Shopping in Milan: Via Montenapoleone
LA PERLA
#1, has arguably the most beautiful and sensual lingerie in the world, where you’ll find their answer to the Wonder Bra, Sculpture, available in black, white, sand, flesh, ottanio, and bordeaux. Their newest bra, Tango, gently sculpts the bosom with shiny Lycra, and the garter belt has been brought back. Baby-doll nightgowns and silk dressing gowns range from fun to sexy in their design, with colors of black, white, deep wine, flesh, blue, pink, dark blue, ottanio, an intense blue-green, and sand. For resort wear you’ll find the La Perla Spring and La Perla Prelude beachwear.
FAUSTO SANTINI
#1, makes some of the most trendy and youthful shoes at reasonable prices. Always worth checking out.
FRATELLI ROSSETTI
#1, are known for their special line of “Flex” shoes, with a sole so flexible you can literally double the shoe, made in the classic styles. You’ll find elegant leather clothes on the second floor.
VERSACE
#2 (for women) and #11 (for men). The second floor of the men’s shop makes suits to order, and the cashmere coats in olive green with a military cut and gold buttons with Medusa heads are hard to keep in stock. Must-have for women are sexy short and long evening dresses with the signature shoulder straps in ice-cream-colored silk (or classic black) with transparent inserts in strategic spots.
VUITTON
#2, three stories of the brand you know and love.
RAIMONDI
#2, beautiful and original accessories for the home, from French candles to coat hangers wound in silk in fifty different colors, to applicances available in 120 Volts. Pavoni espresso makers for the home, said to be the best, designer tea kettles, kitchen utensils, table linens.
ARMANI COLLEZIONI
#2, often called the King of Milan, or the Sultan of Chic, here you will find the top range of Armani clothes for men and women.
MILA SCHON
#2, the First Lady of Milanese Haute Couture made the double-face wool suit her trademark in the seventies, and her clothes still have that detailed workmanship appreciated by conoisseurs.
SWATCH
# 2, has a good selection of watches, chronometers, scuba watches and even large watches to hand on the wall, all of which make great inexpensive presents, especially if the watch’s theme can be matched to the recipient. Swatch’s latest invention is the “square” watch.
TANINO CRISCI
#3, for generations has been making comfortable classic wing-tip pumps with a one-inch heel and a broad toe that never go out of fashion. No trendy designs here, just beautifully crafted oxfords for men and women, spectator pumps, and the classic black riding boot with the brown top. Expensive but worth every lira. Don’t go home without a pair.
FERRAGAMO
#3, clothes, shoes, and accessories for women.
MARIO BUCCELLATTI
#4, the original designs of this jeweler, often with filigree work, would make any woman happy.
GUCCI
#5, is currently riding on the crest of the wave, with many thanks to U.S. designer Tom Ford, who has managed to add a new “Gucci look” to the traditional, classic concept. The expanded three-floor store carries all 11 Gucci lines, from the classics we know and love to Madonna’s favorite velvet jeans. The most popular foulard is now the “Guccissimo”, filled with images of all the classic Gucci goods, from the moccasin to the bamboo-handle purse. The Gift Collection has many items for the home including blown-glass colorful striped glasses, pitchers, and plates from Murano.
ETRO
also at #5, is for those seeking the ultimate in status symbols that are recognizable without sporting initials or names. Based in Como, they have been making paisley-patterned silks and wools for decades, and now offer clothes for men and women as well as signature luggage and handbags outlined in warm beige leather, neckties, shawls, scarves, slippers, and everything you covet. The cashmere lap robe lined with paisley silk is luxe personified.
NARA CAMICIE
also at #5, shirts for men, shirts and blouses for women at reasonable sizes. For women the largest size is 50, equivalent to 18 in the U.S. Reasonable prices for such a high-priced street.
PRADA
#6 and 8, seems to be filled always with Japanese customers, but westerners also love the strange combination of delicate and ugly for women. Go figure.
LORENZI
Via Montenapoleone 9, has a large variety of knives, cutlery, scissors and pipes. Men, and a lot of women, love to browse here. A fascinating place where it’s difficult to resist buying something. Donatella Girombelli chooses presents for men friends here.
DIOR
#12, my mother always bought her gloves at Dior in Paris. Dior always has the great basics, along with the really fantasy stuff.
SWATCH
#12, tiny but not to be missed.
CARTIER
# 16, opened in 2002, the venerable jeweler from Paris is present in all its glory.
LA MURRINA
# 18, artistic and beautiful Venetian glassware with prices to match.
PHILOSOPHY
# 19, the “bridge”line of Alberta Ferretti, has pretty clothes that flatter women including a number of U.S. movie stars.
BRACCIALINI
#19, in the courtyard, this handbag manufacturer is known for the very original and beautiful trimmings and appliques they use, often in patchwork patterns.
VALENTINO
#20, has two stores at the same address. Valentino Boutique for women carries the ready-to-wear Valentino line, the less expensive Miss V, accessories, handbags, jewelry, knitwear, umbrellas, beachwear (in the summer), robes and nightgowns, lingerie, knitwear, and umbrellas. Evening gowns are always feminine and there are lovely jewelled belts. Valentino for men has two lines of menswear as well as accessories, shirts, ties, socks, belts, underwear, knitwear, and small leather goods. Just around the corner on Via Santo Spirito 3 you’ll find Oliver, also by Valentino (named after one of his dogs), with a complete line of clothes for male and female designed with a younger (read less expensive) spirit.
FRETTE
#21, has silk night gowns and robes worthy of a wedding night, along with the finest printed and embroidered linens and towels.
ALBERTA FERRETTI
# 21/a, sells some of the most beautifully-made ready-to-wear in Italy. She should know as she also manufacturers for some other big names including Moschino. Flattering, feminine clothes.
FERRAGAMO
# 23, nobly carries on the example set by founder Salvatore Ferragamo, the humble shoemaker from Florence who shod both royal and movie queens. The classic pump with the grosgrain flat bow is available in colors such as black, brown, and navy blue along with a tasteful line of clothes and accessories for men and women.
NAZARENO GABRIELLI
#23, good quality, well-made leather goods, any man would die for one of their appointment books or briefcases.
BENETTON
#25, for women, features knits in their famous wide variety of colors. The shop at Corso Vittorio Emanuele, corner Galleria Passarella, has a bigger selection including 012 for kids.
KOOKAI
#25, is where trendy young women shop for trendy young clothes.
HOGAN
# 25, it’s a little confusing because top designer Diego della Valle sells under several brands including Tod’s, known for the driving mocs with the soles full of little plastic pebbles. Their handbags are also a big number, Hillary Clinton was spotted at their store in Paris.
PRIMA CLASSE DI ALVIERO MARTINI
#26, is where you’ll find every kind of leather-trimmed object from key holder to trunk made in a plasticized antique map pattern. The design, called “Geo”, also comes in golf bags, beauty cases, doggie carriers, hat boxes, bordeaux-bordered writing paper, fine china by Richard Ginori, and other objects for the home. Another pattern used for leather goods has rows of colored flags from all countries, called “Flag.”
PRATESI
# 27, has supplied bed and bath linens to royalty, aristocracy, and celebrities for generations. Clients appreciate the delicate patterns and fine embroideries on the sheets, as well as the luxurious terry-cloth bathrobes.
MARINA BULGARI
# 27E, sold her share in Bulgari to her brothers years ago and set out on her own. She knows what women REALLY want to wear and designs her jewelry to match.
MONT BLANC
# 27, not just the famous writing instruments (fountain pens to you) has a second floor with fine jewelry, lether accessories, eyeglasses, and all kinds of goodies that would make wonderful presents.
GUCCI
# 27, in the courtyard, carries only accessories. If you want the big stuff, men and women’s clothes, etc. etc. # 27 on the street is the place for you.
EMANUEL UNGARO
# 27, of Italian blood, born to an Italian, this gentleman has turned his ready-to-wear line over to a young Italian to design, Gianluca Valle, but keeps his hand in doing couture. For women, clothes and accessories.
LORO PIANA
# 27c, Loro Piana has the corner on the finest wools and cashmeres and makes clothes mostly for men, but also exquisite shawls and scarves that women can wear. Prices to match, but definitely worth a browse if you want to know what quality is.