Italian architecture studio NM3 and architect Silvia Guerrini have unveiled a sophisticated new store interior for fashion brand Miss Sixty in Milan, featuring an innovative steel lighting grid system and a striking color palette that combines neutral tones with vibrant yellow accents. The retail space, located in a historic 19th-century building at Piazza Liberty in central Milan, showcases a minimalist design approach that emphasizes both functionality and visual impact.

The two-story store's ground floor serves as the main retail space, characterized by a carefully curated monochromatic color scheme. The designers incorporated sand-colored concrete and pale travertine alongside decorative screens made from amber glass and perforated metal, strategically positioned between the building's classical pillars. This neutral foundation is punctuated by gleaming steel and mirror fixtures, creating a sophisticated contrast that enhances the space's modern aesthetic.

"We wanted to use soft, neutral colors on the ground floor, such as sand, skin tones, and travertine," explained Francesco Zorzi, chief creative officer at NM3. The ground floor design features tactile elements including beige curtains and natural materials, all unified by the custom lighting system that defines the space's character.

A bright yellow wall marking the store's changing room area provides the first hint of the dramatic color transformation that occurs in the basement level. Customers descend a travertine staircase to reach the lower space, which will be dedicated to hosting special events and brand activations. This basement room features a bold yellow resin floor that reflects Miss Sixty's signature brand color, creating an immersive environment that contrasts sharply with the understated elegance of the upper level.

The basement's vibrant yellow flooring is balanced by "a neutral grey colored textured plaster that works as a backdrop for any kind of event or activation," Zorzi noted. This versatile design approach allows the space to accommodate various types of events while maintaining visual cohesion with the brand's identity.

The lighting system represents one of the project's most innovative features, with custom-designed elements that set the store apart from conventional retail environments. On the ground floor, square metal light fixtures are suspended from the ceiling in a precise grid pattern, while the basement features a similar but adapted gridded lighting design that accommodates the space's different structural requirements.

"The lighting system is a fully customized design created by NM3 with Silvia Guerrini specifically for the store," Zorzi explained. "It features dimmable LED light sources, a steel frame, and U Glass, a unique feature that sets this product apart, as U Glass is normally used for building facades rather than products." This unconventional use of architectural glazing materials demonstrates the studio's innovative approach to interior design elements.

For the basement installation, the designers faced additional technical challenges due to existing ceiling infrastructure. "In the basement, in order to have the same layout as the lights on the ground floor, we designed a suspended steel grid that allows the lighting system to be freely positioned despite the extremely large systems present on the ceilings," Zorzi detailed.

Consistent with NM3's design philosophy, the studio created numerous custom-made steel furniture pieces specifically for the Miss Sixty store. The furniture reflects the studio's commitment to sustainable and innovative construction methods. "In all our projects, we work exclusively with raw materials," Zorzi stated. "We want to avoid gluing or welding at all costs, so all steel is laser cut and dry assembled, as are the other materials that characterize the project, such as amber glass, travertine and felt."

This project continues NM3's reputation for creating distinctive commercial and cultural spaces in Milan. The studio has previously designed interiors for Milan's Galleria Montegani art gallery and created specialized furniture pieces, including a DJ console for design platform Alcova's pop-up bar during Milan Design Week. The Miss Sixty store represents another milestone in the studio's portfolio of innovative retail environments.

The project credits include architecture by NM3 and Silvia Guerrini, with custom furniture design by NM3 and local architectural support provided by Lombardini22. Photography for the project was completed by Agnese Bedini, with additional images by Piercarlo Quecchia, documenting the sophisticated interplay of materials and lighting that defines this unique retail space.