In a city that thrives on quiet elegance and tradition, The Wilde Members Club arrives not as a disruptor but as a sly insider. Tucked into the heart of Milan, it’s the type of place you almost want to keep a secret—except it’s too good not to talk about. Call it what you will: a haven, a hangout, or even a reprieve from the usual soulless cafés—or even Saint Ambroeus. For those who appreciate Milanese understatement, this isn’t a new chapter in design—it’s the whole book.
he Wilde’s stunning exterior, nestled within lush greenery, invites members into a world of understated elegance and Milanese charm. (Illustration courtesy of The Wilde archives.)
Location: The Santo Versace Mansion
The Wilde finds its home in the historic Santo Versace Mansion, located at Via dei Giardini 10, Milan, just steps from the legendary Via Monte Napoleone. Once the residence of Santo Versace, brother of the late fashion icon Gianni Versace, this villa blends timeless Milanese elegance with lush gardens, offering the ideal backdrop for The Wilde’s vision of refined exclusivity. For more on its storied past, visit this feature.
The Founders: Vision Meets Expertise
The Wilde is the brainchild of Gary Landesberg, the creative force behind London’s The Arts Club, and Alasdhair Willis, known for his sharp taste and innovative ideas. Together, with the expertise of Ben Pundole (formerly of Ian Schrager’s Edition Hotels), they’ve created a space that captures the soul of Milan while drawing a global, sophisticated crowd.
Casiraghi, Milanesissimo
Fabrizio Casiraghi, Milan’s quiet genius, threads art deco elegance with modern, effortless charm. There’s no “look at me” here—just a series of spaces that feel like the home of someone with impeccable taste, someone who treasures fabrics by Arjumand World, bespoke china from Laboratorio Pallavicini, and perfectly worn velvet. Taking inspiration from Villa Necchi Campiglio, Piero Portaluppi’s Rationalist masterpiece, Casiraghi reimagines its timeless beauty for today’s creative elite.
Muted tones, rich textures, and geometric details come alive with textiles from Idarica Gazzoni Frascara and romantic wall paintings by Assia Pallavicino, creating rooms that feel both cinematic and personal. It’s the kind of place where you sit down for a drink and time begins to blur—just like in a villa on Lake Como.
The iconic winter garden at Villa Necchi Campiglio, a Rationalist gem by Piero Portaluppi, serves as an enduring inspiration for The Wilde’s understated Milanese elegance. (Photo courtesy of Villa Necchi archives.)
Ed Tang: Art World Mischief Meets High Taste
And then there’s Ed Tang. Son of the late, great David Tang and an art consultant with an edge, Tang brings a dash of international cool to The Wilde. The art on the walls? Not chosen by committee, thank you very much. Tang’s picks are equal parts witty, thought-provoking, and comfortably offbeat.
Imagine pieces that feel just provocative enough to start a conversation but curated well enough to never overpower the room. Tang’s approach ties into Milan’s design evolution, giving The Wilde’s interiors a signature sophistication without clichés.
A captivating piece from Maia Ruth Lee, blending vivid blue and green hues with intricate web-like textures. This artwork, curated by Ed Tang, reflects the bold and thought-provoking curation at The Wilde.
A Taste of The Wilde
The Wilde attracts a cosmopolitan crowd: think art collectors, fashion insiders, and design professionals mingling with Milanese tastemakers. On four stunning floors, members can indulge in Mediterranean cuisine and Nikkei fusion—an unforgettable Japanese-Peruvian mix that leaves you speechless. The cocktails are equally inventive, reimagining classics with a Milanese twist, like the Sottobosco Spritz, a delicate blend of vermouth and wild herbs.
As the evening unfolds, the rhythms of samba, bossa nova, and bachata ripple through the air, transforming the club into a vibrant retreat. Every corner invites immersion—whether in the energy of a spirited gathering or the quiet elegance of an intimate celebration. At The Wilde, every moment lingers, much like the unmistakable charm of Milan itself.
The Name Wilde: A Philosophy of Elegance
“The wild is where everything comes together—humans, animals, everything,” the founders explain. And yes, there’s a nod to Oscar Wilde, whose wit and appreciation for life’s finer details inspired the club’s spirit. At The Wilde, it’s not just a name—it’s a quiet idea that extraordinary is found in the smallest of details.
Membership, Please?
The Wilde isn’t for everyone—and that’s the point. Applicants need the endorsement of current members or a meeting with the membership team to show they align with the club’s cultural ethos. With its curated approach, The Wilde ensures its community remains as carefully considered as the design of its interiors.
The Wilde Awaits
The Wilde isn’t trying to reinvent Milanese style—it’s perfecting it. This is not just a private club; it’s a love letter to Milan, where design whispers, art provokes, and conversation flows effortlessly.
So next time you’re deciding between the usual Milan haunts, skip the predictable. The Wilde will be waiting, perhaps with a Negroni laced with local botanicals. And who knows? You might even catch me there, savoring the quiet allure of the nig
