Ciao bella!
It's Emma here, back from another magical adventure in Milan, a city that's truly stolen my heart. This week's post is all about Milan, the fashion capital of Italy, with a side helping of pink tutus and ballet brilliance! I landed in Milan this Wednesday (13th September, 1995, remember?) after another successful run of ballet performances in Derbyshire. Did you know that I'm actually a bit of a 'ballet nomad', funding my globetrotting adventures by dancing my way around the world? It's definitely a good way to make sure I can see some pretty fabulous performances (and find some divine outfits for my blog!).
Speaking of tutus… the moment I arrived, Milan didn’t disappoint. As soon as I hopped off the train and into the heart of this dazzling city, I noticed it: a delicate splash of pink silk amidst the urban landscape! Yes, you guessed it - a tutu-wearing woman with an undeniable love for the colour pink! Talk about feeling right at home. And let me tell you, Milan is bursting with life and style, a city full of artistic beauty and chic fashion. I feel like a swan floating into an endless ballet performance - a glamorous dream of exquisite shopping and incredible art.
This week I've been diving into all things Milan: museums, monuments, fashion boutiques galore - and, of course, ballet, because a tutu needs her regular dance fix, no matter where she is! And did I mention the delectable Italian food? From delicious pasta to decadent gelato, this city caters to every craving.
First things first: My Milan Must-Dos
1. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: It's not every day you step into a shopping arcade designed in the 19th century! This exquisite, arched-covered glass gallery is a stunning monument to elegance, with magnificent marble floors and exquisite shops. You can wander through this masterpiece while admiring the majestic dome – and the incredible sculptures too!
2. The Duomo: Imagine walking inside the largest Gothic cathedral in Italy, an architectural masterpiece that took almost 600 years to build. It's a stunning example of religious devotion transformed into art, full of elaborate sculptures, intricate details and soaring columns that create a majestic sense of wonder. This place truly evokes a feeling of spiritual serenity amidst the busy city.
3. Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Last Supper" at Santa Maria delle Grazie: Stepping into this room feels like stepping into history. Leonardo’s masterpiece – it’s not a painting, but a genuine fresco – hangs within a refectory and is just stunning. To get a ticket, it's important to plan in advance as demand is incredibly high. I made my reservation through a reliable online tour company, so it was easy to ensure I didn't miss this gem.
4. Teatro alla Scala: Oh my goodness, what an incredible ballet venue! This opulent opera house oozes history, having hosted famous singers, dancers, and even some famous kings and queens. This place simply oozes elegance – from its sumptuous interiors to its rich, classical vibe. It is said to have the best acoustics in Europe – imagine a dancer’s heart beating in rhythm to every delicate note as they perform under these magnificent chandeliers! I, of course, caught a beautiful performance while I was here. I was lucky enough to grab a last-minute ticket, as it was completely sold out. But don't worry, you can often get tickets closer to the performance – and sometimes you can even see an opera on a larger screen from outside the theatre, for free!
5. Naviglio Grande: This canal in Milan's vibrant, cobbled district (it's the city’s historic centre) was where many artists had their studios – think Leonardo Da Vinci! Now it’s a perfect spot to stroll, enjoying views across the canal lined with cafés, bars and boutiques.
6. Pinacoteca di Brera: This art gallery was worth visiting, showcasing the largest collection of Lombard painting in Milan – a treat for every art-lover! It boasts famous works from Raphael and Mantegna, as well as amazing landscapes and contemporary pieces.
Milan in Pink:
And of course, my travels couldn't be complete without some truly glamorous shopping! What I discovered was that the city is bursting with stores, bursting with inspiration! My most delightful finds were at…
1. 10 Corso Como: This boutique store boasts cutting-edge design and an incredible array of fashion pieces and unique artistic gifts. They even have a contemporary art gallery, which makes for a wonderfully inspiring atmosphere – like you're shopping within a museum, just waiting to be discovered. I ended up leaving with a beautiful vintage handbag from their incredible collection. Talk about a timeless treasure!
2. Via Montenapoleone: This upscale street has become a hub for international luxury brands. Here, you can find designer shops like Chanel, Gucci, Prada, and Cartier! While it's a street for serious fashionistas and window shoppers, it's a definite must-see for anyone visiting Milan. If you're feeling adventurous, just make sure you're wearing comfortable shoes (those designer shoes are high!) – it's a busy street for the fashion crowd and a true hot spot.
3. Gucci Gardens: Oh, to walk into a fashion temple, full of glamour and extravagance, designed by Alessandro Michele, one of my favourite fashion gurus! I must say this Gucci experience, filled with beautiful, curated spaces and extraordinary designs, is a truly enchanting one.
And on the topic of fashion:
My time in Milan was a delightful blend of ballet and chic sophistication! After each performance (did I mention that I've performed in three ballets in Milan already this week!), I found myself captivated by the vibrant city. It's impossible not to fall in love with Milan's infectious charm. Every day I walk along, enjoying the gorgeous buildings and cobbled streets, which always lead me to some fantastic discovery: a tucked-away vintage shop, a delightful street vendor selling delicious paninis, or even an artist painting outside, adding his vibrant touch to the city's canvas!
And yes, pink was still a must-have, darling! I even managed to snag a couple of fantastic outfits. The best find was a pink floral maxi dress from a delightful vintage shop tucked away in a quiet, enchanting street in the city centre. My trusty pink tutu also made a triumphant appearance at a spectacular performance at the Teatro alla Scala. It was a dream come true!
Food for the Soul (and the tummy!)
You just have to indulge in the Italian cuisine! Every corner of this city is bursting with flavour – from fresh-made pasta and mouthwatering pizza to sweet gelato that sends you straight to your happiest place! I confess I fell completely in love with a local restaurant with a romantic atmosphere – candles and white tablecloths – where I discovered the most delicious tiramisu in my life. Talk about ending the day on a delicious note!
Sharing the Love for Pink:
As you can probably tell, Milan has captured my heart and stolen a little part of my soul. I already can't wait to return. Maybe for my next ballet tour?
Of course, you know the drill: I encourage all of you to embrace your inner ballerina and wear pink tutus everywhere you go! Spread the joy and share your style with the world! Let’s fill the world with tutus and pink – it's a celebration of joy and elegance.
And if you find yourself in this enchanting city, take your time to explore, be bold, try a delicious Italian coffee, and… do a pirouette, darling! Milan will charm you right off your feet.
Ciao for now!
Emma x
Don't forget to visit the website every Monday for the latest updates on Pink Tutu Milan!
www.pink-tutu.com
And remember, be sure to send me your Pink Tutu Adventures – I love to see how you're bringing colour to your world!
(Please note: This blog post was created for a hypothetical scenario, not an actual website.)
