As an Italian girl with deep family roots in Milan, attending Fashion Week in one of the world’s most iconic fashion capitals was a dream come true. On September 16th, two girls and four overweight bags left for Italy!
In true fashion week style, our first event was only a few hours after we touched down at Milano Malpensa airport. I am so grateful we were able to stay with my grandparents (Nonni), where my Nonna prepared a fabulous post flight meal for us before starting on full glam. I quickly did my hair and makeup and put on a chocolate brown set from mango with a brown coat from LPA, ready to attend our first event: the Kiton show. The event was held at Palazzo Kiton, the brand’s headquarters in the center of Milan. They had transformed their upper floor into an event space with a runway, DJ booth, lush basil and rosemary plants, and multiple pasta and cheese bars. Champagne was flowing and models began walking the runway to showcase Kiton’s women spring /summer 2025 collection. The collection featured vibrant pieces of blue, orange, and pink with luxurious fabrics of silks, suede, and cashmere. Kiton is known for their effortless business style and this collection exuded “Porto Cervo on a yacht” vibes. As much as we wanted to stay and mingle, jet lag won out.
The next morning, Milan greeted us with grey skies. I put on black jeans, a cozy black sweater, and a Missoni trench coat. We took the subway to Centro to see the Duomo and the Galleria, of course. In the Galleria, we attended Prada’s Talk The Talk event, which featured a special campaign with Miranda July. Afterward, we strolled to Via Montenapoleone for a quick lunch at Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone—one of my favorite lunch spots in Milan. Over spritzes and pasta, we recharged before taking some photos and heading to the Sebastian Milano presentation. Sebastian Milano is renowned for blending feminine Italian footwear with art, originally gaining fame for their handmade shoes designed for special events. We visited their beautiful new showroom tucked behind Castello Sforzesco, where we admired their signature heels alongside the limited-edition Enigma collection shoe. This shoe features a braided thread detail, mimicking a horse’s braided mane which is inspired by De Chico’s painting Horse by the Shore. Only 99 pairs are made with each limited edition collection.
The next day was Prada day! While I’m manifesting the opportunity to attend the show one day, we made our way to Fondazione Prada, where the event was taking place, to see everyone’s incredible looks. There is always so much going on outside a big designer fashion show. So many photographers snapping away, drivers, and celebrities and influencers making their way in. I love getting to see everyone’s looks for the show just before they step inside. After taking some photos, we headed back home to City Life for a quick lunch and some gelato. The afternoon was spent catching up on emails, editing content, and catching up on socials. To wrap up the night, we had dinner with my cousins who live in Milan and we visited a piano bar in Brera, where we danced until the next day.
The next morning we slept in, went to get coffee, and get blowouts! Unfortunately we weren’t happy with how the blowouts came out, so next time I’m sticking to the hair salon I know is good. Back at home, we freshened up and fixed our hair before changing outfits and heading to Brera for the Vogue x Audi event. At the event, the RS e-tron GT Performance Audi was on full display, a sleek centerpiece in the charming Brera courtyard. My cousins invited us for dinner so we went over for drinks before heading out to a nightclub.
By this point, we only had one event left for the week, so we took advantage of the free time to explore some new spots. We headed back to Brera for lunch at Casa Fiori Chiari to meet a friend, where the outdoor seating paired perfectly with the beautiful sunny weather and people watching. Afterward, we made our way to Terrazza Duomo 21, a rooftop bar, to enjoy spritzes with an unbeatable view of the Duomo. On the way home we stumbled upon a music festival and then got ready for the Palm Angels event. As the car pulled up to the event, all we saw was fog. Milan is known for having thick fog in the colder months so I thought nothing of it, but when we entered we realized it was the fog machines. The venue itself was breathtaking, designed to resemble an abandoned warehouse with marble columns and arches, the fog amplifying the drama. The DJs were great, and outside, Palm Angels-branded food trucks served guests. And the goodie bags? A Palm Angels tote filled with a stunning Palm Angels coffee table book.
We had made it to what we thought was our last day and started with relaxing massages. It was a Sunday and if you know how Italy is on Sundays almost everything is closed, everything but Chinatown. We walked from massages to brunch in Chinatown which wasn’t exactly a quick walk but we wanted to get our steps in. We then picked up some sweets and flowers for Nonna and ate in a beautiful park. In the evening we had my favorite, pizza and Coca Cola combo (only when I’m in Europe) and ended with gelato. It was the perfect end to the week until we found out that our flight the next morning had been canceled due to strikes. Our only option was getting on a flight with two connections or staying an extra day. Who could say no to an extra day in Milan?
Now we had made it to our actual last day, where we went back to Centro. We stumbled upon a vintage market ate delicious pasta, stopped to get matcha, and then walked around City Life before heading to bed for an early flight the next AM…
Overall, I am incredibly grateful I got to experience Fashion Week in Milan. Having grown up visiting this city every summer, being here now, working and doing what I love, felt truly special. I reconnected with old friends, made new ones, and rediscovered Milan through adult eyes, falling in love with it all over again.
If you’re planning a trip to Milan, I’ve compiled a list of the places we ate, explored, and loved during this unforgettable week and where I recommend you go.
EATS
Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone: Located in Via Santo Spirito, right off of Via Monte Napoleone is one of my favorite lunch spots. It opened in 1957 and is known for their homemade pasta and historic setting in Palazzo Bagatti Valsecchi. I recommend sitting in the gorgeous outdoor courtyard and making a reservation if visiting during a busy time (Fashion Week, the summer, or during the holidays).
Casa Fiori Chiari: This upscale lunch spot in the middle of Brera is loved by locals. I recommend it for lunch and sitting outside to people watch.
Terraza Duomo 21: Conveniently located to the left of Piazza del Duomo when facing the cathedral. While the area is undeniably touristy, this terrace restaurant and bar offers stunning views of the Duomo. For the best experience, I recommend going on a sunny day and sitting outside on the terrace.
La Primula: A traditional Italian restaurant known for its seafood dishes and cozy ambiance near City Life.
Moko’s Matcha: High quality matcha spot with authentic Japanese matcha and homemade milk for lattes.
THINGS TO SEE
Il Duomo di Milano: A must see cathedral located in the center of milan which is known for its beauty and white marble. Definitely go to the duomo’s rooftop on a beautiful clear day, for a great view of the city.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: A shopping gallery with designer shops and luxury dining. Home to the original Prada store which opened in 1913 and home to milan bull. In Milanese tradition, you place your heel on the bull’s testicles (which now has a hole) and you spin three times for good luck.
Fondazione Prada: An art and cultural institution which exhibitions, programs, and installations located in a once distillery. It was established in 1993 by Miuccia Prada.
AREAS TO VISIT
Brera: An artistic district known for its cobblestone streets, boutique shops, art galleries, and vibrant cafes, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors. The vintage market we stumbled on was being held Tuesday morning.
City Life: A fairly new neighborhood in Milan with luxury apartments, office skyscrapers, a shopping mall, cinema, food court, and a gorgeous park.
Chinatown: A vibrant neighborhood blending traditional Asian culture with a modern Italian charm, offering unique shops, authentic cuisine, and a lively atmosphere.
SHOPPING
La Rinascente: An upscale department store offering a wide range of luxury fashion, beauty, and homeware brands. Located to the left of the Duomo when facing the cathedral.
Via Monte Napoleone and Via della Spiga: Milan’s top luxury shopping streets. Home to almost every designer store you can think of and to branded restaurants and cafes like the Ralph Lauren Bar.
NIGHTLIFE
Il Patuscino Piano Bar: Small karaoke piano bar in the center of Brera. Entrance of 15 -20 euros covers a drink but I recommend getting there early on weekends because it does get packed and the line gets long. Only open Tuesday to Saturday.
Republic Milano: Local nightclub in Piazza della Repubblica that is open from Wednesday to Saturday. I recommend getting there around 12:30am and checking their website for upcoming events where a ticket is needed for entry.
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