Milan Fashion Week (MFW) is underway, with all the gorgeous clothes, wonderful parties and excellent people-watching that comes with it. Whether you’re there now, or visiting Milan anytime soon, why not have your own stylish adventure and live it up like the fashion crowd? So, where you should go and what should you do to see Milan like a fashion editor? As in New York and London, there’s a secret world in Milan where the top fashion designers, models, executives, editors and photographers like to go to unwind after a long day of runway shows and meetings. Here’s how to experience Milan like the pros during fashion week, with 5 hot spots and insider tips on where to go to eat, hang out and stay like a style boss.
insider tips for Milan Fashion Week
Is there anything more fashionable than attending Milan Fashion Week? Well, probably being a celebrity or model at Milan Fashion Week. But just observing it ain’t too bad either. It is arguably the fashion and shopping capital of the world, after all.
How to experience Milan like a fashion week editor, including where to stay, eat and hang out. The Galleria. Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
And when you aren’t staring at the beautiful people, you can stare at the gorgeous architecture. This year Milan Fashion Week is host to over 50 catwalk shows, including some of the biggest fashion houses in the world. Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and Giorgio Armani, to name a few.
If you’re hoping to do some celebrity-spotting, or just planning to live it up like a fashion editor, where do top fashion designers, models, executives, editors and photographers like to go to unwind in Milan? We’ve got answers. Here are 5 hot spots where you can experience Milan like the pros during fashion week, with insider tips on where to go to eat, hang out and stay.
How to experience Milan like a fashion week editor, including where to stay, eat and hang out. The rooftop of the Duomo cathedral. Photo Credit: Envato Elements.
5 Hot Spots to Experience Milan like a Fashion Editor
1. Urban Hive
Well, first you need the perfect hotel. The Old School fashion insiders may still check into the Hotel Principe di Savoia, a marvelous 5-star hotel that’s part of the Dorchester collection.
But if you want something new, small and chic, Urban Hive is it. The property was formerly the Carlyle Brera. Now, its the newly-renovated Urban Hive Milano. The boutique hotel comes complete with rooms centered around a guest’s specific needs. Such as the “Taylor Made,” which is all about quality sound devices (is it named for Taylor Swift?).
Guests can also choose a pillow menu for the perfect night’s rest (falling right in line with the sleep tourism trend.) And the aesthetics are bellissimo! Terracotta pink infuses beautifully with the greens and blues. You won’t want to leave.
2. Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia
There are many fabulous eateries in the heart of Milan – and many can dazzle with the signature Milanese dish, saffron rice. But sometimes the best meal is the one off the beaten path. Though it is on the outskirts of Milan, Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia still lures the fashion week elite. If you want classic Italian fare in a gorgeous 1930s villa, this is the place.
3. Da Giacomo
If you want to be noticed, you go to Da Giacomo. Just be forewarned, it is really tough to get a table, and there is no reservation for this charming haunt. It’s not the fanciest boîte in town, but it has become a staple for the fashion crowd. Try snagging a table outside.
4. Portrait Milano hotel
Unsurprisingly, there are several chic hotels in town that are owned, operated or in some way associated with legendary fashion names. For example, there’s an Armani Hotel. And Just Cavalli Milano.
Consider something a little more current, though, and go to the new Portrait Milano hotel. It’s operated by the Ferragamo family. Yup, that Ferragamo. The former seminary is now a 73-room luxury hotel right in the heart of the fashion district.
Apparently, fashion was just one of the industries the Ferragamo family was involved in. Hospitality and hotels was another (they also have properties in Rome and Florence.) The 200,000-square-foot building was built in 1564, so as you can imagine, IT IS STUNNING. For a true fashion devotee, this is a must-stay place. Each season the property is host to several fashion presentations and afterparties, with the likes of Naomi Campbell in attendance.
5. “Andy Warhol. La pubblicità della forma” exhibit
There isn’t a name more synonymous with the confluence of art and fashion than Andy Warhol. If you happen to be in Milan right now, you can see an incredibly rich and in-depth look at his work. This exhibit features 300 works, and also takes visitors on a journey through Warhol’s views on consumerism and celebrity fascination (Marilyn Monroe makes several appearances).
The exhibition is promoted and produced by Comune di Milano – Cultura e Navigare. It is curated by Achille Bonito Oliva with Edoardo Falcioni per Art Motors, Partners BMW and Hublot. It will be held in Fabbrica del Vapore in the Chinatown district.
live Milan like a Fashion Editor at the right hot spots
Whether you go for Fashion Week, vacation or a business trip, that’s our take on how to experience Milan like a fashion pro during MFW, with insider tips on where to eat, hang out and stay like a true style influencer. See you on Via Montenapoleone, dear reader.
