'CREATIVITY IS IN OUR GENES'

Madina Visconti di Modrone on decorating her Milan apartment with all the colourful contrasts of her jewelry designs - and preparing it for her first child

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Madina Visconti di Modrone's heritage goes far beyond her aristocratic roots.

Over the past century, her family has included icons of Italian cinema, such as legendary filmmaker Luchino Visconti, whose artistic vision left a lasting mark. That same creative spirit lives on through her parents – gallerist Gian Galeazzo Visconti and furniture designer Osanna Visconti - and now flourishes in Madina herself.

Her beautiful apartment, tucked away inside a 17th-century former convent near the famous Duomo cathedral and overlooking a serene courtyard, doubles as her atelier. Its décor features the same bold yet harmonious mingling of colours – and of antique with modern flair as her signature bronze and enamel jewels. Welcoming us inside, she reveals that life is about to take a whole new turn. “I’m really looking forward to being a mother, fascinated by the new challenge I’ve taken on.” (A short time after our meeting, her dream would come true, with Madina describing the first glimpse of her baby’s face as the greatest joy of her life.)

Here, the designer opens up about her historic home and idyllic childhood in Italy’s fashion capital.

Madina, how did you find your apartment?

This building is just around the corner from my parents’ place and, one day, I was walking through the neighbourhood when I caught a glimpse through its wonderful courtyard. Seeing how much charm and potential it had, I realized, “This is where I want to be.” I bought my apartment around 10 years ago.