A Fashion Lover's Guide to Milan by Rachael Martin

                                The Fashion Lovers Guide to Milan

By Rachael Martin

SUMMARY

Milan is the European fashion capital with one of the world's most unique luxury fashion districts where the leaders of some of the most exclusive fashion houses are still living and working today. It's the Italian city whose skyline has changed more than any, and whose fashion industry has extended to encompass the worlds of design, restaurants, bars, exhibition spaces, hotels and more. Whether you're looking for designer labels within the city's luxury fashion district, prefer to browse the city's boutiques or pick up some quality vintage at the city's vintage shops and markets, this is the guide that will tell you where to go. Split into geographical sections along with relevant maps, cultural highlights and suggestions for where to eat and drink, it places Milan as the city of fashion within the context of Italian fashion history and a city and brings the stories of its people to life. Why did Milan become Italy's fashion capital? And what does it offer the fashion lover as a city today?

 

MY REVIEW:

Milan is the undisputed ‘city of chic.’ Its twice-yearly ‘fashion weeks’ set worldwide trends and iconic fashion styles. Many of the world’s greatest designers were born here like Giorgio Armani, still the king of world fashion, Dolce and Gabbana, the most famous couple in the Italian fashion world.  Other designers started their careers here like Gianni Versace. The bags of Miuccia Prada have become part of the Milanese landscape. Yet, just as Milan made Italian fashion famous, fashion helped make Milan the city we see today. Rachel’s book is so much more than a travel guide. She includes well researched historical information which gives the background to how Milan became synonymous with fashion. Even as early as the 1500’s, the city had a reputation for producing luxury goods and changed its name from Mediolanum to Milan, inspired by the English word ‘milliner’ meaning ‘fine wares’.

Rachel brings to life, stories about people who influenced the fashion world like ‘Biki’, the granddaughter of Puccini and is remembered as the designer who dressed Maria Callas and created a diva.  The book highlights the fact that Milan is also about culture and the arts. La Scala opera house had a close relationship with fashion and celebrities. Milan is home to many important and diverse museums such us photography and ceramics.  Websites and opening times are listed. Another feature is the Foodie Guide in each section. Not only does she list the best places to have a negroni apertivo, where to have a speciality coffee and artisanal baked goods, where to have orecchiette, burrata or takeaway ravioli but reveals Milan’s innermost secrets.  Elegant palazzo’s, Parisian style bistros, intimate trattoria’s where aristocrats, socialites and fashionistas frequented.   

 

 

Why I recommend this book

This is an ‘everything you need to know about Milan’ guide and more. Rachel Martin is YOUR personal travel guide. She has lived and worked in Milan since the 1990s. Her in-depth knowledge of the city’s tourist and less well-trodden areas of vintage markets and quirky boutiques. She takes you to places where you can experience the magic, the quintessential Milanese style of luxury and elegance, marvel at the spectacular architecture, soak up the culture of opera, arts and enjoy its unique local cuisine. There is something for everyone here. Her guidebook packs a punch of authenticity, honesty, advice and first-hand information.  Her passion and love of Milan clearly shows and she wants to share it with you!  In the words of the song made famous by Madonna, “Vogue’

Don't just stand there, let's get to it
Strike a pose, there's nothing to it

Rachel’s top tip on how to enjoy her city – ‘Don’t forget your sunglasses. Who cares if it’s cloudy…This is Milan!’

AUTHOR BIO:

Rachael Martin is a British writer who has lived just north of Milan for over twenty years. She writes about travel, culture, the arts and food in Italy for online and print publications. She has a special interest in the city of Milan and its fashion history and in the stories of the women involved.

 

 

BOOK BLURB:

 Published by White Owl (31 Mar. 2021) Available in paperback from Amazon