Lifestyle
Milan is in fashion
Visiting the city during the annual Fashion Week can be rather exciting. Here are some tips for strictly themed experiences.
Milan has always been Italy’s fashion capital. All the greatest Italian designers have walked its catwalks and still do today. Giorgio Armani is the most famous, in fact everyone knows him as “the King,” but he is not the only one, he is only the progenitor of a long line of designers. Real creative talents, both Italian and international.
So if you are in Milan during fashion week and would like to experience the vibe even if you are not a fashionista, you are spoilt for choice. Let’s go on a little tour of the city together, including cultural visits, historical venues and fashion tips for a breakfast, a meal, or an aperitif worthy of the city’s reputation.
Fondazione Prada
In the name of fashion, a stop that cannot be missed on the list. Fostering contemporary culture and art in a space converted from an old distillery dating back to the early 20th century. Located in the south of the city, it was established thanks to the world-famous Milanese fashion designer and entrepreneur Miuccia Prada.
A breathtaking experience for an aperitif or lunch in the heart of Parco Sempione, surrounded by greenery. The skyline of the newest and most modern Milan can be enjoyed in the background, with the skyscrapers that have recently reshaped its profile.
On this occasion, of course, a visit to the Triennale Design Museum, the Museum of Italian Design, a true temple of creativity, open to the public since 2007, is an absolute must.
Ceresio 7
For an aperitif or an after-dinner drink with the party-loving Milanese and the celebrities who liven up the city during Fashion Week, we would recommend popping over to this rooftop, which promises (and fulfils) a true VIP experience. The space was created by the founders of the Dsquared2 brand: this, along with the amazing view over the city, makes it a favourite spot for all those gravitating around the colourful world of fashion.
Bar Basso
The Milan of the past can be savoured here, at Bar Basso: with its more authentically Milanese atmosphere, this bar witnessed the birth of the wrong Negroni in 1972. In case you don’t know it, warm up your palate by sipping the classic version of the Negroni, and then delight yourself with the variants and embark on the marathon of cocktails and aperitifs that mark Milan Fashion Week.
Radetzky Cafè
This has been the place where the people of Milan go to socialise since 1988. The outdoor area is always packed, the hustle and bustle is unmistakable, and the fun is guaranteed. At all hours, but the aperitif is the highlight, the one with the perfect mix of quality and entertainment. The strategic location, central among the nightlife streets, is perfect to make new acquaintances in fun-loving Milan.
The Isola district
Away from the crazy crowd? Yes, but not too much. Treat yourself to a short walking tour throughout the Isola district, which still retains charming features of the ‘vintage’ Milan of yesteryear. Reserve a table for lunch or dinner at Ratanà, a restaurant serving traditional Milanese cuisine that will be the final stop on your walking tour, just a stone’s throw from the now-famous Bosco Verticale, the vertical forest visionary project by archistar Stefano Boeri and his Studio. In this modern osteria you can taste, depending on the seasonal menu, the typical mondeghili (and to make them at home, just follow our recipe) and the delicious risotto alla milanese with saffron.
Santa Maria delle Grazie church
A Renaissance church declared a Unesco World Heritage Site. The refectory is also located here, where Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper can be admired. The whole world flocks here to see this work of art so remember to book your visit in advance on the website. A ten-minute walk will take you to the ‘Sistine Chapel of Milan’, as the Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is called: its frescoes of the Leonardesque school and the cloister of the Benedictine women’s monastery are sure to leave you breathless.
Cinque Vie di Milano
This is the city’s oldest district, of Celtic origin. The intersection of its streets creates a star-shaped path, to which an esoteric meaning was once attributed. For the less daring, there are beautiful shops here in which to indulge in shopping.
When visiting the city, wander around with your nose in the air to discover the many Art Nouveau buildings. Right in the Porta Venezia area there are some fabulous ones, including the beautiful Casa Berri-Meregalli (in Via Mozart) and Palazzo Galimberti (in Via Malpighi).
Also, along Via Mozart is Villa Necchi Campiglio, a fabulous house-museum built in 1935 and surrounded by a garden with a swimming pool and tennis court. To visit it you can also buy the Case Museo Card, which provides access to all four house museums in Milan.
Fauché Street Market
Are clothes in boutiques unaffordable? This market for designer and vintage clothes is a great alternative. You can find real bargains on clothes, shoes, and accessories on its stalls. The chicest market in the city is held on Saturdays, a short walk from the Gerusalemme stop of Metro line 5.
