Fashion in Milan

Shop 'Til You Drop

Before heading out, ask the front desk of your hotel for 'The Golden Shopping Map Milano'. For those who love fashion, it is a guide to your wildest dreams. Find the Quadrilatero d'Oro, the Golden Rectangle, which is lined with famous haute couture boutiques including Versace, Prada, and Armani.

Have a penchant for high street fashion? Check out Corso Buenos Aires for a satisfying fashion fix. With over three hundred and fifty high street brands represented here, the street boasts the largest concentration of shops in Europe.
If you are looking for Italian fashion but do not want to go home penniless, vintage stores like Mercantino Michela, Superfly and Lipstick Vintage all offer designer labels like Ferragamo, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana for up to 75% less than the retail price. Bargains can also be found at outlets like D Magazine, Corso Como, and Il Salvagente.

Having opened in 1867, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II's glass vaulted shopping arcade is one of the oldest shopping centres in the world. Its range of couture outposts, including Gucci and Louis Vuitton give it enduring appeal. It also happens to host Prada's flagship store. Via Torino, and Via Tortona are laced with curious little shops and designer showrooms whilst the Navigli area is the place to experience Milanese street-style at its best. A walking tour of the fashion district is a great way to get an overview and even some insider tips.

Main fashion events in Milan

Milan fashion week happens twice a year and it’s one of the four big ones, which usually take place in the same order: NY, London, Milan, and Paris. However, fashion in Milan is not a trend, but the way they live. It was the first industry to develop in the town- more than 500 years ago- and has been driving Milan’s economy ever since, while granting the city worldwide fame.

All throughout the year all sort of fashion fairs, shows and exhibits take place in Milan, and they always drag every European brand around. The fairs are mostly meant for professionals, but some of them offer one day for anyone to visit and watch first-hand the new proposals.

Dining Milan

After a long day spent in the boutiques and arcades of Milan, you will need to refuel. The best way to dine here is to try the art of Aperitivo. This Milanese institution is all about the combination of a drink with some delicious appetisers. Think traditional Italian dishes like risotto alla milanese, polenta, cassouela, ossobuco, and panettone, all served tapas style. Accompanied by a classic Italian cocktail of Aperol or Campari mixed with sparkling water and fruit, Aperitivo is the way to experience Milanese dining.

Being the home of fashion, Milan also has a generous selection of 'fashion restaurants'. These hip eateries are the place to be seen sipping a cocktail, adorned in your new purchases. Highlights include The Stage. With a slick interior that is reminiscent of a luxury cruise liner, you will feel like you have left shore. Another great option is Ceresio 7, which features a rooftop pool and exceptional views of the city. This is a great place to dine or simply enjoy a drink and admire the outfits worn by the upscale restaurant's clientele.

Karim Rashid brought all his international flavour in design to make the lounge bar at nhow Milan a new mecca for designers, where fashion, design, food and fun find a common place. However, it’s also cool to peek into tradition while you are on holidays, so don’t miss the chance to visit “Il Baretto”, in via della Moscova, locals’ favorite since clubs and wood panels were a trend.

Maison Moschino is a fashion-themed restaurant where you can find the finest designs and learn about trends and pure Italian design; your jaw will drop so many times in amazement it might hurt. If you can’t make up your mind amongst so many good fashion things to do in Milan, you may want to go to 10 Corso Como. Created by fashion editor Carla Sozzani, it’s a gallery/bookstore/designer shop built inside an ancient palazzo that will surely raise your eyebrows. That’s the Milan fashion effect, enjoy it!

Historical Detours

Besides fashion, Milan is home to some impressive art and historical sights. The Pinacoteca di Brera is a must-see, with some exquisite 15th century paintings, including Bellini's Madonnas. A visit to the Brera District will have you feeling like a local, as you lounge in one of the artists' cafes or bars whilst Sforza Castle is another sweet treat, as the ceiling is framed with nineteen mulberry trees painted by Leonardo da Vinci, just a few hundred yards away from his famous mural, 'The Last Supper'.

The history of the fashion industry in Milan

The first department stores were opened by Bocconi brothers to their fellow citizens’ surprise –hey, they say they sell everything, from meat to hats– next to Il Duomo Cathedral in 1865. Nowadays, it’s called la Rinascente, still an upscale department store.

From then on, Milan’s fashion industry began. University of Pennsylvania Professor Regina Lee Balszczyk published some interesting data in her book Producing Fashion. By the end of the 19th century, fashion was already important in Milan, according to the number of fashion magazines available and the proportion of workers and brands in the fashion industry. Developed from the Paris style, Milan design started to be clearly different, even from other Italian cities. It’s luxurious, of course, but always focused on simple amazing functionality and material quality, what also helped develop many other industries and products under the prestigious brand Designed in Milan.

According to Regina’s findings, it wasn’t until the 1970’s that worldwide fashion eyes were set on Milan and Armani is to be credited for a good part of it, given his practicality and simple elegance.

Although born in a nearby village, Giorgio Armani has become Milan’s icon not only because of fashion achievements but his many contributions to the city. His support of arts and science granted him a very special recognition from city hall: Milan’s cops wear Armani uniforms. Trussardi, Moschino, Gianfranco Ferré or D&G are the most prominent names of the hundreds of ateliers that sew and design amazing pieces of art in Milan.

Florence, Venice and Rome soon saw their designers move to prosperous and fashion-friendly Milan because Prada, Miu Miu and Valentino knew about the magnificence of fashion in Milan.

How To Get There

From Milano Central Railway Station take line 3 towards San Donato. Exit at Turati and you will find yourself right in the middle of the fashion district.

Planning your trip to Milan? Check out our best city center hotels in Milan.