More welcoming than Paris and less overwhelming than London, Milan is the favorite fashion capital of those in the know. Among the many reasons: its “drool-worthy interiors, a borderline-religious devotion to fashion, nice restaurants staffed by nice people and good-looking Uber drivers in suits,” according to Brooklyn, New York–based fashion writer Emilia Petrarca, a former fashion editor at The Cut and current author of the Shop Rat newsletter. “I love that its inhabitants are unabashedly fancy.”
Home to no shortage of famed fashion houses (Prada, Giorgio Armani, Missoni and Gucci to name just a few), the European metropolis boasts a fall fashion week in September that has the stylish set shuttling from the runways to duomo-adjacent cafes in droves. And they don’t skip the Prada outlet, a not-so-secret spot on the outskirts of the city (roughly an hour by bus) which offers upward of 70% off on fashion and accessories. “Every time I’m in Milan, I secretly dream of living there one day,” says Los Angeles–based fashion designer Anine Bing. “Everything — from the food to the people — feels so magical.”
We asked tastemakers to share their favorite hotels, can’t-miss restaurants and bars and the best shops for scoring a fashionable find.
Photography provided by Portrait Milano: A Member of The Leading Hotels of the World
Stay
New on the scene is Portrait Milano, a former seminary turned five-star hotel by the Ferragamo family, under their Lungarno Collection hospitality portfolio. The property — recently restored by architects Michele De Lucchi and Michele Bönan — sits just a few steps from Via Monte Napoleone, a shopping street second in luxury only to Fifth Avenue in New York City. But for a dose of retail therapy even closer to home, the hotel offers the sister location of the Milan boutique Antonia, where fashion’s elite prey on Jacquemus Le Bambino bags and cult-favorite knits from Toteme — a favorite haunt of part-time city resident Mariella Avino, owner of the Palazzo Avino hotel in Ravello, Italy, and curator of its retail shop, The Pink Closet. The hotel is also home to the flagship of So-Le Studio, a sustainable jewelry brand founded by Maria Sole Ferragamo (great-granddaughter of the famous shoemaker) who has made it her mission to reimagine discarded materials.
Photography provided by Langosteria
Dine
Milan restaurateur Enrico Buonocore found inspiration for his quartet of Michelin-starred Langosteria eateries in his childhood on the Amalfi Coast. Seafood standout Langosteria Bistrot — the most playful of the four, with specials handwritten on mirrors and miniature hot-air balloons suspended from the ceiling — is hidden in the Navigli neighborhood, where some of fashion’s biggest brands are headquartered. “It’s a fun spot — Rihanna sometimes goes,” says New York City–based fashion writer Andrea Bossi. “Don’t miss the ice cream–stuffed fruit for dessert.” There’s also homemade smoked spaghetti with clams; a drool-worthy raw bar, the Plateau Langosteria, with everything from sea scallops and langoustines to sea truffles and Saint-Vaast oysters; and Mariella Avino’s go-to, the King Crab “alla catalana.” Avino, who starts each meal with a selection of cocktails, also recommends saying hi to Gennaro, the restaurant’s barman. “He’s the best,” she says. Executive Chef Donato Di Giuseppe runs the kitchen.
Photography provided by Bottega Veneta
Shop
This spring, Bottega Veneta debuted its newest boutique in Milan’s Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II shopping center. Designed by the luxury Italian fashion house’s creative director, Matthieu Blazy, the two-story store features a sumptuous mix of textures, like green Verde Saint Denis marble paired with Italian walnut and leather seating atop wool carpeting. While the retail concept will offer apparel and home goods, the real draw is the fashion accessories. The fashion set have adopted Bottega’s Jodie as 2024’s It carryall, thanks to its minimal blend of the brand’s famed intrecciato construction (woven leather strips) and signature knot — available in 57 unique interpretations. A newish launch is the Andiamo, a boxy bag with knot hardware that’s been spotted on supermodel Hailey Bieber, Academy Award–winning actress Michelle Yeoh and actor Jacob Elordi (of Saltburn and Euphoria).
Photography provided by Fondazione Prada
Do
Rumored to be a favorite of supermodel Kendall Jenner, Fondazione Prada also makes Petrarca’s list when she’s seeking “something other than fashion” — even though the cultural institution, designed by renowned Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, was founded by none other than Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli. From now until October 14, catch Miranda July: New Society, the first solo museum exhibition dedicated to the American film director and screenwriter’s work. Curated by Mia Locks, the show explores July’s works starting from the nineties (think 1998’s Love Diamond) up to 2015’s New Society. And don’t miss Fondazione Prada’s Haunted House, a building within the arts and culture center, gilded in 24-karat gold leaf. Be forewarned: You’ll have to climb a few sets of steep stairs for access to a permanent installation by American sculptor Robert Gober in conversation with French-American artist Louise Bourgeois. The ascent is worth the cardio.
Photography provided by Mudec
Dine
A self-described foodie, Avino says one of her “absolute favorite” restaurants is Mudec, the three-Michelin-starred spot on the third floor of the Museum of Cultures in the Tortona design district. “The museum setting is one of a kind,” she says. Led by Enrico Bartolini, who has been awarded more Michelin stars for his restaurants in Italy than any other chef, Mudec is a “pure gastronomic experience,” says Avino. Choose from two nine-course tasting menus crafted by Executive Chef Davide Boglioli: the “best of” or the “Mudec experience.” In the latter, enjoy white asparagus with orange blossoms and Parmesan cheese; seaweed-crusted turbot with beets and sea snails; and veal sweetbreads with curry, mastiha (a liqueur made from a piney resin) and carrots. Pro tip: The supplementary wine pairing, supported by sommelier Edoardo Jobet Monett, is a can’t-miss.
Photography provided by Four Seasons Hotel Milano
Stay
The Four Seasons Hotel Milano recently underwent a six-month renovation featuring interiors conceptualized by designer and architect Patricia Urquiola. Housed in a 15th-century convent, the property sits just steps from the Duomo in Milan’s fashion district. Shopaholics will love the hotel’s shopping concierge service, which includes breakfast in bed, personal shopping services, custom shopping itineraries with insider recommendations, purchases delivered directly to your room and in-room spa treatments for weary buyers. “We spent afternoons in the courtyard enjoying Aperol spritzes and snacks,” says Bing, who stayed at the property last summer with her husband and two kids. The garden, reimagined by landscape architect and agronomist Flavio Pollano, boasts a noteworthy raw bar and outdoor DJ sets during the warmer months.
