, to a Paloma, and a Negroni. There are non-alcoholic drinks, and an Apertivo menu that serves Smoked Duck & Melon and Brandade on toast. The Club Room also has a full menu with items like Burrata, Margherita pizza, Pumpkin Risotto just in time for fall, and their famous Seabass Fillet. Don’t be shy to try the Tiramisu for dessert.
The Library’s deep wood tones is charming and inviting | Photo Credit: Giulio Ghirardi
On the first floor is The Library. Open all day from breakfast to lunch, guests can take an apertivo and have a chill discussion surrounded by books. Reservations aren’t required. It’s a first come, first served offering to members. On Sunday, The Library turns into a movie room for kids or for special events like Formula 1, members can watch from the large screens, explains Alice Chadwyck-Healey, the club’s Commercial Director.
Nina is where Latin America meets Nikkei | Photo Credit: Giulio Ghirardi
On the next floor is Nina, whose cuisine is where Latin America meets Nikkei. Incorporating Japanese culinary traditions with the flavors of South and Central America, guests can dine on everything from ceviche and sushi, tacos. There’s a sushi station as well, and a balcony for outdoor dining.
Arturo’s is for the cigar devotees. Cigars are served in cedar boxes and guests can arrive on a no reservations required mode, sipping cocktails and drinks while munching on bar snacks surrounded by brown leather furniture.
Ava is on the roof and is one of the best decadent hideaways in Milano. With circular seating of light blue and dark wood chairs, it’s an ideal spot to have Mediterranean food. Guests order on a family style model, taking in the city and embracing relationships with slow dining.
While Carlo De Carli and Antonio Carminati originally designed the 19,00+ square feet villa, it’s Fabrizio Casiraghi who put a modern touch on the space. Arjumand’s World, a Milan based textile company is behind the fabric touches inside, which mesh well with the dark wood tones of American walnut furnishings. The club’s art pieces range from artists like Andy Warhol and Diane dal Pra, and were curated by Ed Tang, cofounder of Art Bureau.
Membership is carefully curated, but once approved members have to pay $4,721 (€4,000) a-year + a joining fee of $1,475 (€1,250). If you’re under 40, then it’s $2,655) €2,250-a-year + the $1,475 €1,250 joining fee.
If you’re reading this and you’re in the US or other parts of Europe and feeling jealous, don’t be. The Wilde will be opening in other parts of Europe and the US, like New York, London, and Los Angeles in time.
