Fashion month is upon us and wherever you look there are hundreds of city guides dedicated to fashion capital Paris, including our own guide ‘ Paris Is Always A Good Idea‘. But Milan, housing the boldest brands in fashion such as Versace, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana, is not to be overlooked. So we took it upon ourselves to assemble the favourite hangouts of the fashion insiders for you below.
Pasticceria Marchesi at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele Shopping Centre
Pasticceria Marchesi
With matcha coloured walls and a retro interior, Paticceria Marchesi is every fashion girl’s pit stop in between the shows. You can gawk at the exquisitely handmade tarts and bonbons on display but don’t forget to taste some too. Partially owned by Prada since 2016, the pastry store is conveniently located within the famous shopping mall Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, right atop the Men’s Prada store. Getting your sugar and tea fix became that much easier!
Address: Corso Vittoria Emanuele II, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Bice
Next stop is the family- run Italian restaurant Bice, where they serve the most delicious risottos and tiramisu. An institution since 1939, Bice has a history of catering to the fashion and football scene and is a must visit for anyone who loves to indulge in traditional Italian ‘cucina’. Besides, if the food doesn’t transport you back in time already the classic décor with red tartan carpets certainly will. Buon appetito!
Address: Via Borgospesso, 12, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Restaurant Bice 
The Bulgari Resort in Milan
Bulgari Hotel
The Four Seasons may be perfectly situated to go on a shopping spree and also the place where all the fashion editors flock to but what if you want to get away from the fashion week hysteria and recharge your batteries? Then the Bulgari Hotel and Spa is your choice; located in an 18th- century palazzo adjacent to a beautiful botanical garden in downtown Milan. The indoor mosaic pool and hammam of the luxury hotel will make sure you forget you are in the middle of a busy city. Book a tailored treatment or a signature facial and expect to be pampered.
Address: Via Privata Fratelli Gabba, 7, Milan, 20121, Italy
10 Corso Como Store
10 Corso Como
Milan is famous for its fashion boutiques and specialty stores but nothing is quite as unique as 10 Corso Como, which is a stylish hybrid of a hotel, luxury concept store and restaurant. Founded by Carla Sozzani, sister of late Vogue Italia editor Franca Sozzani, the range includes everything from haute couture to candles and books. It’s impossible to leave empty handed so after splashing the cash on Alaïa and Lanvin make sure to wind down with a coffee or lunch in the greenery of the courtyard restaurant. Not to be missed: The Carla Sozzani Photo Gallery, right up the stairs from the courtyard.
Address: Corso Como, 10, 20154 Milano MI, Italy
Armani Silos & Palazzo Morando
For a fashion history lesson in between shows, visit the Palazzo Morando on the Fashion District’s doorstep; a place where many aristocratic families lived throughout the years and where you can now find extensive vintage clothes collection on display in the18th century rooms. To indulge in more modern architecture and design, head to the Armani/ Silos which celebrates the designer’s 40 years in fashion with over 600 outfits!
Address: Palazzo Morando, Via Sant’Andrea, 6, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Address: Armani/ Silos, Via Bergogne, 40, 20144 Milano MI, Italy
Villa d’Este Gardens, Cernobbio
Villa d’Este, Lake Como
Thinking about skipping Paris Fashion Week altogether and immersing yourself in absolute escapism? Less than an hour away from Milan, Villa d’Este on the picturesque Lake Como is the perfect getaway from the fashion fatigue. Fittingly referred to as ‘ heaven on earth’, the Renaissance style hotel and 25-hectare garden is reminiscent of non other than Versailles itself! Rent one of the four private villas for the ultimate luxury experience and you might not want to leave…Ever! Don’t say we didn’t warn you..
Address: Via Regina, 40, 22012 Cernobbio CO, Italy
The list goes on so here is a quick breakdown of a few more hotspots you shouldn’t miss: if you are a sweet tooth just like us, then don’t skip Il Massimo del Gelato who serves the best gelato in town. They do all the classic flavours on a gorgeous chocolate foundation- can you ever visit Italy without trying all the delicious gelato? Didn’t think so! Next, go to the spot where all fashion editors host their dinner parties and try the famous fruit tarts in the stylish setting of the Giacomo Bistrot, where all the walls are lined with leather-bound books. The perfect ending to Milan fashion week is an evening at Ceresio 7, the exclusive rooftop bar of design duo Dsquared2. All that’s left is to enjoy your aperitivo and the beautiful views over Milan.
Address: Il Massimo del Gelato, Via Lodovico Castelvetro, 18, 20154 Milano MI, Italy
Address: Giacomo Bistrot, Via Pasquale Sottocorno, 6, 20129 Milano MI, Italy
Address: Ceresio 7, Via Ceresio, 7, 20154 Milano MI, Italy
Giacomo Bistrot in Milan 
Rooftop Terrace at Ceresio 7
