Introducing an exclusive new collection produced in collaboration with Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano.

Our Duomo di Milano collection highlights an architectural design presented by Paolo Cesa Bianchi (1840–1920) for the decoration of the interior vaults of the Milan Cathedral. This special design allows us to discover the human ingenuity that went into the Cathedral’s creation and explore a unique piece of Italian history.

Our Duomo di Milano Collection is a special release in partnership with Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano, an institution that has been safeguarding and restoring the Duomo for more than 630 years.

“The Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano is the historic body responsible for the conservation and enhancement of the Cathedral. Established in 1387 by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Lord of Milan, for the design and construction of the monument, it has been working for over 630 years in the conservation and restoration of the Cathedral, in the activity of custody and service to the liturgical activity and in the enhancement of its assets, providing for the procurement of the resources necessary for its maintenance.”

– Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano

During the more than six centuries it took to complete, various architects, sculptors, artists and engineers contributed their unique visions to the construction program of the Cathedral, managed by the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo. The result was an impressive and completely singular piece of architecture that blended the international Gothic style with the "Lombard aesthetic" or "Lombard gothic style".

“This runs parallel to our mission as a brand – our releases are meant to stir people’s imaginations and encourage in them a belief in their own abilities. At the same time, it is an iconic structure that’s been a part of Milan for centuries. Thanks to this partnership we created a product that lets our brand’s audience connect with the city’s glory.”

– Olessia Makarenia , Paperblanks Licensing Manager

“Both the city and the Duomo attract a lot of tourists from all around the world – this collaboration means that while visitors to the city can pick up a fine accessory to remember their travels by, they can also discover Paperblanks and take this discovery back home. As for the loyal fans of our brand, they are accustomed to Paperblanks designs that feature and celebrate material culture of different countries, including architecture. So, this collaborative project should feel to them like a fairly natural development, and the only surprise they hopefully will experience is of a pleasant kind – where Paperblanks manages yet again to surpass their expectations.”

– Olessia Makarenia, Licensing Manager

Our cover reproduces part of an original drawing preserved in the Archive of the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo by Paolo Cesa Bianchi (1840–1920), an architect who submitted a series of proposals for the decoration of the vaults of the Milan Cathedral. He presented this particular piece in 1877, following his appointment as engineer-architect of the Fabbrica del Duomo in Milan, a position he held until 1912. The intricate details of the imitation marble symbolize the closeness to heaven one feels within the Cathedral.

Photo Credit: Original drawing by Paolo Cesa Bianchi (1840–1920), courtesy of © Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano (licensed by R.T.I.)

This award celebrates a product that achieves an exceptional combination of design, shape and functionality. This was a very proud moment for us all, and especially for our product development and graphic design teams, whose passion, dedication and creativity brought this beautiful journal to life.