Sleep, Eat, Drink, and Party All Year Long at These Milan Fashion Week Hot Spots
All eyes are on Italy, as the most prominent members of the fashion world attend designers’ Spring 2020 presentations during Milan Fashion Week (Sept. 18-24). We’re especially excited because an international audience gets to experience the city, culture, and glamour that surround and inspire our partner boutiques. To help get you into the spirit, we asked our pool of buyers which shows they’re eagerly anticipating, plus we got the scoop on where to sleep, eat, drink, and party while there. No matter what time of year you visit Milan, you can check out our insiders’ Milan Fashion Week hot spots.
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It goes without saying that we’re looking forward to seeing what fashion powerhouses Gucci, Prada, and Fendi have in store. The buyers from our pool of boutiques are also excited about Etro, GCDS, Missoni and MSGM’s collections.
Having recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, family-owned brand, Etro epitomizes Milanese heritage with its artisanal textiles and casual elegance. We can’t wait to see how the brand makes fresh use of its classic paisleys. Missoni, another iconic family-owned Italian label, is known for its timeless zig-zag and space-dyed knits, and this season is sure to present fresh iterations that wow the jet-set. Meanwhile, bright, youthful brand, MSGM focuses as much on fun as it does on well-tailored function, and it’s sure to offer plenty of options for trendseekers. Then there’s GCDS, and its luxury streetwear. Previous seasons were logo-heavy and full of fluorescent colors; we can only imagine what new treats the brand will present for our inner hype beasts.
Stay at these luxury hotels
If you’re participating in the Milan Fashion Week frenzy, you’ll want to balance it with a hotel that guarantees restful sleep and plentiful amenities. Our buyers’ favorite hotels run the gamut from old-school opulence to modern minimalism, and the Armani Hotel Milano bridges that gap. Housed in an historic building from the 1930s, the hotel is known for its rooftop spa, Giorgio Armani-designed rooms and suites, and its exemplary attention to detail. The Magna Pars Suites also ranks high on our buyers’ lists. This hotel à parfum is owned by a family of perfumers, so scent plays a key role—to the point that each suite has its own signature fragrance. There’s also an on-premise perfume laboratory so guests can take home a whiff of the olfactory magic. The decor at the Hotel Principe di Savoia, built in 1927, is a glamorous mix of classic Italian and art deco. However, its amenities are the cutting edge of modernity. In addition to a spa with panoramic views of the city, this hotel also offers Turkish bath services.
Eat and drink at these restaurants
Like other capitals of commerce and fashion, Milan boasts ample options for dining and drinks. However, the well-heeled attendees of fashion week have their favorites. For breakfast, Bar Luce is a top pick, thanks to its instagram-worthy 1950s-inspired decor–and the fact that patrons feel like they’re on a Wes Anderson movie set (he designed Bar Luce in 2015, as a matter of fact). Another favorite, Pasticceria Cucchi, is said to feel like a moment of “la dolce vita” and is best known for its authentic Milanese pastries. At lunch time, head to Ceresio 7, the brainchild of Dsquared2 designers Dean and Dan Caten. If the rooftop view doesn’t wow you, the gourmet light bites will. Giacomo Bistrot is another popular spot for lunch, with its traditional charm and elegant clientele. Still hungry? Enjoy Carlo e Camilla and Locanda Perbellini for dinner. After the shows and before the afterparties, you’ll likely want a cocktail break. LùBar offers a taste of Sicilian life, and N’ombra de Vin’s wine selection is extraordinary.
Party at these Milan Fashion Week hot spots
Speaking of parties, the best ones during Fashion Week are often the afterparties for the various runway presentations. This year, our insiders are eager for the Gucci cocktail party and Vogue Japan’s party.
If you’re not on the guest lists, though, you can still look the part. Italist has this season’s must-have designer styles for 30% less than what you’d pay anywhere else. Shop your favorite Italian designers and have your runway-ready looks delivered right to your door.
Did you miss our New York Fashion Week Hot Spots blog? Our buyers not only predict which Spring/Summer 2020 fashions will be the season’s must-haves, they give you the skinny on their favorite places to eat, drink, stay, and play during Fashion Week — and all year round.
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By: Nafeesa Saboor
Nafeesa is the founder and editor of Shoes N Booze, a blog that pairs shoes with cocktails and provides shoe and cocktail-related tips, trend information, and reviews. Her writing has also been published in The Source Magazine, xoJane, Sisters from AARP and other publications.