Where to Stay in Milan
The shiny, plush Maison Moschino has typically quirky touches (huge cupcake and tart-shaped cushions). Christopher Kane favours the opulent, old school Principe di Savoia which also happens to have the most buzzing bar in the city during the collections. David Beckham has been known to join Karen Elson, Kate Hudson and Giles Deacon at aperitivo time. Traffic-stopping, black-clad blogger Diane Pernet loves the Grand Hotel Et De Milan (Via Alessandro Manzoni, 29; +39 2 723141), while the Bulgari Hotel is default fabulous.
Where to Go Out in Milan
The lobby bar of the Four Seasons (Via Gesu, 6/8; +39 02 77088) rivals the Principe for A-list action. Mono (Via Lecco, 6; +39 4810264) is the Milanese version of a rock and roll dive bar, but with early 1970s kitsch wallpaper prints. It attracts an edgier crowd (and model boys) for its film nights and electro/indie. The most flamboyant fashion night out is the club La Nuova Idea (Via Gaetano De Castillia, 30; +39 2 69007859), where you’ll find drag queens, editors and the likes of Antonio Berardi dancing to classical versions of Jennifer Lopez tracks.
Where to Eat in Milan
The Armani Café (Via Croce Rossa, 2; +39 2 72318680), resplendent in red and black on the ground floor of what will soon be the Giorgio Armani Hotel, hums at just the right high fashion frequency. Dolce & Gabbana love the seafood at Da Giacomo (Via Sottocorno, 6; +39 2 7602 3313), while US ELLE Style director and blonde fashion icon Kate Lanphear dines at Trattoria Bagutta (Via Bagutta, 14; +39 2 76002767). Lunch in the courtyard of La Brisa (Via Brisa, 15; +39 2 86450521), with its resident tortoise, is a tranquil escape from the fashion scrum.
Where to Shop in Milan
The Wok concept store (Via Col di Lana, 5a; +39 289829700) mixes the more interesting parts of the Nike/American Apparel mainstream with avant garde offerings like Kapow! Wow!’s tulle necklaces and graphic sportswear by Andrea Crews. Similarly graphic, but much dressier, Isabella Tonchi (ex Miu Miu) has her own store on Via Maroncelli. A trip to Biffi (Corso Genova, 5-6 +30 2 7600 4609), home of all the megabrands, is essential, but also make time to explore the smaller boutiques that have opened up close by.
Don’t Leave Milan Without
A charm from the Dodo range by swanky jeweller’s Pomellato (Anna and Ermenegildo Zegna swap them as family gifts), a 10 Corso Como (Corso Como, 10; +39 2 29013581) cashmere sweater dress and a pair of court shoes from Alfonso Garlando.
What to Wear in Milan
Black Acne jeans, strong shouldered black tuxedo jacket, fierce boots, straight glossy tresses and Tom Ford sunglasses.
Beauty SOS – Where to Go for Pampering in Milan
A session with hairdresser Alessandro Lisi of Area #6 hair salon is like gold dust during the shows – as well as a certain American editor-in-chief’s iconic bob, he’s tended to Jessica Alba, Lindsay Lohan and Queen Rania of Jordan.
Doing the Fashion Week rounds? Check out our Paris guide. Or see all our travel guides.
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