To kick off Milan fashion week—and as fashion’s elite begin to flock to one of the world’s most important fashion capitals—we thought it the appropriate time to give you our editor’s guide to everything in Milano.
Milan is Italy’s business capital, home to the country’s commerce and stock market, as well as its fashion and design industries. But in a city that is oh so business oriented, the Milanese definitely know how to unwind. The restaurants and nightlife are designed with some of the most impressive décor and filled with all things beautiful and fashionable.
Above all, there is one thing you will do for certain when visiting Milan—shop, shop and then shop some more. Unlike Paris, Milan’s Fashion district is easy to walk and navigate. First stop has to be to the Quadrilatero d’Oro (The Golden Quadrilateral), which consists of the four main high-end shopping streets: Via Montenapoleone, Via Della Spiga, Via Borgospesso, and Via Sant'Andrea. Take time to walk into the narrow hidden streets all around the area and stumble upon hidden gems. All the big Italian fashion brands—and many French—have boutiques in this the most high-end fashion quarter.
When you need to take a break from shopping, make a stop at Cova for some Italian delicatessens and some serious people watching. The next most important shopping area is Piazza del Duomo, which includes Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest malls in the world—opened in 1867. Here you will find the flagship stores of Prada, which has been there since 1913, as well as Louis Vuitton and Gucci, which opened more recently. By day, you will see impeccably suited businessmen and posh women sipping caffè on the terraces of the many coffee shops.
But of course, Milan is not only about fashion; there is amazing art, architecture and cuisine as well. The Duomo di Milano is the largest cathedral in Italy and a masterpiece not to be missed; the Gothic Cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete and you can definitely see why. Watch a show at Teatro alla Scala, Milan’s world renowned Opera House, where many of the world’s finest singers have performed. Also take time to visit the church of Santa Maria della Grazie to see Leonardo da Vinci’s, The Last Supper—arguably the greatest painting of the Renaissance era. Art lovers should go to Castello Sforzesco, which holds several of the city’s museums and best art collections.
In April, Milan holds the world’s largest furniture fair known as Milan Design Week or Salone Internazionale del Mobile di Milano in Italian. Considered the leading venue for the latest in the world of design and furniture, Milan is a main hub for interior design and furniture shops year round. When it comes to cuisine, Milanese food is more refined than the traditional Italian food that we have come to expect outside of Italy. The two absolute musts of the Milanese culinary culture are saffron risotto and veal Milanese. One surprising factor in the Milanese dining scene is the availability of exceptional sushi restaurants—with some of the best quality fish and most accomplished sushi chefs around.
Milan is Italy’s business capital, home to the country’s commerce and stock market, as well as its fashion and design industries. But in a city that is oh so business oriented, the Milanese definitely know how to unwind. The restaurants and nightlife are designed with some of the most impressive décor and filled with all things beautiful and fashionable.
Above all, there is one thing you will do for certain when visiting Milan—shop, shop and then shop some more. Unlike Paris, Milan’s Fashion district is easy to walk and navigate. First stop has to be to the Quadrilatero d’Oro (The Golden Quadrilateral), which consists of the four main high-end shopping streets: Via Montenapoleone, Via Della Spiga, Via Borgospesso, and Via Sant'Andrea. Take time to walk into the narrow hidden streets all around the area and stumble upon hidden gems. All the big Italian fashion brands—and many French—have boutiques in this the most high-end fashion quarter.
When you need to take a break from shopping, make a stop at Cova for some Italian delicatessens and some serious people watching. The next most important shopping area is Piazza del Duomo, which includes Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest malls in the world—opened in 1867. Here you will find the flagship stores of Prada, which has been there since 1913, as well as Louis Vuitton and Gucci, which opened more recently. By day, you will see impeccably suited businessmen and posh women sipping caffè on the terraces of the many coffee shops.
But of course, Milan is not only about fashion; there is amazing art, architecture and cuisine as well. The Duomo di Milano is the largest cathedral in Italy and a masterpiece not to be missed; the Gothic Cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete and you can definitely see why. Watch a show at Teatro alla Scala, Milan’s world renowned Opera House, where many of the world’s finest singers have performed. Also take time to visit the church of Santa Maria della Grazie to see Leonardo da Vinci’s, The Last Supper—arguably the greatest painting of the Renaissance era. Art lovers should go to Castello Sforzesco, which holds several of the city’s museums and best art collections.
In April, Milan holds the world’s largest furniture fair known as Milan Design Week or Salone Internazionale del Mobile di Milano in Italian. Considered the leading venue for the latest in the world of design and furniture, Milan is a main hub for interior design and furniture shops year round. When it comes to cuisine, Milanese food is more refined than the traditional Italian food that we have come to expect outside of Italy. The two absolute musts of the Milanese culinary culture are saffron risotto and veal Milanese. One surprising factor in the Milanese dining scene is the availability of exceptional sushi restaurants—with some of the best quality fish and most accomplished sushi chefs around.
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