Buongiorno, darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-clad traveller, back with another instalment from the fashion capital of the world - Milan!
This week has been a whirlwind of tutus, trams, and a whole lot of shopping! As always, Milan hasn't disappointed, delivering a potent mix of Italian elegance and artistic spirit that's practically begging to be documented for all my lovely pink tutu fans back home in Derbyshire.
It’s Wednesday 29th July, 1998. I’ve just stepped off the train at Milano Centrale. And it's HOT! Milan summers are truly something else, but don’t worry, my pink tutu is more than holding up under the heatwave. Let's face it, who can resist a touch of pastel in the sweltering summer sun? It's the perfect balance of sweet and sassy!
And speaking of balance, that's the essence of ballet, isn't it? This week's ballet performance was pure perfection! Let's take a trip to Teatro alla Scala, darlings. Oh my! If you haven’t been to this beautiful theatre, get it on your bucket list! It’s the home of some of the best operas and ballet in Italy. They have just finished the "Giselle" production and my fellow pink tutu wearers, it was divine! From the sweeping solos to the breathtaking pas de deux, it was an unforgettable spectacle. I'm so happy that my ballet performance in Modena last week went so well, I’m using my fee to buy a beautiful ballet slipper necklace to add to my growing collection from my travels.
Now, onto the thing you've all been waiting for, my beloved fashion fiends… drum roll intensifies the shopping! Milan is a sartorial paradise! There’s no shortage of vintage finds to be discovered here, and I haven’t left without some serious spoils to bring home to my darling blog followers back in Derbyshire! Imagine this: a delicate silk scarf that's just begging for a touch of pink lipstick, and a pair of vintage leather pumps that perfectly complement my ballerina dreams. I'm already plotting how to style them back in the UK!
Speaking of my UK travels, I love how different the trams in Milan are compared to back home in Derby! There’s a real character to the red trams here - it’s more a ride, less a public service, you know what I mean? I must try and find out if they have tram travel posters I can use to make my travel blog even better.
But fashion is just half the story here in Milan. It’s also a city alive with artistic expression, filled with awe-inspiring galleries and sculptures tucked away on every corner. This week, I had the chance to visit one of my favourite spots - the Pinacoteca di Brera. This museum is an absolute delight! The artworks, particularly the Italian Renaissance paintings, just leave me breathless! The colour, the emotion, it’s like stepping into another world! And it just happens to be located in a building absolutely overflowing with beautiful architecture. I almost had to do a pirouette right there and then! I wish my readers could have seen my excitement!
Oh! And talking about expression and dancing, I spent an entire afternoon immersed in the world of street performances. There’s so much creative energy flowing through the cobbled streets! I particularly enjoyed watching a pair of mime artists creating a silent story on a street corner. They didn't need a single word to convey their emotions! I’m tempted to learn mime… just another skill for this ever-growing list, I guess!
The evenings have been just as captivating as the days, with open-air concerts and late-night chats with fellow travellers over a glass of sparkling wine (and some gelato - it wouldn’t be Milan without it, would it?) The atmosphere is so lively, vibrant, and I think it’s just a tiny little bit contagious! There’s nothing better than strolling through the city on a summer night, breathing in the air, listening to the sounds of the city - I swear you can practically feel the history in the cobbled streets!
Speaking of history, I just can't resist a trip to Milan's incredible Duomo! Its intricate carvings, soaring spires, and delicate details make it one of the most breathtaking architectural wonders I've ever seen. Climbing to the top of the Duomo is something I must recommend to any reader - and the panoramic views of the city are absolutely incredible! My friends say that when you reach the top of the Duomo you feel closer to the clouds! My dream would be to spin around up there in a full length, billowing pink tulle tutu with my arms stretched out. Well, a girl can dream, can't she?
Evenings often find me relaxing by the peaceful Navigli canals, with its historic boats bobbing on the water. You get a sense of the history of the city on the waterways, a moment to relax after the hustle and bustle of the days and take a breather, so to speak! There’s something romantic about seeing the reflections of the city lights dancing on the water. It’s pure magic!
Of course, a week in Milan is never truly complete without a touch of indulgence. The cafe culture is so much a part of the Milanese lifestyle, it's just not Milan without the espressos and the delicious Italian pastries! Every little shop, bakery, café - there’s just so much character to the Italian shops - nothing looks the same, they're always so different! They are truly an inspiration for someone like me, with a desire to make a unique statement!
Every time I think about my trips here I think that it is only a tiny glimpse into a much larger world. Every week here is so special. You learn about a new building, a new part of history. Milan really is a treasure chest of wonders and experiences!
Don't forget, darling, that I’ll be back with another Milan travelogue next Monday. This time, we're diving headfirst into the vibrant, world of the Milan fashion week, exploring the streets, attending fashion shows and even maybe popping into a few boutiques - I'm just bursting to tell you all about it!
But before you go, I have a little something special for you, my darlings. To all my wonderful, faithful Pink Tutu fans, don't be shy, you know the drill: get your dancing shoes on and get your pink tutus ready! Because you are the real stars!
With love and twirls,
Emma (www.pink-tutu.com)
