Friday 16 November 2012

Milan | 15 Trendy Shopping & Tourist Areas Enjoying the Lombardy Capital.


Milan certainly has the fame and the prestige to be the World Capital of fashion and design,a city which offers undoubtedly the best linked to those industries and very suggested are in a sort of Top 15 trendy shopping & tourist areas enjoying the Lombardy Capital and second Italian city visiting some very trendy places in which if you are planning a visit and a stay related to that destination you can enjoy all that in a very pleasant combination.(If you are interested I worte a post about the city)

Sometimes in a trip could be very interesting to visit a museum,a historic Church,a superb monumental attraction and in the meantime if you are fond about the most fashionable and trendy brands there is obviously the chance taking home some exclusive articles,a perfect plan which is definitely a splendid occasion two link those two great activities.

1) Via Montenapoleone (Tube Station : Via Montenapoleone) I wrote a specific post about that iconic street situated at just 10 Minutes walking from the emblematic and central Piazza Duomo that splendid wide square core of Milan highlighted by the superb presence of the majestic Gothic Cathedral called as confirms the denomination of that urban point "Duomo" which lies in one of the most characterful corners of the Milanese metropolis flanked by the elegant and impressive Galleria Vittorio Emanuele that impressive and sumptuous 19th century gallery packed under its magnificent arcades by distinguished cafes,restaurants and shops.

Walking along the pedestrian Corso Vittorio Emanuele avenue once you are next to the busy and lively Piazza San Babila you will find that Queen of the Milan Fashion & Shopping Streets,the famed and also glamorous Via Montenapoleone.

For length,quality,quantity with all the most important Ateliers and Top Shops of the most renowned and iconic International Prêt-à- porter and High Fashion,that artery is undoubtedly an emblematic symbol of Milan which has elevated its glorious name also thanks to that place.

Several times protagonist in Cinema,gossip scoops and frequented by distinguished VIPs,stars of the cinema,footballers,models but also by curious and ordinary people,locals always searching the most new fashionable trends that street offers all that and more.

Via Montenapoleone is the classic and eclectic street in which the last article or creation by the most prestigious fashion designers is always and immediately displayed  in its stunning windows with immediately the most outstanding visibility and all the best is every time in pole position.

That distinctive sort of living fashion path is a sort of  Prêt â porter Empire placed along a straight in which you will find everything regarding Armani,Versace,Valentino,Prada,Yves Saint Laurent,Lous Vuitton,Chanel and all the elite of the international top class designers is represented there in the best way.

You can consider it just like an urban Defilé a catwalk of  ...shops in which the Haute Couture is the main protagonist day and night and simply walking along it you will breathe a special atmosphere so suggestive starting from the first shop and reading the name of that street on the wall in a corner.

Very suggested to visit at Christmas time a special  period in which Via Montenapoleone is transformed in an authentic Urban Luxury Lounge with red carpets on its sides,shining lights illuminating metre by metre  that fashionable scenery and small Christmas trees on the doors of the shops as welcoming you and inviting you to come in,charming decorations completing the set and captivating details at the entrance of the elegant old palaces,all that along a street which is always glamorous and attractive all year.

Very recommended for all people who is searching classic but also sportswear articles,trendy accessories for a gala event,renowned perfumes,the best brands in terms of watches,stylish handbags,classy tailleur,large collections of men´s tiles and suits and the latest proposals for women and men clothes.

That street is one of the landmarks of that notorious "Milano da bere"(Milan to drink) a phrase composed decades ago to delight and taste the city in all its aspects,visited by designers of other countries to check not only the multitude of new attractive trends but also to rake a look for the layout and arrangement of its creative windows.

Some years and in particular in the year 90s,some Japanese Tourist Organisation and Tour Operators in occasion of the World Cup of football celebrated in Italy with Milan as seat of some matches that iconic streets was inserted in a sort of package World Cup & Fashion with success,the tourist had the chance before of the events to enjoy a guided tour of some hours along Via Montenapoleone,a way to fill the stay of those Far East tourists with something of original and highly appreciated.

That famed fascinating hallway was also protagonist of a movie with title with the same name and often presents as symbol on promotion and special introduction of Milan in fashion fairs and not only.

2) Via della Spiga (Tube Station : Via Montenapoleone)-Considered by many people as the twin little Sister of  Via Montenapo as the Milanese calls Via Montenapoleone.That street is a little reign of of luxury and divine Haute Couture and the magnificent windows of its shops in many occasions were awarded as the most spectacular in the world.

The mentioned nickname "little sister" is simply for its length due it is  much shorter of that nearest artery but equally full of the best range of the latest clothes and accessories every people fond about shopping can find along it.

Via della Spiga is a mixture of the most divine Prêt â porter and its more than captivating windows simply stunning for creativity and taste in their layouts and meticulous details are certainly a superb representation and presentation of its more than trendy soul and image offering the best in theme of High Fashion.

Considered by someone chic,sophisticated but at the same time rich of high class,every minimum detail of those distinctive windows is appropriately studied to capture immediately the attention delighting the human eye at first sight.There is always in every tiny corner something to notice so full of charm and it is not a case that some French Designers called it "la Rue Charmante" and probably or better without that word probably Via della Spiga is an absolute in its kind a hymn and symbol to the most captivating Fashion Planet.

Apart the best and most exclusive brands just like Via Montenapoleone,a great highlight is the presence of shops providing the most splendid accessories by Armani and Bvlgari and it is also the special street of Dolce & Gabbana with the creativity of those two Designers who conquer the world with their vast range of eclectic and fne articles,from clothes to glasses,casual and elegant suits and dresses.

Via della Spiga is also represented by the classic elegance by Cerutti,the Milanese stylish class by Prada and the talented and innovative lines by the Florentine Designer Roberto Cavalli with his ample repertory of innovative proposals.

That artery also boasts the presence of the superlative Swiss Jewelry Chopard and the refined ans always appreciated brands by Krizia and Rocco Barocco.That fashionable Milan´s artery is also particularly suggested for who has the desire and taste to search and find something very particular for a special occasion wearing something extremely trendy.

That splendid paved street is flanked by beautiful elegant buildings some of them dated the 18th and 19th century with some classy courtyards,splendid arcades and captivating wooden doors which all together are great architectonic details which gives it a more than captivating special atmosphere and furthermore located at a very short distance from Palazzo del Senato (Senate Palace),Brera Distric,the quarter of the artists with all its emblematic historic and artistic attractions.(I wrote a post about that place if you are interested)
3) Via Sant´Andrea (Tube Station- Via Montenapoleone).It is the third little "Sister"due to its just 150,0 metres in lenght  but despite that the street it is a wonderful walk of luxury,style,class highlighted by a large quantity and quality of fine articles by the most celebrated High Couture you can find in that short metropolitan stretch.

Via Sant´Andrea is a sort of paradise for all people who loves the elegance represented by the stylish lines  by Missoni and Ferré,the genius of of the always creative Moschino,the selected colours and eclecticism by Miu Miu and Chanel and it also the iconic place of the eternal marvels created by Trussardi.

Highlighted by the always"avant´garde" articles and accessories by Kenzo and the magnificent and classy  trends by Hermés,that street is also one of the favourite and extremely loved by Japanese tourists.As previously mentioned in occasion of the World Cup 1990,Via San Sant´Andrea was combined with Via Napoleone in that fashion circuit or mini tour in a stay which had the motto Milan art & Fashion and one of  the inspirations was originated by that street.

What the Japanese people found so interesting,attractive and great also for their special spots and promotion was that kind of street not very long but so elegant and rich of famous brands in a very limited space in the heart of Milan flanked by stylish and elegant buildings and all that impressed so much the organisers of such proposals permitting in a very limited space without sort of urban marathons to reach different shops and those cited 150,0 metres of longitude represented something of simple unique offering the chance to visit an ample variety of shops.

Someone said that for the numerous and attractive shops it seems longer than it is in reality because it is a must to stop every window..The locals and who is often in Milan loves so much Via Sant´Andrea  for the everlasting creativity of its windows which daily show something different about High Fashion.

For all that the 3rd sister is considered so special.It represents in its kind an emblematic image of class and charm where the the protagonist is the most acclaimed Prêt-à-porter of Milan is absolute protagonist in a very reduced space.

Very close to the previous streets,Via Sant´Andrea is located at a very short distance from Piazza San Babila as a splendid short hallway where you can admire some of the modern and contemporary buildings  of the city such as the Torre Viscosa which has the title of first skyscraper of the city but also Palazzo Toro hosting the Teatro Nuovo considered in its kind one of the most multipurpose constructions of the late 30s. Furthermore you can also have the chance on that square to see another iconic building of the same period consisting in the Palazzo della Banca Popolare di Milano hosting one of the most famous Bank Institutions of the city.

 4) Via Borgospesso (Tube Station : Via Montenapoleone) That street is strongly linked to the characterful figure of Gianni Versace the unforgettable Designer from Calabria,an iconic figure of the International High Fashion who dresses with his magnificent clothing VIPs such as Madonna,Sting and Lady Diana among others.

That famed  Designer with the sister Donatella established in that Milanese point,the iconic Versace Home Division but not only that famed name is presents in Via Borgospesso.That place is also home of the classic and refined lines and proposals by Laura Biagiotti,the creative accessories by Pfister and other famous fashion characters considered in a period "L´Avant Garde" of the Prêt-á-porter such as Pinco Pallino,Cyrus & Company among others.

Via Borgospesso is particularly loved by several ladies who find there some of the best and trendy handbags,several stylish accessories ideal for special occasions as gala dinners and particular events.Situated very close to Via Senato,Corso Venezia and Via Palestro that area offers a mix of architectonic attractions as contemporary buildings but combined with some others dating back the 19th century in an area which historically was also one of the points so close to the walls of the old Mediolanum founded by the Romans.

5) Via  Gesù (Tube Station : Via Montenpaleone).An outstanding Milanese street and right place to find the most  trendy perfumes and eau de toilette and one  name : Acqua di Parma,that brand with which with no doubt with its fragrance.fine essences and combined to its range of accessories has conquered a vast number of fans.

Via Gesù is furthermore a great place if you are interested to find something special for your feet thanks to the presence of excellent shops which offers the prestigious shoes by Santoni and Lattanzi but also during a walk along it charming articles by Cashmere by Doriani and a very high quality of leather represented in articles by Serapian.
That place is certainly an ideal place to find the best about High Fashion walking next to charming Milanese aristocratic buildings which characterised the area in particular in the late 19th century in one of the most lively urban spaces of that time and highlighted by the proximity of the famous Museum Bagatti Valsecchi which worth a visit for the relevant renaissance and antique objects displayed in its outstanding rooms.

6) Via Manzoni (Tube Station : Via Montenapoleone).That emblematic street located in front the Tube Station  Montenapoleone and directly leading from one side to Piazza della Scala (Scala Opera Theatre square) is a stunning artery on which you can admire the other gate of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and the majestic Palazzo Marino,the Milan Town Hall.

That hallway is a paradise for who wants to find something classic,elegant and at the same time pretty special to adorn and decorate your home.In Via Manzoni for all that you will find Armani Casa if you need a lamp,some furniture or linen,griffed by the genius designer from Piacenza the "Re Giorgio"(The King nickname of Giorgio Armani) as is well known with that title.

Not only Armani along that splendid street anyway,there are other shops as Elisabetta Franchi with her fine products and articles consisting in elegant dresses,shoes and handbags but furthermore Les Copains and Napapjri with their always interesting articles and next to them other offering the most relevant range of jewelry,small accessories and trendy watches.

The street also hosts shops of elegant sportswear and at the same time stylish articles by Mila Schön who is so famous to have dressed distinguished figure such as Jackeline Kennedy Onassis and Agnelli Family among others.In addition you will find along Via Manzoni many other designer shops such as Paul Smith, Patrizia Pepe and Pal Zileri among others.

Via Manzoni is also famous to host on its surface  historic buildings of Milan such as Palazzo Gallarati the emblematic Caffé dell´Opera and the Museo Poldi Pezzoli a Museum which is one of the most prestigious and important private exhibitions in Italy officially opened in the year 1881 and displaying superb masterpieces by magnificent masters such as Michelangelo,Canaletto,Cranach,Botticelli,Pinturicchio and Mantegna among others.

7) Via Verri (Tube Station : San Babila) Via Pietro Verri is one the stylish streets of foreign designers such as Burberry,Tom Ford,Jil Sander,Alexander Mc Queen and The Tumi Store that last shop very famous for Travel Accessories with trendy and modern items but also sensistive to the revival with several inspiration related to the design of the 20s and 30s for who loves those nostalgic times.

That splendid urban corridor is one of that kind of streets indicated for who is looking for something alternative keeping elegance and style at the same time.Ideal place for women looking for some of the most classy lingerie products linked to the most fashionable Parisian and Italian style,modern and 70s style as well but also for men who loves to wear something of sporting and stylish but with a touch of extremely casual in other specific range of lines.

Via Manzoni is very close and also Via Sant´Andrea and going towards Corso Matteotti you will reach in just 10 minutes walking the monumental Piazza Duomo.Located in a strategic corner of the old Milan with in its surroundings several cafes and bars highlighted by the presence of captivating buildings and palaces erected in the 19th century and some others well preserved of previously erected than the Hapsburg rule in the city.

8) Via Santo Spirito (Tube Station : Via Montenapoleone).That charming street is situated just between Via Borgospesso and Via Gesú and it offers a wide range of different shops such as Stella McCartney, Malloni,Lanvin,Alessandrini and Vhernier among others.

Via Santo Spirito offers a vast scenery of articles for several tastes and an ample variety of choice for different people.That street is particularly visited by who is looking for particular objects such as refined crystals, glasses or also linens and for who loves new ideas of combinations for interior decorations.

That small street is considered a little of paradise for all people who loves articles of great design and some people calls it a "small corner of eclectic creativity"for all that it displays in its very captivating shops.

9) Corso Buenos Aires (Tube Station : San Babila).With its over 360 Shops,Corso Buenos Aires is a big and long mosaic of Haute Couture,Casual and Sportswear clothes with also the presence of something of highly curious and peculiar but attractive in its kind.

There are along that straight and impressive artery many shops selling brands for every taste and preference such as Nara,Calestani,Mandarine Duck,Bata,Puma but also other important brands such as Guess,Tommy Hilfiger,Luisa Spagnoli and Phard among others.If you want to stay close to the most exclusive streets mentioned above and to find something cheaper Corso Buenos Aires is definitely the right place for you.

That avenue is a place in which you can find everything crossing the historic area corresponding to the Giardini Pubblici (The Public Gardens) one of the green lung of the city and the bastions of Porta Venezia part of the historic walled gates of the old Milan.Approximately 1,3 kilometres long Corso Buenos Aires links Piazza San Babila next to Via Montenapoleone to Lima the tube Station not far the elegant areas of Loreto and Via Vitruvio.

Much more affordable of the other streets mentioned before along that Milanese boulevard you can find excellent products,such as jackets, hats,shoes, lingerie,ties,shirts,shoes,bags,gala and also rock accessories.

9) Corso Vittorio Emanuele & Galleria Vittorio Emanuele (Tube Station : Duomo).The legendary and majestic Gallery and the adjacent Boulevard (Corso) with the same name together are considered the "Salotto"(the lounge) of Milan.

That splendid covered charming space links the superb Piazza Duomo to Piazza della Scala the great Theatre of Milan so famous worldwide to be one of the symbols of the International Opera and its highlighted by its sumptuous arcades and glass domed roof with  elegant,fine cafes and restaurants such as the glorious and famed Savini and Biffi part of the history of the city.

That stunning site hosts superb shops such as Prada,Bernasconi,Spagnoli,Borsalino,Brics,Svarowski all brands displayed in wonderful windows which immediately capture the attention of everyone and in addition the excellent opportunity to find renowned art and antique shops which is certainly another chance if you are looking something of sinply considerable if you love that kind of articles.

Corso Vittorio Emanuele is the avenue flanking on one side the Duomo and it is a long pedestrian promenade packed by cafes,bars and cinemas.There you can find more affordable shops such as Sisley,Zara which offers a large variety of clothes but also the most varied choice of other specific lines such as Guess, H&M,Sergio Tacchini, Calzedonia,Footlocker Breil and Swatch.

Furthermore you can visit  La Rinascente,a famous and complete shopping centre in which you can have an ample choice about clothes,bags, leather articles and fashionable accessories made by the most prestigious Haute Couture designers..

10) Corso Como (Tube Station : Garibaldi F.S).Emblematic and glamorous boulevard of Milan in the last decades.That street runs in front of the busy Railway Station Porta Garibaldi between the streets Via Melchiorre Gioia and Via Pasubio.

The fame of that avenue is also highlighted by the presence of the famous Disco Club Hollywood meeting point of important footballers,models,designers,showmen and artists,a place which reached in recent times to be also favourite destination for paparazzi and reporters always looking for a scoop or a sensational gossip service due to obviously the presence of VIPs and all those mentioned people so famous and notorious.

Corso Como became a very trendy street for shopping as well since the 90s and there you can find the latest design articles in terms of scarves,textile products but also a stylish griffed glasses,clothes and special accessories to combine with a dress or suit.

Along that pretty long boulevard you can find many fashionable and avant garde shops represented by Pinko,Whos Who,Alain Mikili,10,Anteprima and Telerio and the last generations of the city have in that street a reference to find often what they need with a superb choice which attract more and more people.

Corso Como is also the right place to visit a corner of Milan highlighted by the Cimitero Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery) with its situated at a very short distance from that avenue.It is masteripece by the architect Carlo Maciachini a talented man from Induno Olona in proximity of Varese who developed that space with structures erected in a very creative way linking Gothic,Romanesque and Byzantine architectonic styles developing something of unique in its kind.

In that place were buried famous characters such as the composer Giuseppe Verdi and the writers Alessandro Manzoni and Carlo Cattaneo among others.

11) Corso Vercelli (Tube Station : Pagano) Close to Parco Pallavicino (Pallavicino Park) that Milanese avenue is not far from Sant´Ambrogio (St.Ambrose area),where you can visit the spectacular Basilica dedicated to St.Ambrose the Patron of the city,Leonardo Da Vinci Museum ( I wrote a post if you are interested) and Santa Maria delle Grazie Church with the Last Supper the masterpiece by the famous Tuscan artist.

Corso Vercelli is an artery rich of shops offering several articles and different kind of clothes,such as Jeans and casual lines, but also a varied choice of accessories,watches and sporting garments.

You can find along that boulevard shops as Lacoste,Hogan,Swatch,Calzedonia,Sisley,Max & Co but also others as Cartier,Breil,jewelry and old silver shops.That iconic Milanese avenue is one of the favourite streets for people who wants in an afternoon to look and check some trendy articles with the chance to visit several and different points and to find something of trendy and cheaper than the area around Via Montenapoleone.

12) Via Solferino (Tube Station : Moscova) .Very trendy street and considered a sort of magic place to find excellent leather,shoes,bags and much more.Via Solferino is particularly loved to all people who love to see original things with shops which offer windows very innovative in a very short space of time displaying new trends but at the same time finding some others pretty classic.

Along that street you can find  many interesting articles of excellent brands such as Spalding & Bros,Pierre Mantoux,So Far so Near and Controbuffet among others.The great trendy design of the choice represented is the right spot of that charming street you can not miss in a shopping walk when you are in Milan.

Located in the old Milan not far from the emblematic and majestic Sforza Castle,a short walk from Piazza Duomo and close to the lively and trendy district of Brera.

13) Via Brera (Tube Station : Cairoli or in alternative Montenapoleone) Historic and emblematic street,the core of the Art district of Milan,with the stunning presence Academy of Fine Arts and Pinacoteca.

Via Brera is an excellent urban point of the the city so suitable for all people who wants to find something really great about antiques,art and furniture but also perfumes,accessories and vintage articles by Chanel,Dior,Cavalli & Nastri who all with their captivating articles have conquered the globe.

The street apart its unique fascination is also very recommended for who wants to find find very important brands such as Naj Oleari,Alcozer & J Bijoux and furthermore brilliant beauty shops as The Body Shop and Bottega Verde.Apart shopping  have a coffee,a brunch,an aperitif at Café Art or at Jamaica two mandatories when you are walking along that very distinctive street.

14) Corso Venezia (Tube Station : Palestro) Beautiful avenue with the chance to enjoy shopping of quality with the presence of.Prada,Dolce & Gabbana,Borsalino,Mila Schön and Pinko among others.

That splendid and large Avenue close to Via Palestro and leading to Piazza San Babila is a mecca for all people who wants to find something outside the legendary "Quadrilatero della Moda" including for people who wants to continue to check other shops of the most important fashion designers in a different place and a great place to find excellent accessories and sunglasses,

That boulevard is pretty special also because it is a walk between fashion and art and along it you can can admire Liberty,Neoclassic Modern and Art Nouveau buildings of immense fascination.The proximity of Villa Reale is another incentive to combine culture and shopping.

15) Via Torino (Tube Station : Duomo) That notorious avenue starting from a corner of Piazza Duomo flanked by old historic buildings and leading to historic monuments such as the wonderful Basilica of San Lorenzo,Porta Ticinese one of the oldest gates of the city and the iconic San Lorenzo Columns.

Via Torino is a long artery packed by good shops,ideal to find something not too expensive in terms of Sportswear clothes,accessories,antique and perfumes.Often along that artery you can find many interesting stylish things of good design and it is a place for all in particular frequented by young people but also by tourists going to visit those monuments mentioned before.

I hope these information will be useful for a trip to Milan with a combination of tourism and shopping.The list of streets and areas in the Lombardy Capital is so long but if you are fond about those activities that splendid Italian centre so famed and prestigious has an endless number of superb things more but certainly something tas that to link those two activities will be a brilliant experience for a pleasant stay enjoying that city in all its essence also in that way.


Francesco Mari













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Thanks a lot to read and note.