Shopping in Milan: Via Sant’Andrea

PRADA: #21, is where you’ll find those designs by Miuccia Prada for women that shook up the fashion world. Thrift-shop clothes at Bulgari prices, and her fans will find a good selection. Purses, shoes, and leather accessories can be found at Via della Spiga 1.
MOSCHINO: #12, has gone to live in the clouds but his fun-loving ironic spirit lives on in his clothes and accessories, and the windows always make a strong statement. His latest slogan, “Tout ca change, tout c’est la meme chose,” is printed on t-shirts, dresses, and evening dresses.
FENDI at Araldi: #16, created a sensation with the Baguette, a soft comfy purse that can be tucked under the arm or combined with a larger shopping back. Some versions are limited editions, others will live forever. Ready to wear, accessories, shoes, and furs.
GIORGIO ARMANI: #9, the beat goes on. Check out his latest emporioum in Via Manzsoni. The children’s boutique is in Via Durini 27, Mani, a second Armani line for women, is in Via Durini 23, and the Emporio Armani for men and women, is at Via Durini 24.
TRUSSARDI: #5, started as a glovemaker, and the leather garments are always impeccable. The latest thing is a sailing jacket so light it feels like nylon but is actually leather in black or grey. The Trussardi T-Store for the young in spirit just opened in their new headquarters in Palazzo Marini, next to the famous La Scala opera house.
GIANFRANCO FERRE’: #15 the architect who also designed for Dior keeps his image of a strong but feminime woman who dresses with elegance and class.
BANNER: #8/a, has very sophisticated and trendy clothes for young women and carries brands such as GGigli, the second line of Romeo Gigli, and Industria, basic but chic clothes designed by photographer Fabrizio Ferri for the line Industria.
MARISA: #1 and 10/a is the only store to carry Pleats Please by Issaye Miyake along with other Japanese designers.
CESARE PACIOTTI: #8, has very trendy shoes all of which sport a signature pick.
MISSONI: #2 where the colorful knits have never gone out of style. In order to control quality the family has refused many offers to expand production, and fans wear their 20-year-old multi-colored knits with today’s trendiest. Suddenly Missoni is on a roll again, and those who don’t want to go the whole hog in dresses, jackets, coats, and pullovers can settle for a colorful scarf or belt.