Insider’s guide: Milan

Campari, gallerias and the Duomo: Where to shop and refuel as you navigate courtyard gardens and Italy’s long-standing designer stores

Italy is a country that I have embraced, where I found love, family and a home. My career began at Romeo Gigli in Milan and I am still frequently in this design capital on business and for fashion week. When friends ask me to share my pick of the best shopping addresses in this modern metropolis, these venues top my list. But I insist that you make time for several morning espressos and evening camparis!

SHOP

10 Corso Como

10 Corso Como used to be the Romeo Gigli studio where I first worked, so I have nostalgic memories. Since its inception as an art gallery and book shop in 1990, it has established itself as a must-visit concept store. Owned by Carla Sozzani (whose sister is

Vogue Italia ’s stylish Editor-in-Chief, the late Franca Sozzani), the store has a beautifully curated line-up of fashion, alternative reading material and design. The three floors are arranged around a courtyard and you will find everything from exclusive Italian essential oils to a small hotel with three rooms and a roof garden. My recent discovery here was Cabana , a new lifestyle magazine owned by Martina Mondadori Sartogo. Only in its third edition, it revolves around the concept of drifting and wanderlust and has already achieved cult status. 10corsocomo.com

Excelsior

Housed in a former cinema, Excelsior owes its arty flair to French star architect, Jean Nouvel, who revived the building. This is another concept store that includes a vast beauty hall, French patisserie Laduree and a Tiffany store. The upper floors are curated by fashion powerhouse Antonia Giacinti, owner of the eponymous boutique. Give yourself enough time to inspect contemporary threads, from Rag & Bone, Helmut Lang and Theory to Balmain. Shoeaholics throng here for the latest from Pierre Hardy, Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik. I love browsing the ground floor for frivolous and futuristic gadgets. Most recently, it was a hunt for the right pizza slicing device! Galleria del Corso 4.

excelsiormilano.com

la Rinascente

Celebrating its centenary this year, this chain of 12 luxury department stores across Italy has everything under one roof. The Milan flagship is located directly opposite the Duomo, and is a good stop for those on a tight schedule. Browse the latest high-end designer and contemporary collections, be it from Marni and Jil Sander to 3.1 Phillip Lim and Diane von Furstenberg. Make time for the food hall on the seventh floor, which has even the most jaded gourmand salivating. And book a table at the rooftop bar and restaurant for striking views of the Duomo’s roof and spires, over a glass of prosecco. Piazza Duomo.rinascente.it

Galleria Rossana Orlandi

Located in a former tie factory in the Magenta neighbourhood of Milan, this combination of design shop, offices and charming courtyard café becomes a hive of activity during Milan Design Week in April, when the ‘who’s who’ of the interior world descend on the city. Owned by Rossana Orlandi, one of Milan’s tastemakers and arbiters of contemporary interiors, it has the latest designs by emerging, international talent. Via MatteoBandello. rossanaorlandi.com

Pellini

I love this store for its jewellery in vibrant colours, made from resin and semi-precious stones such as tourmalines, aquamarines, white agate and topazes. Designer Donatella Pellini puts huge emphasis on hand craft and all the pieces are made by artisans at their workshop in Milan. Via Marigi. pellini.it

EAT & DRINK

Eataly

Th is Milan outpost is a testament to the finest locally-produced and sourced ingredients. Go stall-hopping or find a seat at restaurants and espresso bars across four floors. Situated in the former legendary ‘Teatro Smeraldo’, Eataly stays true to the building’s heritage and houses a stage that frequently offers free events,. I always stock up on Frantoio Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Olio Colle Bereto here, from the Chianti region in Siena. Piazza XXV Aprile 10. eataly.it

Fioraio Bianchi Caffe

An institution much loved by locals, the Fioraio Bianchi Caffe started off some 40 years ago as a flower shop where owner Raimondo Bianchi created unique floral arrangements every day. The space has since morphed into a café and small restaurant with a distinct Parisian retro feel. Let yourself be seduced by the scent of fresh flowers and the aromas from the kitchen. I come here for my morning espresso en route to client meetings – a moment of bliss before a hectic day. Via Montebello. fioraiobianchicaffe.it

Bar Straf

Within the walls of the eponymous design boutique hotel, Bar Straf is popular with the after-work and media fashion crowd. Although its aesthetic is industrial with raw concrete floors and minimal interior, it feels intimate, achieved by soft lighting, old leather sofas and abstract art. It is especially fun during summer evenings when the crowd spills on the pavement outside for an aperitif. I am not a big drinker, but I always indulge in a Campari or Aperol. Via S. Raffaele 3. straf.it

SEE

Fondazione Prada

Loc ated in a former distillery, this cluster of buildings around a courtyard form Fondazione Prada. The main building is clad in metal with texture reminiscent of lace, whilst the ‘haunted house’ is painted in 24-carat gold leaf. A particular highlight is the 50s-style cafeteria designed by film director Wes Anderson – think formica tables, candy jars and movie-themed pinball machines. Miuccia Prada and her husband, Patrizio Bertelli, showcase pieces from their private art collection alongside art by the likes of Sarah Lucas, Louise Bourgeois, and Donald Judd. Largo Isarco. fondazioneprada.org