When we first began planning our summer collection shoot, we knew we wanted to go to Italy. Not only was it meaningful to Katie as the backdrop for so many formative experiences, but it felt quintessential to the pieces in this collection—rich colors, Romanesque-inspired patterns, and a playfulness that Italians know so well. Milan bubbled to the top unexpectedly when a couple of Salone invitations came our way, so we decided to work it into the itinerary. It is a major fashion heavyweight, after all. This storied city completely surpassed all of my expectations. It’s hard to compete in a country with so many outstanding cities—Rome, Venice, Florence, and the list goes on—but Milan has a charm and sensibility all her own.
Located in the Scala neighborhood, it can’t be overstated that the coffee and pastries at Loste (opens in new tab) are incredible. Over in Centro Storico, Fioraio Bianchi (opens in new tab) is the most idyllic combination of floral shop and cafe.
There are a myriad of Giacomo (opens in new tab) concepts and locations spread throughout the city and, while we didn’t dine at all of them, rumor is they’re all delicious. We had dinner at Giacomo Arengario near the Duomo and I am still thinking about the ravioli.
For a casual lunch, pick up a sandwich at Bar Quadronna (opens in new tab). For lunch with a view, ask to sit upstairs at Rovello 18 (opens in new tab). If you’re a seafood lover, don’t skip out on Langosteria (opens in new tab). For dessert (outside of gelato, of course), Mascherpa Tiramisu Shop (opens in new tab) is equal parts photogenic and delicious. For drinks, head to Bar Basso (opens in new tab).
While in Milan, we stayed at Room Mate Giulia (opens in new tab) and loved its central-to-most-things location next door to the Duomo. For a more luxe stay, we highly recommend Portrait Milano (opens in new tab), which has the most beautiful courtyard and is near some of our favorite shopping. In the hip, canal-filled neighborhood of Navigli, stay at Hotel Maison Borella (opens in new tab) or 21 House of Stories (opens in new tab).
While only there for a few days, we happened upon some incredibly inspiring shops, designers, and spaces. Our first stop after touching down was La DoubleJ (opens in new tab), a brand that calls Milan home and echoes our ‘More is More’ mantra. For a classic Venetian slipper shoe, visit the Vibi Venezia (opens in new tab) boutique. For your next dinner party, Bitossi Home (opens in new tab) has some of the most chic dinnerware. (I plan on stocking up soon!) I’m not entirely sure how to fully encompass the experience that was Raw Milano (opens in new tab), as it feels part museum, part home, and part retail shop. I left with candles, tea, and feeling endlessly inspired. Next door to the Prada Foundation is the Wes Anderson-designed Bar Luce (opens in new tab), filled with arcade games, beautiful pastries, and cleverly-colored tables and chairs.
While we don’t always report on things like a blowout, the blow dry at the Bvlgari Hotel (opens in new tab) salon is outstanding, complete with a massage chair and neck and shoulder massage in a super chic and tranquil space.
For art, we love the 20th century collection at Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano (opens in new tab) and the art and design museum, Triennale di Milano (opens in new tab).
