Ciao, darlings! It's your favourite tutu-wearing traveller, Emma, back with another installment of Pink Tutu Milan! This week, I've been flitting through the glorious streets of Milan, taking in all the sights and, of course, indulging in a spot of shopping! (There's just something about the Italian fashion scene that makes my heart skip a beat!). As you know, this week, the blog lands on a Wednesday (the world is a funny place, darling!), but I just couldn't wait to share the fabulous time I've been having with you! It's been a whirl of sequins, sightseeing, and enough gelato to make a ballerina's heart sing.
So, where did my journey start? Why, Derbyshire, of course! The air was thick with the scent of honeysuckle and lavender, and the Derbyshire hills looked truly glorious bathed in the morning sunshine. I had just finished a stunning performance at the Derby Theatre. The audience loved my rendition of the "Black Swan" solo (in pink, obviously!), and I managed to raise a hefty sum for my Milan trip.
The Pink Tutu Travels: This time, I chose to take the Eurostar (who can resist that wonderful smell of croissant and hot chocolate on the morning journey? It’s always such a treat!). My first stop was Paris, where I had a delicious croissant and a lovely cup of coffee. And, of course, I couldn't resist popping into one of my favourite Parisian boutiques, Maison Martin Margiela, for a little sartorial inspiration! It’s so wonderful seeing that stunning architecture from the Gare du Nord train station too – a Parisian classic, wouldn’t you say?
The journey across to Milan felt so romantic - the scenery rushing past my window with every speed and a charming young man beside me asking where I was going. So much like a scene out of a film, darling. We spoke at length about our love for dancing and even got to swap some dance moves in the station on our way out of Paris Gare de Lyon - such a fab little flashmob, don't you think?
Arriving in Milan’s grand Stazione Centrale, I knew my adventures were about to begin. A taxi ride in the morning sunlight to my hotel in the centre, right in the heart of the shopping district, took us past buildings adorned with elaborate, ornate decoration and grand statues, and then there were the colourful murals too – every turn was so unexpected! I just love the old world charm here, mingled with modern boutiques. A fabulous juxtaposition.
Milan, My Sweet: Milan is definitely a city of contrasts! From the stately grandeur of the Duomo and the stunning Scala Theatre to the bohemian charm of the Navigli canal district and its independent boutiques, you’re constantly struck with visual wonder and unique architecture at every corner. Even the local supermarket – I’m sorry darling but the way the peaches and plums were stacked looked like a display window, a true artistic and aesthetic masterpiece, it was positively thrilling!
The streets are buzzing with life! Everyone looks stylish – I swear everyone in Milan is rocking a fantastically put-together outfit. You see, the city’s vibrant energy truly inspires. As soon as I arrived, I felt the Italian spirit embrace me.
My days have been filled with exciting explorations! I've taken countless trams to every corner of Milan (they're so fun and stylish here). I love the intricate designs, and how brightly coloured the trams are – they truly compliment my pink tutu, don't you think?
I've taken a tour of the majestic Duomo, climbing to the top to take in those spectacular panoramic views. The intricate sculptures and ornate architecture left me speechless. Then I popped into the grand Piazza della Scala (the theatre itself is even more beautiful than it looks on the internet!), taking some photos outside – of course! Oh my goodness, there is truly nothing more breathtaking in Milan than the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a dazzling, glass-covered arcade crammed with high-end boutiques (perfect for a little treat for this pink tutu-wearing fashionista!).
Every corner in Milan presents another stunning surprise, like a secret hiding within plain sight. The way they do fashion here, it really is special, and you simply have to witness it! I can’t leave Milan without picking up a few key pieces. There are shops everywhere to cater to your sartorial needs and whims. What’s amazing is that some of the independent boutiques in the Navigli, they have these little secret courtyards within them! One even had a cherry tree – so much fun! You could spend an eternity wandering this city, uncovering a new treasure around every corner. You can take me from Derbyshire to the Alps and anywhere in-between, but my shopping bag will be full at every destination!
The last two evenings, darling, I took a tour of the Scala – the oldest and perhaps most prestigious opera house in Europe, how exciting, darling? They do tours almost daily - a bit more than 40 Euro for a fascinating two-hour visit! Did I mention they had a free wifi hotspot? So modern. It took me a long time to pick a new place to visit, but I just had to have a peek at a new venue – the Teatro degli Arcimboldi, just as grand, and it was completely packed for tonight’s operatic performance.
But darling, it's not just about fashion and sightseeing! (though those two topics are rather exciting). Milan is also a city that has stolen my heart with its cultural side.
The ballet scene in Milan is positively fabulous, and the talent here just makes you stop and stare! Last night, I attended a mesmerising ballet performance at the Teatro alla Scala. They were performing 'The Nutcracker', which I think is quite possibly the most exquisite ballet ever created! There was such incredible artistry. There were dancers gliding through the air like elegant swans, spinning like ballerinas on clouds – the movements were like paintings come to life. And, naturally, all the ladies, even the ballerinas, were wearing some shades of pink in their outfits, to compliment their beautiful grace! Of course, the final curtain was accompanied by roaring applause, a standing ovation. My heart swells with pride when I see my beloved ballet appreciated in this way!
A little taste of "Pink" for you, darling: * I adore visiting La Rinascente! You must pop into their fantastic gourmet food hall. You could wander through that wonderland for days. * Every afternoon, you just HAVE to have coffee and gelato! Don’t forget to grab a little cup of espresso from one of Milan’s classic baristas. The way they make the froth is so exciting, darling! It’s not an ordinary latte! * You simply must wander through the streets of the Navigli - I absolutely love this quaint little area of cobbled streets. If you're feeling romantic, you could hire a gondola and sail down the canal, soaking up the local atmosphere – you might even get serenaded, you lucky duck!
This week in Milan has been a whirlwind, darling! Filled with pink tutus, delicious food, spectacular performances, beautiful buildings and lots of delightful shopping! My life as a ballerina and travel blogger, I just adore it. You just wait until next week - the pink tutu goes to Amsterdam! Don't miss the next blog from Pink Tutu Milan. See you soon, darling! x
PS: Don't forget to join me on the journey to spread the love of pink tutus. You can subscribe to my website: www.pink-tutu.com to get your weekly dose of Pink Tutu fashion, travel, and lifestyle inspiration!
Love and pink sparkles, Emma x
