When G Lorenzi, the Milanese cutler, shuttered its iconic shop on via Montenapoleone in February 2014, those who mourned included not only the city’s well-heeled residents, but also some of its regular, inthe-know visitors. Founded in 1929 by Giovanni Lorenzi, the boutique became a city institution and a global destination. With a stock of 100,000 items, comprising 20,000 different models – knives, scissors, brushes and other variations on blades and grooming tools, sought out and selected by Giovanni’s son Aldo – it was the place to pick up an original gift for a discerning friend.
One local who was particularly crushed by the store’s closing was Guglielmo Miani, president of the Montenapoleone Association and CEO and president of clothing, tailoring and lifestyle boutique Larusmiani. Miani’s grandfather started out as a…