An expert insight into Made in Italy quality shopping and luxury spots to visit while having a ball in Milan, perhaps the fashion capital of the world.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Milan, the fashion capital of the world. Luxury spots for the quintessential Made in Italy.”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator border_width=”2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Milan, the fashion capital of the world. Luxury spots for the quintessential Made in Italy.” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:center|color:rgba(0%2C0%2C0%2C0.6)” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator border_width=”2″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]An expert insight into Made in Italy quality shopping and luxury spots to visit while having a ball in Milan, perhaps the fashion capital of the world.
The Bespoke Philosophy
Where made to measure is nothing less than fine art
Made to measure are three words of capital importance when you deal with Italian style. Mariano Rubinacci family knows it well. Based in Naples, this name is a synonym for dapper elegance, both locally and internationally. Rubinacci Milan’s headquarter is nothing less than exquisite with its four areas, that are surely worth a careful visit.
The first part is dedicated to the ready-to-wear collections: even for the everyday lines, here high quality is a must. Actually, albeit the ready-to-wear collections are mainly machined, they also sport sewed by hand finishing touches, such as precious silk inserts.
The second part of the boutique is all for Luca Rubinacci’s vision of menswear and accessories. The heir of the family art, who indeed embodies the essence of the maison attitude, has created the Marphy loafers collection, an interesting reinterpretation of the most classic men’s shoe model.
The special third level of the shop is truly unique: here you will find a collection of one of a kind vintage fabrics, that can create a jewel for your wardrobe like no other, literally. The journey chez Rubinacci ends with a VIP room, where special clients can relax, have a cigar and a brandy whilst deciding for a new outfit. Rubinacci is in Via Montenapoleone18 / Via del Gesù 1; +39 02 7600 1564
Entering Brioni’s boutique is to set your feet in fashion history. Indeed the house founded by Nazareno Fonticoli and Gaetano Savini mothered some of the most important innovations in the industry, like the first menswear catwalk in 1952 at Palazzo Pitti, the ready-to-wear Haute Couture concept or the trunk show, an exclusive event during which clients could personalize their choices thanks to the bespoke mentality encouraged by the brand. The flagship store, once again in the hottest spot of the fashion district, is one of the largest stores you can find when it comes to menswear in Milan. Born in 2014, the boutique has six resident tailors at the client’s service anytime. Brioni, Via Del Gesù 2A; +39 02 7639 0086
At the Giuseppe Lo Bosco Atelier, tailoring tradition is a fact. Here, made to measure is an everyday art, in the truest sense of the word. In the atelier, you will find historical and vintage pieces realised during the glorious 80 years of its life. You will undoubtedly take a trip down memory lane of fashion, enjoying also the opportunity to take a look at the outfit designed by the genius of Leonardo Da Vinci back in the day. Today the atelier has a list of firstclass clients, moreover, the most important theatres entrust Lo Bosco for their scene costumes. At Lo Bosco’s, a luxury rental service is also a reality for the most special and formal occasions. Atelier Giuseppe Lo Bosco, Corso Venezia 7; +39 02 7600 0585
Caruso – prepare for the unexpected. From the very entrance, this boutique is nothing like you would imagine it. Certainly, it has little in common with most of the menswear boutiques around. The Vicenza stones arch that will introduce you to Caruso’s flagship store is actually the late way to the convent of nuns that name the entire street. From the inside, a glass vault will unveil to your eyes the ancient convent balconies. The interiors will leave you in awe for another reason: they are designed to be the exact image of The Teatro Regio di Parma’s backstage! With so much history and art, the beauty of the collections is assured. Caruso, Via Del Gesù 4; +39 02 76340496; carusomenswear.com
Womenswear is a calling for Fiorella Ciaboco. She took her first steps in the industry with the strong will to express her idea of every woman uniqueness. In the Corso Como area, you will find the atelier of this infant prodigy of Italian fashion with a showroom, cutting room and fabric sample collection. Here the tailoring process is enhanced to the maximum and it characterises every brand Fiorella Ciaboco created, such as Exclusive, Collections, Accessories and Fiore. Out of the mass production and standardised clothing, the manufacture experience of this atelier creates unrepeatable experiences for every client. It is like entering a fashion wonderland, definitely worth a visit. Fiorella Ciaboco Atelier, Via De Cristoforis 5; +39 02 29063258; sartoriafiorella.com
Print Parade
Where pattern perfection is not an opinion
A brand with a distinctive international allure that firmly stands on a solid familiar ground, the Italian way, that is Etro. The founder Gimmo Etro and his four children have created this peculiar vision of elegance which, after almost 50 years, is still going strong. Entering Etro boutique, you will be positively overwhelmed by a multitude of patterns, all born from the purest form of inspiration, the one that comes from travelling the world. Please do not miss Etro ultra famous interpretation of Paisley, an evergreen yet eccentric touch to add to every proper outfit. Etro, Via Montenapoleone 5; +39 02 7600 5049
Pucci – another boutique, another print paradise. At Pucci’s everything is essential excep the patterns. Colours are in particular the indisputable protagonists of this classy space designed by Lena Pessoa. Actually, the house keeps, on purpose, a clear connection to Pantone shades reference numbers in naming its creations. Abstraction is another elective affinity of Emilio Pucci collections that are, just like the Milan store, a total class act. The concept of the Pucci boutiques envisages an evanescent transparency, where acrylic supports and furniture by Fratelli Bianchi perfectly highlight the masion clothes and accessories. Emilio Pucci, Via Montenapoleone 27; +39 02 7631 8356
Iconic Accessories
Perfect hats and bags, as simple as that
Borsalino stands for the hat and not just in Italy. The Piedmontese house is so famous for its exclusive creation of the utmost felt hat, that it needs no introduction. Even today, with the end of the formal hat wearing era, the Borsalino legacy is an assurance in terms of luxury and style. To breath, an authentic old Hollywood atmosphere, when everyone had at least a Borsalino in the closet, go visit the Milan boutique. It is in the very heart of the city, a few steps from the Duomo and Teatro alla Scala. It will not fail to conquer you with the formal perfection of the spaces… and of the hats, of course. Borsalino, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II 92; +39 02 8901 5436
To a woman, a bag is never only an accessory, it is a precious ally that helps her to carry her world everywhere she goes. Gianfranco Lotti knows it well. The luxurious leather goods brand born in 1968 in Florence launched its Milan boutique in 2015, featuring an exclusive capsule collection of 18 items put on the market for the occasion. The Montenapoleone store counts 255 square meters on two levels, where marbles and fresh flower compositions will give you the measure of the elegance you will fill your eyes with. Gianfranco Lotti, Via Montenapoleone 14; +39 02 9132 5892
Uniqueness
Italian charm at its finest
Italian entertainment icons the likes of Patty Pravo and Gianna Nannini count on the young but enormous talent of Gianluca Saitto for their outfits both on stage and in their everyday life. The secret of this brand is surely a uniqueness that comes straight from its Italian artistic roots. Saitto boutique is an atelier and an exclusive salon where you can have a sophisticated chat while discussing inspired fashion. Here the ambience is warm, home-like, every detail is lush. Originality is put above everything else except quality, which comes from the work of selected tailors of experience. Saitto, Via dell’Orso 12; +39 02 3966 1138; gianlucasaitto.it
Since 1928 Fontana Couture means womenswear at its finest. With a glorious history and still a very bright present, this distinctive Italian brand uses luxury and a bespoke philosophy to create jewel-like pieces aimed to highlight every single client truest self. Their pursuit of perfection on every level is reflected also by the atelier, that you can find on the upper floors of an exquisite building at number 25 in via Spiga, the most opulent street of Milan. This space, which sports an essential nature, emphasises the clothes and keeps high the honour of a pure Made in Italy production. Fontana Couture, Via Spiga, 25; +39 02 76 021 819
Relax
Precious spots for your lush breaks
Time to slow down your shopping? Consider having a break in style at 10 Corso Como. The multifunctional space, named after its own address, will welcome you with its cosmopolitan wit and yet cosy areas. The eclectic conceptual spaces include Galleria Sozzani and its various expositions, the elegant café surrounded by greenery and, among the rest, the bookshop, where you will find refined art, photography, fashion and music editions plus much more. If you are going to miss your shopping activities, do not worry. 10 Corso Como has a huge store entirely dedicated to “slow shopping”, with items of any kind, vintage rarities and super sophisticated brands. Absolutely not to miss at all. 10 Corso Como, Corso Como 10; +39 02 2900 2674
Montenapoleone VIP Lounge should be your next stop. Created by Montenapoleone Association in collaboration with Ferrari Spedizioni, the leader in shipping jewels worldwide, this is the most luxurious salon for tourists who are looking for something extraordinary, Italian style. Apart from being a great location for a break during your shopping, the Montenapoleone VIP Lounge has a very operative staff that will also assist you in many services. From tax-free shopping to a personal fitting room, to exclusive events ticket reservations, not to mention a very special airport service. It definitely deserves a chance. VIP Lounge, Via Montenapoleone 23; +39 02 7639 4767; mnlounge.it
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