The Shopping Guide: Milan

Italy’s fashion capital may be known for its international labels, but there are some lovely small boutiques where the mix is distinctly curated or the artisans have decided to stay local and keep their magic only in Milan for now. My three favorite neighborhoods to browse are: Via della Spiga and the surrounding streets for fashion and jewelry; Brera for antiques and fashion; and 5 Vie district for smaller studios. Here is our current Milan shopping guide.

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Milan Shopping Guide: Fashion

• Giambattista Valli: High-end designer boutique with elegant fashions.
• Luisa Beccaria: A favorite of Hollywood stars like Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luisa Beccaria stocks flirty and feminine dresses that make ideal event pieces.
• No. 30: A cult favorite among fashion editors, this two-story boutique features some of the most talented up-and-coming brands like Daizy Shely and Maticevski, as well as established favorites like Delpozo and Rochas.
• La Tenda: Fusing art and fashion, La Tenda curates exhibits that marry artistic themes with fashion from luxury and cutting-edge designers, including Cividini and Drome and younger designers like Isabel Benenato.
• La DoubleJ: Appointment-only showroom for vintage-inspired pieces designed by an American expat.
• Stephan Janson: By-appointment atelier for simple silk pieces.
• Wait and See: Stuffed with fashion, accessories and whimsical gifts, this concept store is a great spot for discovering lesser-known brands and browsing for vintage finds.
• 10 Corso Como: This iconic lifestyle boutique (which now has locations in other cities) sells a curated mix of fashion, accessories, books, stationary and home goods that have been hand-picked by local fashion diva Carla Sozzani.

Milan Shopping Guide: Jewelry

• Merù: Chic Italians have been buying original charms and unusual gold jewelry since the 1960’s at this shop of curiosities.
• Nicolo Villa: Custom jeweler that uses brightly colored stones like rubellite, spinel and tourmaline with unusual metals and settings to create dramatic pieces.
• Pennisi: For almost 50 years, Pennisi has been the trusted jeweler of many of Italy’s most important families.
• Marco Bicego: Contemporary fine jewelry for those who like understated pieces with a sleek and sensual form

Milan Shopping Guide: Housewares and Design

• Arjumand: Designer Idarica Gazzoni has an incredible eye for colors and patterns, and her printed fabrics can be found in stylish homes all over the world. Her Milan shop is the only place where you can see the entire range. Pillows and a few objects are for sale; otherwise, all textiles are made to order.
• Laboratorio Paravicini: This ceramic laboratory is a special oasis where Costanza Paravicini has been hand-painting thin ceramic dishes, tea sets and vases for more than 25 years.
• Osanna Visconti: This small gallery in the 5 Vie district utilizes metal in delicate jewelry and nature-inspired furniture.
• Richard Ginori: This porcelain company has been a cult favorite among discerning tastemakers for centuries. This gorgeous outpost displays the incredible range of colors and styles and objects in beautifully set tables and cabinets.

Milan Shopping Guide: Top Souvenirs

Porcelain from Richard Ginori or Laboratorio Parivicini; silk pieces from Stephan Janson; bronze objects by Osanna Visconti.

Contact Indagare for more Milan tips and to plan a trip. Our specialists can plan a customized itinerary with great meals and activities.