A Guide to the Best Shopping in Milan

If you are serious about fashion and love to shop then there is really only one Italian destination to head for – Milan, the fashion design centre of the world and home to the top fashion houses and the biggest names in the known universe. Who could resist visiting Giorgio Armani’s home town for goodness’ sake?

Here at Made-in-Italy.com we’ve put together a collection of Milan shopping pages to help you forage out the smartest stores, best boutiques, coolest collections and most desirable designer outlets in this exciting city. You’ll learn where the Milanesi themselves shop – it’s always good to do as the locals do – and we’ll tell you how to tell the Quadrilatero d’Oro (Golden Quadrangle) from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

Although Milan’s glossy citizens dress as if they are taking part in a permanent fashion shoot, there are lots of places to shop for reduced price fashion items and last season’s stock. Milan has a lot of designer outlets and we’ll show you where to spot a bargain.

Just north of Milan’s Duomo, the designer studded streets of the Quadrilatero d’Oro, enclosed by Via Montenapoleone, Via Senato, Corso Venezia and Via Manzoni, are an absolute must-see, if not to buy then at least to window shop. From lingerie to fountain pens, cashmere to Cartier, all the top designers are here in this luxurious area. Giorgio Armani now has a presence on each of the four streets, quite fitting for Milan’s golden son. You’ll find lots of information about the “Golden Quad” here on these pages.

Don’t be fooled into thinking Milan is just about big name fashion. There are hundreds of chic and stylish new boutiques which spring up from nowhere and sometimes disappear just as quickly. Equally there are many small and fascinating little places that have been around for decades and specialize in the quirky and unusual. We’ve got the low down on the best and most interesting, the kind of places to look when you want something a bit different. (How different is up to you!)

Your shopping trip must include a visit to La Rinascente, Milano, which is the flagship store of the Thai-owned Central Retail group, who took over the 150-year-old La Rinascente brand in 2011. La Rinascente is Italy’s only real department store chain and there are currently 12 stores across Italy, including two in Milan and two in Rome.

The main Milan store faces the Piazza del Duomo, the large open square in front of the cathedral. Giorgio Armani’s first job in Milan was to assist the architect who designed the store windows. On the 7th floor of La Rinascente there is a stunning Food Hall, as well as a bar and restaurant which has a wonderful view of the Duomo, but it’s priced for tourists so beware. Also, on the 8th floor is a hair salon, so you can rest your tired feet and get a bit of pampering – no excuse not to look your most glamorous before heading off for more shopping.

We hope you enjoy the suggestions on these Milano shopping pages. Take a look and then try them out. We’d love your feedback!