RAINE MAGAZINE Volume 9 | Fashion & Style

Between the high heels, designer outfits, ornate sculptures, colorful windowpanes, intimate stone streets, and the grand piazzas, Milan’s fame in the
fashion world comes as no surprise to visitors. Thanks in part to its own Fashion Week, this stylish, high-class metropolis located in northern Italy, brings
in world-renowned designers, models, celebrities, and journalists twice a year. While this haute couture can certainly seem exclusive to the everyday
tourist, the city and restaurants maintain the typical Italian values of hospitality and quality in order to provide a warm, welcoming and authentic
environment to visitors of all types. So, don’t be afraid to experience Milan the way the Italians do – in vogue!
EAT:
Trattoria Bagutta, Via Bagutta 14, Milan, Italy | Open:
Noon to 3pm and 7pm to midnight | Accepts all
credit cards | http://www.todine.net/bagutta/index.
html
Situated in the historical center of Milan, the
Trattoria Bagutta is only half a mile from the city’s
main square, Piazza del Duomo. This trattoria,
with its rustic, artsy atmosphere, was founded in
1924 and has attracted everyone from painters,
publishers, and top models, performers and poets
to businessmen, doctors, lawyers, engineers and
politicians – it’s even the home of the first Italian
Literary Award! Everything from small works to
wall-sized paintings line the walls, floor to ceiling,
corner to corner, in each of the dining rooms,
giving the place a creative vibe. Outdoor dining
in a chic and beautiful garden is available in the
summertime and warmer weather seasons. The
food, while expensive to some, is typically priced for
an authentic, sit-down Italian restaurant that offers
appetizers, primi piatti (first course pasta dishes),
secondi dishes (“second/main course” – usually
meats, seafoods), desserts and drinks. With all those
options, the bill will easily reach 50+ euros, even for
one. The menu at Trattoria Bagutta changes daily and
features seasonal agriculture and typical regional
dishes of the Toscana style. With its rich history,
fantastic location, intimate feeling, and ever-changing
food, it is the perfect place to stop for lunch or
dinner while sightseeing in downtown Milan.
STAY:
Hotel Straf, Via San Raffaele 3, 20121 Milan, Italy |
http://www.straf.it/
Whether visiting Milan for business or to discover
the latest in Italian fashion, Hotel Straf’s classy, ultramodern
design will be the perfect combination
of chic and relaxing. This four-star hotel, located
just off the Piazza del Duomo, is surrounded by
Milan’s main attractions, classy restaurants, classical
Italian architecture, and high-fashion. Each of the
hotel’s 64 rooms includes a mini-bar, satellite
television on LCD TVs, high-speed Internet access,
air conditioning, telephone with voicemail, and
a laptop-size safe. The Straf has several specialty
rooms centered on ‘well-being’ or ‘relaxing’ which
offer massage arm-chairs, aromatherapy, and
chromotherapy. Two suites and an executive room
with private terraces looking over the Duomo can
also be reserved. Dine and drink throughout the
day and night in the hotel’s own trendy bar and
restaurant. The look of the rooms and restaurant
feature all the elements of color, shape, and lines
of modern design trends. This lavish hotel, which
is definitely not for the budget-traveler, continually
creates extremely satisfied customers and
exemplifies Milan’s hip, fashion-oriented feel.
CHILL:
10 Corso Como, Milan | http://www.10corsocomo.
com/
Le Biciclette: Ristorante and Art Bar, Via Conca del
Naviglio 10, 20123 Milano | http://www.lebiciclette.
eu/ENG/
When looking for a place to chill out in the
afternoon/evening, as well as after dinner, try either
Le Biciclette, located not far from the Basilica di
San Lorenzo Maggiore alle Colonne, or 10 Corso
Como, located to the north, near the Garibaldi
train station, between the Parco Sempione and the
Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli. Le Biciclette,
a bar, restaurant, and club, is a three-in-one that
features monthly modern art exhibits and so-called
“hi-tech” and “minimalist” furniture, which lends
itself to a relaxing, yet trendy atmosphere. It’s a
great place to enjoy fancy cocktails, and to kick
back and enjoy “la dolce vita!” While 10 Corso
Como also offers a restaurant, it is known for its
flea market and unique but traditional courtyard
garden area. While there, one can also adore its
contemporary gallery, chic rooftop sculpture
garden/hang out area, modern furniture, and
bookstore. This place is really an all-in-one, where
visitors can easily spend the whole afternoon and
night – especially thanks to its proximity to popular
nighttime neighborhoods filled with bars and
nightclubs. 10 Corso Comor gives the option from
going from the gallery, shop, bookstore to the café,
all before or after experiencing the aperitivo and
dining in the restaurant. The café is also popular for
its non-alcoholic options, such as teas and other
drinks. No worries, either place is great for afterdinner
drinks with their fun lights and mixed crowds
providing a fun and hip atmosphere.
Raine Magazine - Volume 9
Written by Caylena Cahill
Photo Credit: Caylena Cahill
25