Shopping Guide: Milan Womenswear Shopping Guide
We all know Milano is home to many notable Italian fashion houses; however, these historic brands are only the tip of the fashion iceberg-you can find so many great boutiques from Brera to Central to Navigli. The variety is exclusive to Milan and makes it the one-stop shopping mecca of Italy.
ANTONIA
Via Cusani 5
Monday – Sunday: 10am-7pm
Web: antonia.it
This contemporary store is nestled in the heart of Brera in a 19th century ‘Palazzo Cagnola.’ You will find a selection of Women’s, and Men’s clothing and accessories. In a 600 sq metre building with exposed brickwork, plush velvet furnishings and marble and bronze frames, the store feels more like a creative hub rather than just a place to shop. With brands from the likes of classic Valentino to edgy Acne and Sophia Webster shoes and Celine handbags, you’ll be spoilt for choice of where to look first.
EXCELSIOR
Galleria del Corso 4
Monday – Sunday: 10am-8:30pm
Web: excelsiormilano.com
Located In the center between San Babila and the Duomo on the Galleria Del Corso, the Excelsior stands out amongst its surrounding stores. An exclusive and luxury department store sprawled over seven floors (over 200 sq metre area) offers a huge selection of men’s and women’s clothes where you’ll find contemporary clothing such as Nike, Adidas and Moschino as well as up-and-coming brands, the clothing department within Excelsior is a part of Antonia, the afore mentioned store.
In addition, Excelsior has a selection of funky accessories from big names (Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin to name a few). Lastly, after shopping you can pass by their food district at Laduree or I love NY for a taste of the big apple.
CETANG
Corso di porta Ticinese 103
Monday – Sunday: 11am-1:30, 2:30-8pm
Web: cetang.it
New to the Navigli district, Cetang is a concept store between A concept store located in the center of Milan, gathering worldwide individual designers into a peaceful, creative environment with its small independent ecosystem, where designers find their own comforts as “fishes” playing in a small pond. designers in a quiet environment. The idea is to bring together designers and environmentally-friendly lifestyle by a combining clothing, accessories; bags, unique jewellery and more unusual designs concepts such as a garden in a bottle. With a fresh environment in a bright showroom surrounded by plants and light furnishings you can explore the the creative space and unique pieces around you. A concept store located in the center of Milan, gathering worldwide individual designers into a peaceful, creative environment with its small independent ecosystem, where designers find their own comforts as “fishes” playing in a small pond.
MERRY GO ROUND
Corso Cristoforo Colombo 4
Monday – Sunday: 10:30-7:30pm
Web: merrygoroundmi.it
When this store opened, the name was meant to evoke the idea that fashion is ever-changing- like a ‘merry go-round’ so when you step inside you’ll be experiencing the movements in fashion too. Not only will you get to explore the wide range of ladies clothes and a selection of bags and shoes against the white backdrop and unique furnishings, the staff are also clued up when it comes to fashion advice as to what is perfect for each client.
D MAGAZINE OUTLET
Via Montenapoleone 26/Via Manzoni 44
Monday – Sunday: 9:30am-7:45pm
Web: dmagazine.it
If you like bargains this is the place you’ll want to visit. With two locations; Via Montenapoleone and Via Manzoni; so a stone’s throw away from the Duomo. D Magazine can be hit or miss and you may not find what you are always after because remember it is an outlet, so sizes and options are often limited. However, they do offer big household names such as Gucci, Prada, D&G for both men and women where you can find great bargains on silk scarves and purses. Against modern dark furnishings the store feels relaxed but has a buzzing atmosphere.
COMBINES XL
Via Montevideo 9
Monday: 3:15pm-7:15pm
Tuesday-Sunday: 10am-1:30pm, 3:30pm-7:30pm
Web: combines.it
Situated in central Milan the store is a large space for clothing, design and contemporary art. The store is in fact “extra large” and true to its name it combines brands, designers and creative collaborations. Combines is also always growing so there is room for those who are creatively inclined o collaborate and display work there. Modern brands include Spektre eyewear, Herschel bags and the loveable converse shoes.
SPAZIO 38
Alzaia Naviglio Grande 38
Monday – Sunday: 9am-6pm
Web: spazio38.com
Tucked into Milano’s design area in Navigli is Spazio 38; a brand consultancy connecting and presenting emerging designers to fashion hungry visitors. Here, you can find a range of menswear, womenswear and accessories. With a sister store in Paris, France, Spazio 28 has a boutique style that represents not only Italian brands but French ones also, including; Vivetta, Palto Italia, Les Benjamins and Jean Stella.
ANTHROPOLOGY
Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 4
Monday – Sunday: 11am-7pm
Web: anthropologymilano.com
Although a major international store, Milano’s Anthropology is a hidden gem in Navigli. In a quaint courtyard surrounded by paintings and artwork you will find the old building in which Anthropology is situated. You could spend time looking through all the little accessories from bags to jewellery, clothing and shoes they have to offer from the many brands: a mixture of Italian and international labels such as Happiness, Herschel, ASH and Fornarina.
GOLDEN GOOSE DELUXE
Via Ponte Vetero 1
Monday – Sunday: 10am-7pm
Web: goldengoosedeluxebrand.com
Sports Luxe meets chic. This store was started by a creative couple who love art, fashion and luxury and so they formed Golden Goose Deluxe. They promote the ‘Made in Italy’ label that brands have begun to lose since the rise of the high street stores and fast-paced consumer trends. Within this boutique you will find a combination of style and elegance with modern day in a range of clothing, bags, shoes and accessories. Expect unusual styles such as see sneakers mixed with dresses and leather mixed with soft wools.
MAISON GOTO
Corso porta di Ticinese 56
Mon: 3:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Tue: 3:30 pm – 12:00 am
Wed-Sat: 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Sun: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Web: maisongoto.com
If you want to stand out and get noticed on the streets of Milano be sure to stop by Goto and buy some clothes or at least a few accessories to jazz up an everyday outfit. The clothing is low-cost (even better!) and most of the pieces are vintage or one of kind from local designers. Here, you’ll find metallics mixed with patterns, different textures and shapes- fans of alternative and bold designs should check out Maison Goto.
EDWIN
Corso porta di Ticinese 103
Monday – Sunday: 10:30-1:30pm, 3:30pm-7:30pm
Web: edwin-europe.com
Another great store in the Navigli area is this Japanese denim brand. Starting in 1947 with a mixture of European and Japanese denim, Edwin is the first company in the world to develop old washed and stone-washed denims. They really strive to provide a high level of craftsmanship with exclusive fabrics, and unique technology in a continuous process for both design and fit. Edwin does not have exclusively denim, but you can also find jackets, sweaters and headwear.
STIU
Corso porta di Ticinese 105
11:00am-2:00pm
3:00pm-8:00pm
Web: stiushoes.com
Stiu is dedicated to shoes. If you want statement shoes and you’re hot on trends, this is a good place to find shoes for both day and night. Right now you can find a range of styles from sliders and flatforms; so up to date with the latest trends. Situated in the alternative area, it’s no surprise the store is booming so if you like alternative styles and want to break modern boundaries give this place a try!
FRAV
Via Vetere 8
Monday – Sunday: 10am-1:30pm, 3:30pm-7:30pm
Web: fravshop.com
Described as having a unique style and good quality; Frav originally began in Torino and branched out to Milan since it is the home of Italian fashion. With a boho vibe and an almost vintage feel the store is perfect for those who love music, art and subculture. With brands such as Surface to Air you can find fashionable pieces for casual day wear as well as boots and shoes to accompany it.
MAURO LEONE
Corso porta di Ticinese 60
Monday 3pm-7:30pm
Tuesday – Saturday: 10am-7:30pm
Sunday: 2:30pm-7pm
Web: mauroleone.com
With the vast number of shoe stores on the Corso porta di Ticinese, Mauro Leone stands out because it offers a large variety of ‘Made in Italy’ shoes. They offer raw materials; leathers on the heels and soles to combine quality shoes with a skilled craftsmanship. You can find anything from boots to sandals to heels and pumps in a variety of styles and colours.
