What better place to be than Milan at sale time –  early July (presumably, because at the time of going to press the Region had not yet decided on the exact date!). 

 

So, having decided to treat yourself this year, why not go for (at least) one beautiful have-to-have luxury item at one (or all) of the following shops.

 

Within a very small area, in the centre of Milan, in and around Via Montenapoleone, there is everything you could wish for, and if it doesn’t fit or “it’s just not you”, at least you have had a feast for the eyes, which is also good for the moral! 

 

Walking from Piazza San Babila across the road to Via Montenapoleone, on the corner, we first come across Fratelli Rossetti for beautiful shoes, bags, belts.  Armani Couture for high fashion creations, La Perla, for the best in underwear, swimwear and gorgeous tops, Ferragamo (often a queue), for quality clothing, shoes and bags as well as beachwear, Mariella Burani, has a wonderful colourful collection of gypsy-style dresses, huge belts, fun boots.  Next door is Tanino Crisci, super classical shoes for both sexes, Bottega Veneta for leatherwear goods, Sergio Rossi for the most incredible sandals for day and night, the higher the better! And of course Gucci for everything (beware of the queues), apart from the wonderful collection of clothes, Gucci is famous for its sunglasses, bags and shoes, magnificent headscarves with the trademark wide colourful border, a never ending choice of quality goods.  Prada is opposite with gorgeous bags, and so is Ars Rosa a delightful little shop for deluxe nightwear and embroidered items.

 

To complete your luxurious day, why not have lunch in the quiet cool courtyard of Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone in Via Montenapoleone at n.12.

 

And to think that this is just a tiny taste of what Milan has to offer, buon divertimento, and buon shopping!

 

Part II – The Sales: Via Verri, Via Sant’Andrea, Via della Spiga