Milan is globally acknowledged as one of the best known fashion capitals along with major cities such as Paris, London, New York, Tokyo and Rome. The city surpassed prominent fashion destinations and was nominated “Fashion Capital of the World” in 2009.
Milan’s fashion history has evolved since ages. The city became a centre of fashion during Renaissance and the Middle Ages. The city’s popularity in the fashion world reached its zenith during late 1980s and early 1990s when it firmly ensconced itself among the undisputed one of the world’s fashion capitals quite successfully. Milan is presently home to some of the renowned fashion designers such as Domenico Dolce, Stefano Gabbana, Prada, Donatella Versace, Gianni Versace, Garavani, Valentino, and Giorgio Armani. Major Italian labels and fashion houses are also headquartered in Milan.
The city is a paradise for fashionistas. If you are visiting Milan to indulge in shopping famous designer brands, you can be assured that your main supplies will be available at the main thoroughfares of the city. But what if you are looking for more and just don’t know where to shop at beyond the famous addresses already known to you? There are many shops and boutiques waiting to be discovered at the tourist-thronged piazzas in the city centre.
Here is a list of some of the best shops and boutiques waiting to catch your attention and provide you the very best that you might have been looking for when visiting Milan. These include Nilufar, Gabbianacci, Cavalli E Nastri, 10 Corso Como, La Rinascente, Understate, and De Padova.
Nilufar
Nilufar is one of the most important stores in Milan that is worth visiting at all costs. It is renowned for its modern classics and historical designs. Here you can indulge in shopping fabulous accessories, furniture, carpets and lighting. The store hosts a series of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
Gabbianacci
Gabbianacci is radical, chic and arty. If you are looking for something innovative, inspiring and different, then this is absolutely the place for you to visit. It’s simply a unique place where new creatives, designers and brands are welcome to showcase their wares be it in the fields of art, culture, fashion and design. The best thing here is that the exhibitors get a free hand to display their creations without bothering about the strict guidelines that are usually set by a traditional store. Gabbianacci has transformed itself as a pip-up retail store without a permanent shop. It’s fun and exciting to visit here with many events taking place and visitors being regaled with live music.
Cavalli E Nastri
Cavalli E Nastri is a fantastic vintage shop in the city. This little boutique is located on Via Brera Street, which is home to many biggest and popular luxury flagship stores. The boutique is indeed inspiring and great to visit. The wares being sold here are in good condition. You can shop for Chanel’s signature monochrome jewelry, beautiful YSL maxi-skirts, crisp Hermes silk shirts and many more. All the wares here are well laid out and beautifully arranged. While shopping, you can also seek discount as well.
10 Corso Como
10 Corso Como is the only shop in Milan where designs by Azzedine Alaia is stocked and sold. This concept store was first opened in 1990 by Carla Sozzani. Over the years this store has flourished and become quite popular. Apart from the books and art works, this shop is visited in large numbers for its best womenswear collections in the city. Famous brands that are found here include Comme des Garcons, Maison Martin Margiela, KTZ and Gareth Pugh. One entire floor at this shop is exclusively devoted to fashion books.
La Rinascente
La Rinascente is a huge department store located in super central Piazza Duomo. Whatever you might be shopping for, you are sure to find it all here. La Rinascente is housed in 8 floors. Here you can shop for branded womenswear, beautiful accessories, chic sunglasses, fine perfumes and more. Feeling hungry after long hours of shopping, then visit the Food Hall at the top to savor some sushi while admiring the scenic cityscape.
Understate
Understate truly conforms to its name. It’s a unique, special shop, and quite particular in itself. Visit the shop, and you will be really surprised to see all that are being sold here. The shop sells unique design products, which you will rarely find elsewhere. The peculiar characteristic of Understate is that it seldom sells products from big brands. The owner of the shop chooses exceptional items to be sold here. The shop has carved a niche for itself in Milan for its uniqueness. Visit Understate and you just might be lucky to see design aficionados, stylists and some big names from Milan’s creative community looking out for something quite different and unusual.
De Padova
De Padova is famous shop situated in Corso Venezia, one of the most fashionable streets in Milan. The huge shop is devoted to the very best in design. De Padova has been termed as the “most beautiful store in the world” by famous American designer George Nelson. Visit this sprawling showroom to discover a wide range of accessories and furniture in contemporary design. This store is among the best in Milan where you are guaranteed to find the latest international trends.
Arform
Artform is a renowned store in Milan with a history of over 50 years. The store is situated in one of most charming and artistic districts – Via Moscova. This shop is renowned for home décor and distinctive tablewares. Artform is a must-visit place if you are looking forward to shopping experience that is really authentic and typically Milanese. The spectacular displays here are ready to excite you. A little window-shopping at Artform is indeed a must for you. If you want some advice or tips, the friendly staff at the shop will be ready to assist and provide necessary guidance. Fashionistas, tourists and business travelers visiting Milan find it quite an enriching experience to visit Artform.
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