City Guides

More than any other fashion city, Milan is synonymous with luxury and glamour - the Milanese don’t do dressed down. As the home of Roberto Cavalli, Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci, it is no surprise this stylish city exudes fashion at every turn.

In a place that’s all about the cult of the designer it is little wonder that some of the best hotels in town are either linked to a fashion house or editor. Rooms on Corso Como is an off-shoot of ex-Vogue editor Carla Sozzani’s cult concept store 10 Corso Como (with only 3 Rooms early booking is advisable). The Bulgari Hotel is another hit among the fashion crowd and boasts a world-class spa. The more recently opened Chedi Hotel has also been causing a stir since it opened in 2007. And finally, Hotel Principe Di Savoia and the Four Seasons are the destinations of choice for the stylish.

Milan's after dark culture is glamorous to a fault, and elaborate and potent cocktails, like the famous Negroni, are the order of the day. Bar Basso holds a special place in the Milanese bar scene – and has been buzzing since the 1960s. For something a little less traditional the G Lounge is a popular watering hole for the fashion set or, for a really wild night out head to  avant-garde club Plastic.

The Milanese love sushi (there are just too many carbs in pasta!) and there are several great places to eat Japanese in the city. First among them is Armani Nobu – which can be found on the first floor of the Armani emporium on Via Pisoni. Other fashion-branded destinations are Just Cavalli café (pictured above) and the café at 10 Corso Como where you can take a timeout from shopping. Still chic, but with a real focus on fabulous food is Cracco-Peck, which linked to a delicatessen and is Michelin-stared. A stone’s throw from Prada on Via Bagutta, Paper Moon restaurant has a great late night atmosphere.

With luxury stores as far as the eye can see, The Golden Triangle is a fashion lovers mecca and more than lives up to it’s title. While bargains may be few and far between in this area, Milan is a great place to find those key investment pieces you will wear forever. 10 Corso Como is part boutique store part gallery and among the international collections you will find music, books, flowers and homeware too.

Art books from the 10 Corso Como bookshop, a pair of Prada’s new elaborately studded heels and some neon bright Occhiali shades from Biffi.

Designer labels are key in this city and Italians are well renowned for their sense of style. Saucer-sized shades and towering heels are everyday essentials and don’t expect to see anyone out in jeans past 6pm.

For pure indulgence, head to the spa at the Bulgari Hotel and enjoy the “Escape”, a two and a half hour all-over body and facial treatment.

For more information on 10 Corso Como, The Bulgari Hotel, Hotel Principe di Savoi, Four Seasons, Bar Basso, G Lounge, Armani-Nobu, Just Cavalli Cafe, Paper Moon, click here.