Silvia Marchetti
DEDICATED FOLLOWERS OF FASHION • January 2016
The shopaholic’s guide to Milan
Milan is a fashion hunter’s holy grail, luring ‘parachute shoppers’ who jump on a plane and come for one day, especially during January’s sale season. The Club asked travel writer Silvia Marchetti for top shopping spots when time is at a premium
In search of: Shoes
Where: Vergelio
Located on the fashion stronghold of Corso Buenos Aires, Vergelio is the go-to store for Milanese shoe collectors. If you don’t have at least one of its handmade models in your wardrobe, your fashion repertoire is sadly lacking. Icons include Chloé boots and the timeless black-and-red taupe pumps from Marilena, which also come in stripy zebra and tiger print. For once, even high heels are comfortable.
In search of: Snappy menswear
Where: Sartoria Rossi
This boutique is the epitome of what makes Italian style unique: the love for custom-made clothes, and a blend of sophistication and casual chic. Everything is made by hand in Tuscany, and individually tailored for the customer. Flannel trousers, elegant suits, jackets, shirts and even ties come in different colour combinations and high-quality fabrics. Located in front of the cathedral.
In search of: Handbag heaven
Where: Plinio Visonà
An understated store just outside the lavishly decorated Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, this is a treasure trove for bag booty. This year’s must-haves include the black-and-brown ‘Diana Crazy Patch’ with a checked motif, and the ‘Aurora’ featuring a mock crocodile-skin texture.
In search of: Jewels
Where: Sharra Pagano
The Brera district, famous for vibrant art galleries and bohemian bistros, is the perfect setting for this fashionable gem shop. Here you can blow the budget on the same jewels seen dripping off catwalk models. Think gold (or silver) with sparkling gemstones. Top items include an African tribal-style necklace with crystals and a twisted golden bracelet.
In search of: The shock factor
Where: Just Cavalli
Crazily coloured biker jackets, jungle print shirts and skin-tight trousers are imprisoned in metallic cages suspended in mid-air across this remarkable store. Iron mannequins perch on tiger-skin sofas covered in marble print dresses and bikinis. Enjoy window shopping, if nothing else.
In search of: A cashmere soft spot
Where: Brunello Cucinelli
Considered the King of Cashmere, this Umbrian fashion designer’s trademark items are his jumpers, cardigans and scarfs made from natural fibres. You can also fill your suitcase with cashmere cushions and candleholders. And if you overspend, your conscience might be eased knowing 20 per cent of profits go to good causes.
In search of: A hunting ground for hats
Where: Cappelleria Mutinelli
This is the place to come for the finest hats in Milan. The boutique has been handed down through generations of milliners since 1888 and the result is hats made from the highest quality felt, wool, hemp and leather. The most exclusive is the Sicilian coppola, a type of beret traditionally worn by the mafiosi.
This article has been tagged Fashion + Style, Destination