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Milan Fashion Week starts tomorrow, and fashion's finest (in their finery) are soon to be seen dashing between shows for Prada, Missoni, and Armani. Though downtime doesn't come easy, there are plenty of can't-miss spots in Italy's fashion capital worth checking out. We asked Milan-based writer, editor, and founder of the site La Double J to give us the intel on where to escape the fashion week crowds (while still remaining perfectly fashionable) in Milan.
Fondazione Prada
Good things come to those who wait, and in this case Milan finally has a vast culture compound that puts the city in the global contemporary art big leagues. Expertly exhibited across 17 striking buildings designed by Rem Koolhaas, the Fondazione Prada (Prada Foundation) features hundreds of modern and contemporary artworks from Miuccia Prada and her husband Patrizio Bartelli’s private collection, including Damien Hirst, Louise Bourgeois, and Robert Gober, as well as pieces on loan from international art institutions. If wandering around the 19,000 square meters leaves you in need of fuel, enjoy an espresso (or cocktail) and a toasted panini at the Wes Anderson-designed canteen modeled on an old-school Milanese café, Bar Luce.
Museo Vigna di Leonardo
One of the most prestigious addresses in Milan, the Museo Vigna di Leonardo finally opened to the public this year. This hot spot is where the great master Da Vinci lived while painting “The Last Supper” and where remnants of his vineyard were recently uncovered. Famed mid-century Milanese architect Piero Portaluppi restored the property in the 19th century, and this year saw the first re-planting of the grape that Leonardo himself used.
Nilufar Depot
What was once an oversized ex-industrial space that kept Milan Design Empress Nina Yashar’s most treasured overflow of design loot is now Nilufar Depot, a full-on, full-sized three-story exhibition and display space spanning 1,500 square meters. Off the beaten track but well worth the trek from the city center, it will satisfy both art and design palettes that appreciate the greats like Gio Ponti and Ettore Sotsass as well as newer stars such as Martino Gamper and Massimiliano Locatelli. More central is Yashar’s beloved mainstay spot on Via Della Spiga 32, with a more limited but still brilliantly curated selection.
Mudec
Hurrah! A proper meeting-and-eating spot finally comes to Zona Tortona, presenting top-notch, beautifully designed interiors and a stellar cocktail bar on the penthouse level of Milan’s new culture museum. Mudec (Museo delle Culture) has more than just looks, though: The on-site restaurant run by the folks at Da Giacomo is perfect for a business lunch or dinner. If you’re in a rush, try the casual café downstairs.
Marchesi
The oldest original café in Milan—a beacon of Milanese propriety and (edible) excellence— Pasticceria Marchesihas opened its second location in the heart of the city’s shopping center, thanks to Prada, its new owner. Expect the same traditional spirit and impeccable quality as the original, with the advantage of finally sitting down at a proper table to enjoy your frothy cappuccino, light lunch and evening Aperol spritz.
Pacifico
Finally, a spot hip enough even if you only want a cocktail. We recommend the classic Caiprinha at Pacifico, which makes a perfect companion for the inventive Peruvian-inspired food. (The ceviche-cum-dim-sum is a great alternative to all the pasta and osso bucco that dominate restaurant menus.) The colorful, jungle-inspired décor will make you feel like you’re the girl (or boy) in Ipanema.
GONG
Sick of pasta? Head to GONG. This sleek spot near Dolce & Gabbana’s headquarters offers an Asian-inspired menu. The Japanese chef reinvents traditional Chinese and Italian dishes—we love the Wagyu Carpaccio and the insalata caprese made with tofu, ideal for the vegetarians.
Mandarin Oriental Bar
Milan has a loyal following when it comes to luxe accommodation but just as new seasons welcome new designers, there’s another player in the luxury hotel game. We love the new Mandarin Oriental, Milan not just for the clean design but for the bar, set to become the new late-night hot spot in town. Delicious cocktails and bouncing DJ sets— all enjoyed in the lush garden—will make you feel miles outside of the city.
Society
Those convinced that a good night’s sleep is as crucial to the anti-aging process as a good night cream should head over to Society, where you can own the same linens and bedding preferred by the chicest women (and men) in Milan. There’s a super soft range of bath towels and throw blankets to boot. They're perfect for post-Fashion Month Netflix marathons on the sofa—just be prepared for sticker shock.
Pupi Solari
Every Milanese wardrobe has something from Octogenarian oracle Pupi Solari’s eponymous shop, which includes closet staples from Massimo Alba and Alberto Biani and the favorite of the city’s social set: Aspesi. Visit the other two jewels in Solari’s crown: Host, for men, and her children’s shop under the Solari name proves good dressing in this town starts at a very young age.
Biffi
Since the 1960s when the Biffi sisters first opened their boutiques, the most buttoned-up and sartorial Milanese come here for a highly curated selection of niche Italian labels and a selection of international brands including Stella McCartney, Lanvin, and Marni.
Antica Barberia Colla
Only the elegance of the nearby La Scala could rival the super sophisticated barbershop Antica Barberia Colla. All products, from shampoos and shaving creams, are made in-house and specially selected for every customer. Clean-shaven men will wish they had a beard so they could experience the old-fashioned hot shave exactly as it was 100 years ago.
