Ciao bella! 👋
The sun is shining in Milan, and so is my heart, because guess what? This is Pink Tutu Milan, and today, darling, we're waltzing into the heart of the fashion capital. 💃 From the cobblestones of the Duomo to the chic boutiques of Via Montenapoleone, my tutu is twirling with joy. It's like the whole city is buzzing with inspiration – the kind that sets my creative soul ablaze! 💖
My travels to Milan, this time, are thanks to a performance last week at the Royal Opera House, which was simply breathtaking! I think it must have been the longest grand jeté I’ve ever performed - my little legs really flew across the stage, almost landing in the orchestra pit. It’s funny, as a professional dancer, you’d think after so many years I wouldn’t get excited by each performance, but with every single one I can't help but feel a twinge of nervous joy, just like the first time I danced as a tiny tot. ✨
I can't let you in on the secret yet, but my next performance is going to be pretty spectacular, and to be honest, the outfits I’m wearing are divine. (Yes, a hint of pink, obviously!).🤫 However, it wouldn't be Pink Tutu Milan without some exclusive snippets of my sartorial delights… So, before we plunge into the delights of Milan, allow me to unveil my travel look for this Italian adventure:
Think chic, think classy, think… PINK! This trip, I’m rocking a beautifully crafted pink tutu from Les Sylphides, a label I adore for their intricate beading and delicate layers of tulle. I’ve paired it with a fitted, dusty rose blazer – perfect for the changeable Italian weather – and topped off the look with my favourite vintage pink suede ballet flats, which are like a little piece of the vintage London scene that I wear with everything! 💎
The moment I arrive in a new city, I'm like a giddy schoolgirl, just waiting to be swept away by its magic. This trip, I'm particularly looking forward to catching up with some old friends and getting acquainted with the city's breathtaking architecture, with my camera at the ready, of course! 📸
So, let the grand adventure begin! We’re starting our Milanese journey right at the Duomo, an awe-inspiring cathedral, an absolute architectural masterpiece that seems to pierce the heavens. My heart races just looking up at those ornate towers! They say it's worth climbing the stairs to the top of the dome for the most magnificent panoramic views of Milan. And trust me, my dears, I won't be missing that experience! ✨
This morning, the light hitting the stained-glass windows was magical, casting the entire space in hues of ruby, sapphire, and emerald – a vision of colour that's hard to shake off. And what's better, there's an atmosphere of pure joy and spirituality surrounding this place that leaves me feeling incredibly calm and grounded. There’s so much detail that even spending an entire afternoon here wouldn't be enough to fully appreciate its magnificence, It’s like stepping into a fairytale – my ballerina soul is in utter delight! ✨
But my adventures are far from over. Tonight, I’m off to Teatro alla Scala, Milan’s magnificent opera house. For those of you who don't know, it’s widely considered one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. Its architecture, from its Neoclassical façade to its plush interiors, is truly awe-inspiring! As for the performance, we’re off to enjoy "Rigoletto", an opera which tells a dark, powerful, and deeply tragic story about love, betrayal, and revenge. It’s full of beautiful arias and dramatic musical scenes - the perfect recipe for an evening full of emotions! 🥰
Speaking of emotions, a visit to La Scala always stirs a surge of passion within me. You know that feeling, that sense of creative excitement, as if every step we take, every brushstroke of colour on the wall, every note sung, is meant to ignite your senses, awaken your imagination! 🔥
On Thursday, I’m planning a trip to Villa Necchi Campiglio, a beautiful example of early 20th century architecture with exquisite décor that has me practically leaping with excitement. It’s a fascinating look into the opulent world of Milan's elite. Imagine, silk and velvet, opulent furnishings, intricate gardens, all wrapped up in a story that whispers of an elegant, sophisticated era. This is going to be one glamorous journey! 💄
Before we indulge in a little Milanese style, let's chat fashion, and oh, dear, have we got a show stopper for you today, because I couldn't resist a shopping trip at Via Montenapoleone . You see, darling, in a place that literally oozes glamour and luxury, there is no better place to be than browsing through the high-end fashion stores, just breathing in the aroma of luxury. It's a dream come true, just wandering around this place like a princess, ready for a photo shoot at every turn! 😉
The energy here is infectious, I just can't help but get swept away in the sheer luxury of it all. I have to confess, I snagged a gorgeous little piece today - a hand-knitted pink cashmere jumper from Agnona which I just had to get - and I feel like it was destined to join my collection. A statement piece, wouldn't you say? ✨
Don't worry, dears, it wasn't all extravagant shopping. There is so much beauty to be found here, and not just in the luxurious shops. After a delightful lunch at Cantine Milanesi, I walked back through the centre, I couldn’t resist snapping some photos of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II , an architectural masterpiece that has become a bustling hub for both tourists and Milanese alike. This place boasts stunning glass-and-iron vaulted ceilings, an elegant shopping arcade with an enchanting mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants, all offering the perfect opportunity to grab a coffee, a quick bite to eat, or to soak up the delightful Milanese ambience. The entire building, truly beautiful, but with a unique mix of Victorian-era elegance, mixed with the art-deco style, so typical of Milan. A stunning marriage of architectural forms, you can’t help but love its majestic grandeur!
Talking of grandeur, what is the grandest adventure in a fashionista's heart? The chance to discover some fabulous new footwear, of course! 💖 In my opinion, there’s no better place for a pair of brand new, stylish ballet flats than at Aldo. With every new shop I discover, the colour pink becomes even more vivid and bold in this beautiful city. 👠 I must confess, this week, my lovely flat feet have been spoiled rotten with two brand new pairs! And as soon as I put those beautiful ballet shoes on, my mood lifts to new heights, they just seem to inject a touch of confidence into my step. 💃
Every new pair of pink shoes is like a mini adventure in itself – and I must admit I adore taking these exciting journeys! 🩰
Later today, we’re off to discover the charm of Porta Venezia and indulge in some local Milanese flavors at Mazzantini, where I'll be enjoying some freshly prepared, traditional Italian pasta – all my favourite recipes rolled into one delightful plate, served with a dash of vibrant, and yes, you guessed it - pink! It is a truly vibrant and inviting corner of the city that overflows with vibrant green spaces, cafes with delicious aromas wafting out, beautiful, grand buildings – the whole place has a lovely Bohemian vibe, that I just can't resist.
Tomorrow, darling, I’ll be sharing a more in-depth view of this special spot with you – a look at the delightful boutiques, the quirky, independent fashion stores and all the must-visit local places, along with my fashion insights! Stay tuned!
To get to these fabulous places, I’ve been zipping around town by tram and, when the city traffic calls, jumping on the metro. It’s always such a delight to see Milan buzzing from a local's perspective, seeing families on their way home, people rushing to catch the train, all these stories unfolding before your very eyes – that’s what makes exploring a new city so unique. And then there’s the view from the windows as the train races through the Italian countryside – there’s nothing like it! 🛤️
So, from the iconic Duomo to the charming, chic streets of Milan, the city that never fails to ignite my fashion inspiration. But remember, dear friends, even in a fashion city like Milan, you never need a lot of fancy clothes, all you really need to make a statement is a bit of heart and a little bit of magic – and of course, a pink tutu!
Let's keep twirling and dancing our way through life, one beautiful step at a time!
Ciao for now!
💖 Emma 💖
