where now <strong>Milan</strong> The month’s top entertainment, dining and arts ARMANI BILL-BOARD, VIA CUSANI, BRERA DISTRICT - PHOTO © DE LUNA
» FOCUS <strong>Milan</strong> Fashion City The Gold Restaurant by Dolce & Gabbana <strong>Milan</strong> is home to the most famous designer brands in the world. One of its most important districts is known as the “Quadrilatero della moda” (The Fashion Quad). Together with Paris, the city hosts the most important, eagerly awaited and celebrated fashion shows on the planet. In <strong>Milan</strong>, seeing gazelle-limbed models strolling down the street, “book” in hand, is a totally commonplace occurrence. Every area of <strong>Milan</strong>ese life speaks of fashion; it is so deeply embedded in its DNA that you can start your day with brunch at Trussardi, continue with a massage at Bulgari or Moschino, decide whether to root for Armani on the basketball court or enjoy an exhibition at Fondazione Prada, dine at Dolce & Gabbana and end the evening dancing the night away at Just Cavalli. Fashion is everywhere. <strong>Milan</strong>: International capital of Fashion and Design Under the umbrella of the <strong>Milan</strong>o Fashion City brand there lies a complex project involving a full agenda of high profile events in unusual and surprising locations. The <strong>Milan</strong> Chamber of Commerce and Promos, its associate, which promotes <strong>Milan</strong> throughout the world, has created a network of links to the world of fashion involving over 45 other institutions. Following the success of its September 2010 launch, February and September 2011 have been scheduled as the next dates for international guests in <strong>Milan</strong>. www.milanofashioncity.com • Giorgio Armani, the founding father King Giorgio deserves a separate chapter on account of having transformed his space in via Manzoni, 31 (www.armaniviamanzoni31.it) into a real superstore of luxury. He owns an entire palazzo, extending over 8 thousand square metres on eight floors, which houses the world according to Armani: from flowers to books, from candies to homeware. Armani also owns a restaurant, the ultra-sophisticated Japanese Armani/Nobu venue (p. 46) and a discotheque bearing the eloquent name of Armani/Privé (p. 66), obviously spilling over with VIPs and supermodels. And, if this were not enough! For the past six years, the designer has sponsored <strong>Milan</strong>’s historic basket ball team which is now called Armani Jeans Olimpia <strong>Milan</strong>o (www.olimpiamilano.com). If you’re interested in seeing the team play, its home is at the Palalido. • Designer relaxation If you feel like treating yourself to a rejuvenating body and mind experience with a beauty treatment, then <strong>Milan</strong> is the place to be. It offers a number of absolutely fantastic glam spas, among which, worth particular note are Bulgari Resort (p. 67), set within the Bulgari hotel in the heart of Brera, the Culti Spa at Maison Moschino (p. 60), also part of a theme hotel entirely given over to design. The Bulgari Resort • Feeding on fashion When it comes to restaurants, cafés and dinner clubs, you will be totally spoilt for choice. In addition to the aforementioned Armani/Nobu, you can choose Trussardi, also the owner of an entire palazzo in piazza della Scala hosting the eponymous restaurant (p. 47) and the Café Trussardi (p. 61), renowned for its aperitivo. Or, then again, there’s Gold, “the first concept restaurant by Dolce & Gabbana”, dedicated to the pleasure of the senses (www. dolcegabbana.it/gold). Conversely, you could opt to dine and dance at Just Cavalli Hollywood (p. 66), a dinner club and a world-class venue for VIP watching. The Café Trussardi • Design in all senses Although <strong>Milan</strong>’s creative reputation is usually linked to fashion, design also features big on the <strong>Milan</strong>ese scene. Almost all the most important designers have signed a home collection, every example of which can be found in <strong>Milan</strong> and many of which are gathered in the “design supermarket” of La Rinascente (p. 27): from Versace with its interior design to Missoni renowed for its wonderful carpets right up to Valentino who signs priceless flatware and Etro who plays with colours. • Handing down the tradition of beauty Modern patrons of the arts, many designers support and sponsor young emerging talents and cultural initiatives of all types. One in particular is the Fondazione Prada (p. 74) which, since 1993, has regularly hosted important contemporary art exhibitions. www.wheretraveler.com
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