For fashion lovers Milan of course is a paradise.

Fashionistas make a beeline for these streets north of the Duomo known as the Golden Quarter – Via Spiga, Via Manzoni, Via Sant'Andrea and Via Montenapoleone – home to prestigious fashion designers such as Prada, Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Ferragamo, and Valentino.

NOT TO BE MISSED

• Corso Como 10 (brand name is the same as its address)

An ultra-trendy boutique, bookshop, gallery and restaurant. Carla Sozzani  has made it to one of the most revered fashion and style forecasters in the world. Its possible find here  a lot of fashion trends you see in the magazines . They have also a low cost outlet, Magazzini 10 Corso Como, via Tazzoli 3, Milano, tel.   02/29015130

• G. Lorenzi - Via Montenapoleone 9

If you’ve always hankered after a hand-crafted ebony and silver cigarette holder or a fancy shaving brush, head to this beautifully preserved shop, the oldest in the street. Customers may also enjoy the museum of shaving implements and accessories at Via Montenapoleone 18 (a few doors down).

• E. Marinella - Via Santa Maria alla Porta 5

Bespoke Naples made-to-measure tie-maker, E. Marinella, have now opened an outpost in Milan

• Etro - Via Montenapoleone 5

House in Como, they have been making paisley-patterned silks and wools for decades, they make also elegant and precious clothes for men and women as well as luggage and handbags outlined in warm beige leather, neckties, shawls, scarves, slippers in cashmere.

• Etro Discount Store - Via Spartaco 3, tel: 02-550201, Monday 15-19, Tuesday to Saturday 10-13:45, 14:4530-19:00. Saturday from 10-13 - Decorating fabrics, accessories and clothes from the previous collections at discounts up to 50%.

• Fausto Santini - Via Montenapoleone 1

Makes some of the trendiest shoes at reasonable prices.

• Loro Piana - Via Montenapoleone 27

One of the finest cashmere label in the world, Suits, Overcoats, Shirts, Tie, Knitwear, and Cashmere for the home.

• DMagazine - Via Montenapoleone 26

Good bargains for women and men. Reduced prices for the most important labels.

• Il Salvagente

 Several blocks east of the Quadrilatero off Corso XXII Marzo at Via Fratelli Bronzetti 16 (tel. 02-7611-0328; Metro: San Babila an enormous collection of designer clothing for men, women, and children at wholesale prices.

• Biffi - Corso Genova 6 (tel. 02-837-5170; Metro: San Agostino)

Attracts fashion-conscious hordes of both sexes in search of designer labels and the store's own designs.

• Il Drug Store - Corso Buenos Aires 28 (tel. 02-2951-5592)

Keeps Milanese of both sexes attired, affordably so, in chic clothing best worn by the young and the thin.

• Angela Pintaldi - Piazza S. Erasmo 9

A Sicilian, creative jewels’ artist makes with semi precious stones imaginative and original jewels, loved by many fashion’s designer

•Peck - Via Spadari 9

Milan’s gastronomy’s temple.

• Tessuti Mimma Gini -Via Santa Croce 21

The owner, Mimma, offers the most sublime collection of textiles imported from India, a kaleidoscope of colour for those who love unique fabrics.

Brera is considered the “artistic” area of Milan, Wander around to find smaller shops with lesser-known names but with some interesting and exciting offerings, along Via Brera, Via Solferino, and Corso Garibaldi.

• Koivu` - Via Cerva 13 and 25

Has articles in glass, ceramics, and all kinds of objects for the home, many of which you won't find anywhere else.

• Atribu - Cso. Garibaldi 3

Where the young talents of Milanese design are displayed.


• Velodrome- Via Brera 6

Handmade classic silk shirts and cashmere sweater at a good price. There is also a constantly-changing selection of silver jewelry with an ethnic feel.

• Papic - Via Brera

A little jewelry store, jewels and silver objects collected by the owners in their travels around the world. They will also create custom-made items.

• L'oro Dei Farlocchi - Via Madonnina 13, very interesting, eclectic and creative antique furniture and objects.

• Diego Della Palma - Via Madonina 15

I considered the king of Italian makeup artists. His product line is featured here. All sales personnel are trained makeup artists. Call 02-8876018 for a lesson or a special makeup.

• Penelope 3 - Into Gallery of Piazza San Marco 1

A good selection of amusing and useful gadgets, decorations for home, and handmade objects from local artisans.

• Eclectica - Corso Garibaldi 3, artisanal productions, household objects created by young Italian designers or unusual items from the orient and Africa, screens, rugs, beds.

• Meru` - Via Solferino 3

Merù brothers, natives of Sardinia, impresses for the uniqueness of the designs on show: old pocket watches, charms. Worth checking out for something unique.

OUTLETS OUTSIDE MILAN

• Alberto Aspesi Outlet
Via Salvatore Quasimodo 32-34, Legnano (Mi)
tel 03-31526411
www.aspesi.it
Tues-Fri 930-1230\10-6 Saturday 930-5 Monday 2-6

Autostrada-highway A8 exit Castellanza, in the direction of Rescaldina, then after a few hundred meters turn right and continue to the end of the road.

• Armani Factory Store
Via Provinciale per Bregnano, 13
tel 03-1887373

• Dolce & Gabbana Outlet, via Rossini 70, Legnano (MI), tel 0331/545888 

• Vicolungo Outlets
Autostrada-Highway A9, exit Fino Mornasco--follow the strada stratle SS 35 in the Milano direction

Located in Novara Province, on the A4 Milan-Turin motorway near the Biandrate/Vicolungo exit, are the Vicolungo outlets, with 78 shops offering the most prestigious designer names
Open 7 days a week from 10.00am to 8.00pm including Sundays and holidays.