Fashion Central - Milan It’s the weekend, you’re in fashion heaven and let’s start with Emporio Armani’s flagship megastore (on Via Manzoni 31). Part tourist attraction part retail dream, this was a bold project when it opened in 2000 - and is still seriously cool. There’s haute couture, designer and ready to wear for men and women, Armani kids, home styling, flowers, and of course the giant Sony Centre to distract husbands… Brit designer Paul Smith is nearby and then it’s time to go for gold - the Golden Quad. Via dell Spiga and Via Monte Napoleone, where Gucci opened his first boutique in the 1950s. Check out Miu Miu in Corso Venezia and Marni, opposite Prada in the Via Sant’ Andrea. (Note: five Prada stores in this area ...) Not feeling quite so well heeled? Visit the stock houses for Versace, D&G, Armani – last season’s ranges at knock down prices. Try Vestimoda Stock, via Mauro Macchi or Il Salvagente, via Fratelli Bonzetti. Need a drink ? Stop for a strong coffee at iconic café Zucca, in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, or at Taveggia, famous for its homemade fruit tarts.
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Four Seasons Milan © Peter Vitale
Stay Chic For fashionistas it has to be the five star The Four Seasons, tucked away in Via Jesu. www. fourseasons.com/milan. Philippe Stark meets Romeo and Juliet - all very indulgent. Stand in the lobby and you’ll see rails of new collection designer dresses going direct to the suites for private fittings. Lose yourself in luxury, with views into Donatella Versace’s garden next door. Plastic feeling the strain? Try the charming Antica Locanda Solferino www.antica-locanda-solferino. it or the smart Hotel Manzoni www.hotelmanzoni. com. Driving to Milan? Here’s a tip – don’t. Take a smooth, fast Cisalpino train from Geneva and enjoy the scenic route. And no parking worries. Contact www.cisalpino.ch for details. Shops closed? Milan’s cultural events are on www.milanoinfortourist.com