Vogue’s Guide to Milan
The fashion team at Vogue Australia travels to the Italian city twice a year for Milan Fashion Week. Here, Edwina McCann, Editor-in-chief of Vogue Australia, shares their picks of the city.
Most stylish hotels
“From the Bulgari to the Armani hotel, Milan knows how to do fashion hotels right. After a week of cheese and carbohydrates, the green juices at Bulgari are a much-welcomed relief.”
Best Place to Shop
10 Corso Como, Via Montenapoleone, Vintage Delirium by Franco Jacassi
“10 Corso Como is a Milanese fashion institution. Its founder is Carla Sozzani, sister to Vogue Italia editor Franca Sozzani. The two of them run the Italian fashion industry. They have a great art book section upstairs and the downstairs restaurant is in a beautiful courtyard. Because we're in Italy, everything is delicious. There's also a 10 Corso Como outlet a few blocks away so while in the area – why not?”
“There’s also Via Montenapoleone and all the smaller lanes nearby. Boasting a new Givenchy store, all the flagships are here: Gucci, Prada, Miu Miu, Marni and more. Even if you're not in the mood for shopping, it's worth visiting to see the interior designs of these stores, which combine old and new.”
“Vintage Delirium by Franco Jacassi is on Via Giuseppe Sacchi and is a vintage institution; designers and stylists often frequent it for inspiration and to acquire hard-to-find, unique pieces. Run by a former art collector, it has everything you can think of, from luggage to buttons and lace trimmings. It also has top designers of every era – think original Paco Rabanne, Emilio Pucci and more.”
Best places to refuel
Juicebar, Giacomo, Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone, Pasticceria Marchesi
“For a healthy fix, head to Juicebar right near the Duomo. Brown rice sushi, quinoa salads and more. Trust us, it's a rarity to find this type of 'health' food in Milan. Be prepared to spot models or American editors in here.”
“A fashion favourite is Giacomo. Famous for its fish, this old-school Milanese restaurant is always booked out during Fashion Week.”
“Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone is in a beautiful courtyard off Via Montenapoleone. This is where to go for classic Italian – pasta, cheese and more.”
“Pasticceria Marchesi is now owned by Prada (the label’s autumn/winter '15/'16 collection was inspired by its pastel hues). Come here for coffee or pretty sweets.”
Best bars…
“For the best people watching, it's hard to go past Nobu in Armani or the bar of the Bulgari hotel. They also host some of the biggest parties during Fashion Week filled with celebrities, models and designers.”
Between shows make sure you…
“Head to the Prada museum is newly opened and director Wes Anderson designed the café, Bar Luce. It's an experience to enter Miuccia Prada's world.”