Shopping in Milan: The Brera Area

Brera is considered the “artistic” area of Milan, and clusters around the Academia di Brera with its important collection of paintings including those by Piero della Francesca, Lorenzetti, Andrea Mantegna, and Giovanni Bellini as well as Titian, El Greco, Rembrandt and Van Dyck. It’s worth stopping by for a quick infusion of culture before checking out some of the interesting shops in the area.

LUISA BECCARIA

Via Formentini 1, has the dressiest party clothes for kids, beautiful outfits for the bride and her famiily, luxurious trimmings, often with a baroque, old-fashioned feeling.

PROFUMO

Via Brera 6, has an unusual mixture of English plumbing fixtures from faucets, bathtubs, toilets, washbasins, accessories, towel racks and soap dishes to a selection of the most traditional perfumes including the newly-revived Acqua di Parma, in its traditional bright yellow packaging, suitable for men and women.

VELOLDROME

Via Brera 6, is a find for those who want beautifully made classic silk shirts and cashmere sweater at a good price. There is also a constantly-changing selection of silver jewelry with an ethnic feel.

GALLERIA DELLA COSTA

Via Brera 3, where the artist-owner Amleto della Costa displays his work. His seriegraphs of cats are very popular, as well as his graphic and brightly-colored views of Milan. During the Christmas season he always organizes an exhibit and sale of antique costume jewelry featuring items worn by Hollywood stars in the fifties.

LAURA ASHLEY

Via Brera –, one of my absolute favorites for reasonably-priced nightgowns, blouses, and dresses along with their home furnishings goodies, fabrics, wallpapers, and accessories. It’s always worth taking a look, even for a bag of pot-pourri.

PAPIC

Via Brera — , Looking like an old Milanese courtyard, this little jewelry store is right next to a less-known but attractive Milan shopping area, Corso Vercelli. The showcases against trompe l’oeil-painted walls offer a variety of jewels and silver objects at reasonable prices, all chosen by the owner, a journalist and his wife who travel the world. They will also create custom-made items.

L’ORO DEI FARLOCCHI

Via Madonnina 13, is known for the eccentric selection of items ranging from what Italians call “Modenariato” (1950s things from the United States including Coca-Cola machines and Fiesta ware) to English antiques and sculptures of cactuses.

DIEGO DELLA PALMA

Via Madonina 15, is considered the king of Italian makeup artists, and writes columns for several publications. His product line is featured here as well as makeup kits that can be filled with your own selection of eyeshadow, lip or eye pencils, pressed powder, blush and other items. All sales personnel are trained makeup artists prepared to advise when requeted. Call 02-8876018 for a lesson or a special makeup.

PENELOPE 3

inside the gallery of Piazza San Marco 1, is often featured in Italian magazines as they have a good selection of amusing and useful gadgets, decorations for the home, and handmade objects from local artisans, many of which would make a good present.

ECLECTICA

Corso Garibaldi 3, deals only in articles handmade by artisans, household objects created by young Italian designers or unusual items from the orient and Africa, screens, rugs, beds, Armani’s favorite shop.

When it’s time to stop for refreshment try Bon Bon at Via Brera 49, a recently-opened bar-tearoom with a warm, cozy atmosphere where you’ll find tasty sandwiches, delectable pastries, and delicious desserts like chocolate mousse and fruit tarts. The prices are reasonable. Or else try Hagen Das, which offers cups of ice cream, sandwiches, and other goodies.