Bulgari Hotel Milano
Starting today, the beautiful minds of the global design community will merge with the most exquisite Italian design brands for a conclave of sheer design nirvana.
Milan once served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire and today, the fashionable city serves as home to both historical ancient architecture and modern, city high-rise buildings, serving as Italy’s fashion and financial epicenter. Base to so many of the world’s most acclaimed design brands, Milan proudly launches Milan Design Week today, and we simply can’t wait to see it all!
To get you in the mood for all that Italian-design deliciousness, here’s our quick guide to where to go, where to dine and what to do while you’re in the fashionable city. And, stay tuned for our round-up of faves following this fabulous week.
And, stay tuned for our round-up of faves following this fabulous week.
OUR FAVES | HOTELS
Hotel Principe de Savoia
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Hotel Principe de Savoia
Attentive service and authentic Italian charm are hallmark to luxury hotel where rooms boast Old World elegant interiors with super modern accents. Do dress for breakfast as it’s served at the highest of style.
Bulgari Hotel Milano
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Bulgari Hotel Milano
We love this hotel so much that we’d like to take up residence, and if we did, we’d spend every morning and evening in our favorite spot, Il Giardino, the stylish see-and-be-seen outdoor terrace surrounding by perfectly manicured hedge walls and impeccable lighting
Four Seasons Milano
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Four Seasons Milano
When we stayed there, we booked the Fashion Suite Private Terrace which was exquisitely modern. Make a reservation for Sunday brunch and do not miss the Chocolate Room that features almost 700 pounds of chocolate used to create a themed-set for Sunday Brunches—no less than 300 hours to create.
OUR FAVES | DINING
The Café at 10 Corso Como
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
The Café at 10 Corso Como
Former fashion editor Carla Sozzani has imagined a living magazine in a concept shop people are calling radical retail where food, fashion, music, art and lifestyle merge with culture and commerce in one cool spot. Enjoy the innovative menu in the café.
La Veranda at The Four Seasons
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
La Veranda at The Four Seasons
Indulge romance in this garden setting for one of Milan’s best gourmet restaurants. The menu features Mediterranean-inspired, Italian dishes with locally sourced produce like figs and olives.
Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia
This family restaurant, run by Aimo and Nadia, has become one of the top restaurants in Milan, and boasts not one, but two Michelin stars. The tasting menu is a virtual journey of Tuscan cuisine paired with impeccable service.
This family restaurant, run by Aimo and Nadia, has become one of the top restaurants in Milan, and boasts not one, but two Michelin stars.
Terrazza Boscolo
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Terrazza Boscolo
This 8th-floor rooftop terrace bar and restaurant is at the top of the luxury hotel Palazzo Matteotti. Even though it’s located just behind The Duomo and above the central piazza, we felt tranquil and above it all. The tables are set with white linen, and greenery on the terrace creates a somewhat private experience for basking in the Milan skyline; view of The Duomo truly iconic.
Terrazza Triennnale
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Terrazza Triennale
Located over the La Triennale di Milano museum of design museum, the modern glass and steel space is suspended over the Parco Sempione with a spectacular view of the Castello Sforzesco. Enjoy truly delicious cuisine prepared by Michelin-starred chef Stefano Cerveni, who is passionate about his Italian roots and high-quality ingredients.
OUR FAVES | NIGHT LIFE
Ceresio 7
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Ceresio 7
This hip night spot is a restaurant with a super hip pool scene that serves as a club at night. The Milan design dna is high as the twin brothers behind Canadian fashion house DSquared own it and worked with Dimore Studio to create an eclectic, sophisticated interior.
Just Cavalli Club
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Just Cavalli Club
Fashion meets fun in this restaurant club inspired by the amazing Roberto Cavalli who takes the party, like his fashions, to the next level. Be sure to dress to impress to get beyond the velvet rope.
The Botanical
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
The Botanical
Milan’s first microdistillery, with the largest selection of gin in town. The chef favors botanicals, spices and interesting culinary herbs for the cuisine featuring small dishes.
OUR FAVES | LUXURY SHOPPING
Photo by Sorbis / Shutterstock
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Via Montenapoleone
Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga are among the most notable luxury shopping districts in the world, and the charm of Milan architecture along with the home-town advantage of the industry’s top designers—Prada, Dolce Gabbana, Versace, Roberto Cavalli—make shopping where it’s created a memorable experience.
Photo by S-F / Shutterstock
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Gallerie Vittorio Emanuele
For a more historical, even opulent approach to luxury shopping, all your favorite brands are in this ornate arcade known as Italy’s oldest shopping mall built in the mid 1860s that stands as a major landmark. The Galleria is named after the first king of the Kingdom of Italy. It connects Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Scala.
OUR FAVES | TO DO
Photo by Shutterstock
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Sights to Visit
The Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral and the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, housing Leonardo da Vinci’s mural “The Last Supper,” testify to centuries of art and culture. Not far away, the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology shares the story of innovation and invention by this great notable of the history books. On your walking tour of this area, you’ll come upon Sforzesco Castle, a 15th-Century medieval fortress built for the Duke of Milan, showcasing art, beautiful grounds and gardens. Architecture buffs and theatre aficionados alike will love Teatro alla Scala grand opera house with its stunning interiors and impressive schedule of performers. Don’t miss spending time at Pinacoteca, a fine-art gallery located in the Palazzo Brera with impressive and notable art by Raphael, Bellini and Correggio.
The Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral and the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, housing Leonardo da Vinci’s mural “The Last Supper,” testify to centuries of art and culture.
FAVES | WHY YOU ARE HERE
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Brera Design District
Brera Design District is a charming design district located to the north of The Duomo between Borgonuovo and Broletto. The Bohemian vibe is fueled by artists and design galleries. It’s a great place to admire architecture, enjoy walking on streets hundreds of years old and grab a bite in a quant bistro off the cobblestone streets. This is the week to be here and explore all the new design week Milan has to offer. You’ll never see it all, but you’ll try, and you’ll love every minute.