Italy’s fashion capital is known globally for its design eye and haute couture catwalks. But beyond the high-end fashion houses, Milan is bustling with a luxurious range of eclectic and independent stores and multi-purpose shopping spaces. From furniture and design objects to clothing and jewellery, here are some of the hottest addresses in town. By Maria Pasquale
Fashion, Leather, Accessories
Osanna E Madina Visconti Di Modrone
In their pretty courtyard space, Osanna and her daughter Madina handcraft necklaces and headbands and recently started a collection of small bespoke pieces of furniture. Romantically inspired by plants and flowers, their works are made with non-precious metals and other materials. A: Via Santa Marta 13 osannavisconti.com
Premiata
Premiata has been in the shoemaking business since 1885 under the name of Mazza. From elegant leather women’s shoes to trekking boots, their collections remain consistently on the edge of craftsmanship and innovation. The elegant store also features a men and women’s line of leather goods. A: Via Sant’Andrea 17 premiata.it
Rene Caovilla
Rene Caovilla’s journey in shoemaking started in Venice, has seen all the Milan catwalks and worked with brands like Valentino and Dior. His stunning creations, usually jewel encrusted, have gone global with stores in many major cities and the sleek design Milan store is not to be missed. A: Via Bagutta 28 renecaovilla.com
RestelliGuanti
The stylish Milanese love their leather gloves and Restelli have been expertly crafting them for both men and women since 1920. Keep an eye on their site because they announce a pop up store usually in Via Manzoni each year. A: Corso Sempione 84 restelliguanti.it
Calzoleria Volta
The Volta name has been associated with design and crafting of unlined loafers in Milan since 1883. Their collections are fun, colourful and come in a range of styles and materials including leather and suede. They also have a line of shopping and travel bags. A: Via della Spiga 17 calzoleriarivolta.com
NILUFAR GALLERY hosting Bo Montebello
Bo Montebello
Born in Milan, Giancarlo Montebello is one of the world’s leading goldsmiths and jewellery makers. His unique design pieces are inspired by various geometric lines and shapes. Elegant with cool cutting edge designs, pieces include rings, earrings, bracelets and more. A: Via Giovanni Battista Niccoli 27 bomontebello.com
Luisa Beccaria store
Luisa Beccaria
Designs here as self proclaimed by Luisa Beccaria, are inspired by poetry and romance and represent the contemporary female dreamer. Shown on catwalks around the world, her collections range from evening wear in the finest silks, taffeta and tulle to lingerie and even bridal wear. A: Via Formentini 1 luisabeccaria.it
L’arabesque cafè and La Librairie
L’arabesque
L’arabesque
This eclectic concept store and cafe is like a magical treasure trove for all the senses with everything from clothing to vintage and contemporary design objects. Whether you’re a food, art, fashion or design fan, there is a corner of this space that will no doubt delight you. A: Largo Augusto 10 larabesque.net
Serapian
Serapian is a bespoke and luxury Milanese leather brand and over the years, some of their items have been seen in the hands of Audrey Hepburn and Frank Sinatra. The best of Italian craftsmanship and stitching, their collection comprises bags through to luggage. A: Via della Spiga 42 serapian.com
Isole&Vulcani
Cristiano Fini is at the helm of this Italian-made swimwear brand inspired by Sicily’s Aeolian Islands. Mother Daniela Fadda has been designing the island wear collections since 1989 and wife SaràGoldschmied (of Goldschmied& Chiari artist fame) provides artistic direction. They manage an annual pop up store in Filicudi and stock Studio Accanto’s bespoke fabric creations. A: Via Rosolino Pilo 6 isolevulcani.com
Valextra
The luxury Milanese brand which has recently opened stores in China, is famous for its leather bags, sneakers and other plush travel accessories. The Milan flagship store itself is an experience, always the ultimate in design. In fact, it is redesigned each year including recently by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. A: Via Alessandro Manzoni 3 valextra.com
Boutique Serapian
Furniture & Design
Stamberga
Photographer and globetrotter Marco Beretta opened what can only be described as a concept gallery in 2015. The multifunctional venue combines a bookshop and exhibition space and brings together stationary, books, magazines, art and tea. Photography of Beretta’s travels adorn the walls. A: Via Melzo 3 stamberga.it
Nonostantemarras
Designer Antonio Marras has always set trends and his concept store tucked away in a garden courtyard is no different. Enjoy a coffee in the magical garden after you’ve browsed through all the vintage design pieces, furniture, ceramics and some clothing items. A: Via Cola di Rienzo 8 antoniomarras.com
Bottega Ghianda
Bottega Ghianda symbolizes the rebirth of an Italian wood workshop and this dying craft. Find everything big or small here, from handcrafted wooden pillboxes to coffee tables and decorative design pieces. The store itself is a design showstopper with woodwork throughout. A: Via Marco Formentini 9 bottegaghianda.com
Bottega Ghianda Milan Boutique
Gourmet Food Concept
Illy Coffee Concept Store
Milan’s Illy concept store is the Italian coffee house’s inaugural one. A sleek design space with red interiors to match the brand, here take time out to savour coffee with a variety of blends available to taste and sweet and savoury items on the menu for any time of day. A: Via Monte Napoleone 19 illy.com
Zaini Milano
The Zaini family have been making chocolate for over 100 years. Enjoy decadent chocolate and sweet creations at the shop or even a savoury lunch and a cocktail. Take away chocolate delights in a range of shapes and flavours or one their famous gourmet gift hampers. A: Via Carlo de Cristoforis 5 zainimilano.com ◼
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© This article was first published in Oct-Nov 2019 edition of World Travel Magazine.