Ciao bellas!
It's Emma here, back from my whirlwind trip to Milano, the fashion capital of the world! I landed last week in a whirl of excitement and it’s safe to say that my pink tutu, appropriately adorned with sparkly silver snowflakes, was most definitely feeling the Christmas vibes!
As you know, my Monday morning blog is my chance to share all the adventures and discoveries of the week. This time around, the spirit of Milan, oh la la, infused every moment. I swear, this city makes pink even pinker!
A Blast From the Past
This time around, Milano was all about festive cheer and nostalgia. My very first adventure, and one that brought back so many memories, was a visit to Teatro alla Scala. This stunning opera house is truly one of the most majestic buildings I’ve ever seen, a monument to classical elegance and history.
I’ve dreamed of dancing on its stage since I was a little girl, and as I stood in awe in the ornate lobby, my mind raced with dreams of swirling twirls and pirouettes. The sheer size and artistry of the place was quite breathtaking, and the echoes of countless performances seemed to linger in the air.
I snagged a little memento – a cute little silver pendant featuring the iconic La Scala logo – from their gift shop, which now hangs proudly on my ballerina charm bracelet.
Milan’s Festive Heart: Piazza Duomo and the Cathedral
What is a trip to Milano without exploring the grandeur of the Duomo, and its central Piazza! Every time I go, it amazes me more and more. From its intricately decorated façade to the awe-inspiring stained-glass windows that bring the ancient tales of saints to life, it’s a real masterpiece of religious art.
The atmosphere during Christmas was magical, filled with twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and joyful carols playing through the air. The sheer vibrancy of the Christmas markets in the Piazza Duomo was incredible - little wooden huts, bursting with twinkling lights, handcrafted artisan crafts and the most delicious smells of warm, fresh pastries! It truly embodied that unique feeling of festive joy that only comes once a year.
My favourite purchase from the market was a beautiful pink beaded Christmas tree ornament with a teeny, tiny pink tutu hanging from its bottom branches. It is so delicate and lovely that I’ll be adding it to my ever-growing Pink Tutu collection back home in Derbyshire!
A Tram Through Time
What’s better than a journey by train, you may ask? Why, a ride on the historic Milano trams, of course! For this pink tutu lover, there's nothing quite like the gentle, rhythmic sway of a tram, the sound of its old-fashioned clanging bells, and the vintage feel of its warm wooden interiors.
From the sprawling Piazza Duomo to the charming, cobbled lanes, Milano's tram system feels like a slow, dreamy waltz through the heart of the city. It was the perfect way to immerse myself in the sights and sounds of Milan, the world outside passing by like a scene from a film. The best thing is that you can hop on and off the trams whenever you please, discovering new places and stopping whenever a pretty shop catches your eye, and as a Pink Tutu traveller, a girl loves a little shopping spree.
Fashion Finds in Milan
Now, Milan is practically synonymous with fashion, so it’s no surprise that I found myself hopelessly in love with the clothes shopping opportunities. This city really is a haven for every style enthusiast and, of course, every pink-loving ballerina.
First stop? The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – that grand, glass-roofed shopping arcade that links the Piazza del Duomo with Piazza della Scala. Walking through it was like stepping back in time. The arches are grand, the shops are a mix of classic elegance and cutting-edge designers, and the ornate decorations are something out of a dream. My shopping spree began with a stop at the famous La Rinascente department store, where I simply had to get a pair of chic, sparkly silver shoes for my tutu. These beauties have the power to transform any outfit into something spectacular, and with the holiday season still in the air, I couldn’t resist!
Of course, I couldn't leave Milano without a new pink dress for my collection! The shopping in Milan is really second to none, offering the most divine collection of unique styles and designer fashion finds you can imagine.
And wouldn’t you know it? I spotted the perfect pink dress, an exquisite piece in a beautiful shade of pastel pink – the colour of blooming cherry blossom! With delicate frills at the neckline and a flowing skirt, it was almost as if it was calling out to me! And of course, what's a new dress without a matching pink bow?
A Festive Finale at Teatro Dal Verme
Milan wouldn't be complete without a captivating ballet performance, so naturally, I headed for Teatro Dal Verme to watch a performance of the classic holiday ballet, "The Nutcracker." I simply love "The Nutcracker" – it has all the elements of classic Christmas ballet perfection - enchanting music, fairytale story and stunning choreography.
Teatro Dal Verme is beautiful – and more intimate than La Scala - with richly ornamented walls and balconies overlooking the stage.
The theatre itself held an almost magical, mystical quality. As I watched the story unfold onstage, I could almost feel myself becoming part of it all – a delicate snowflake swirling with the rest, a whimsical Christmas toy joining the toy soldier march, or maybe even the sugar plum fairy, waltzing through a sugar-coated winter wonderland. The magic of ballet had truly cast its spell, and by the end, I was absolutely enchanted.
Pink Tutu Takeaway: A Little Sparkle of Joy
Milano really was the perfect destination to bring this busy, bustling year to a close. From the sparkle of the Duomo’s lights to the magic of Teatro Dal Verme's Nutcracker ballet, from the sparkling shop windows of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to the nostalgic charms of a tram journey, the city just felt festive and exciting.
But as always, the real magic lies within ourselves, and in finding those special moments that spark a little bit of joy, whether it’s a shimmering new shoe, a beautifully designed dress, or simply a magical night out at the ballet. That, I believe, is the true spirit of Milan, and the essence of what Pink Tutu is all about.
So go out there and spread a little sparkle wherever you go, whether you wear a pink tutu or not!
As always, grazie mille to all you lovely readers!
Sending you all warm and sparkly wishes until next week’s blog.
Until then, stay sparkly!
Yours always,
Emma, from Pink Tutu Milano
P.S. Do you have any favourite Christmas ballet memories? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe to the Pink Tutu Blog so you never miss an update!
