Buongiorno, my darlings!
I’m so excited to be back in Milan – the fashion capital of the world! And yes, that’s pink capital – just look around. Milan is absolutely brimming with vibrant colours, especially pinks.
Just stepping out of my little pink-themed hotel (more on that later!), the city already feels electric! I love how this city always manages to feel fresh and exciting, even on the most blustery February day. But let’s face it, it’s not a surprise given the fashion trends Milan is known for!
Now, before I dive into all the fantastic things I've been up to in the last 24 hours (trust me, they are fabulous!), let's talk about getting to Milan from my darling Derbyshire! I've realised that even after all this travelling, it always feels like an adventure. And the train journey through the Italian countryside? Sheer bliss!
My darling Derbyshire, as I'm sure you know, is just perfect for the country-side train trips. The hills gently undulate, the countryside is rich green, and the villages look like something straight out of a charming picture book. It makes my heart warm up before even reaching the beautiful chaos of a major city.
Of course, nothing beats the journey itself! For a little over two hours, I got to snuggle into my window seat, lose myself in the pages of a wonderful ballet book, and, of course, let my imagination wander. And when I arrived in Milan, I was transported straight to the world of fashion and glamour, which, you know, is a pretty incredible feeling.
What's on in Milan Today?
And speaking of fashion and glamour, today is Milan Fashion Week, and the energy is just palpable! The city is abuzz with designers, models, bloggers, and just about anyone and everyone involved in the industry. You can sense a whirlwind of creativity and passion in the air, it’s almost electric!
Today is especially exciting because I managed to snag tickets to Dolce & Gabbana’s show. You could imagine my absolute joy, because these designers have always been favourites of mine – their attention to detail and dedication to using their platform for art and beauty makes my soul sing. You can't beat their beautiful silhouettes and exquisite designs. It’s a testament to their incredible craftsmanship, and I just can't wait to soak in the atmosphere.
Shopping like a Pink Tutu Queen!
What’s a visit to Milan without a little shopping therapy? Especially when you have an event like Milan Fashion Week on? Today, I’ve spent my afternoon lost in a little paradise – the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - the heart of the shopping district, and you know, for a ballerina like me, there's nothing more delightful than a pretty ballet shoe. So you bet I treated myself to a pair of fabulous pointe shoes from the incredible ballet shop called 'Danza Bella.' It's almost too good to be true to be here, but they were in my colour palette, I literally couldn't leave!
And if you're in the mood for something special, look no further than Gucci's new boutique. The flagship store was completely refurbished, with an amazing architectural masterpiece! The interiors are pure magic! A modern mix of old-school glamor and contemporary vibes makes for such an interesting shopping experience. I have to admit, I may have let out a little gasp when I first entered the store – it was that impressive. I got the feeling they’re making the statement "it's a bold world" and you know what? I’m all for it!
Of course, I can't ignore the charm of Milan's quieter boutiques and hidden gem stores. I fell in love with a vintage shop called "Il Piccolo Mondo," which is packed with such amazing finds – the owner even had a whole corner devoted to vintage ballerina costumes. Can you imagine my delight? They reminded me of all those lovely tutus I see in old ballets, but they still feel timeless and incredibly cool.
Dinner with a View!
And speaking of timeless, a few hours ago I had the most fabulous meal at "Terrazza Triennale". Milan is, of course, home to some incredible restaurants, but Terrazza Triennale is a special gem. Nestled at the top of the Triennale Museum, it boasts stunning views across the cityscape – from the Duomo to the Alps, which gives me the sense of majestic Italy at its very best.
Imagine this scene, lovelies! Sunset on Milan, with a delicious bowl of fresh pasta in front of me, the sweet taste of Italian limoncello warming my insides, the light dancing off the Duomo's majestic silhouette in the background. The whole city lit up like a thousand tiny stars, the sky blending with a deep red blush from the dying sun. Absolutely divine!
But no, that's not all. After dinner, we strolled down the side of the Teatro alla Scala with its beautiful Renaissance and Neoclassical architecture – simply gorgeous, right?! And, guess what? Just for today only they’re celebrating their latest production of “Carmen” with a performance in the central piazza - for everyone to enjoy, the stage set lit up by a magnificent theatrical spotlight! Oh, my!
Fashion, ballet and art – a city for everything!
The great thing about this beautiful city? Even though there's so much incredible shopping and dining, it also offers something to delight all creative hearts: the Leonardo Da Vinci museum has a mind-blowing display of exhibits and it truly brought Da Vinci’s genius to life – so interesting and fascinating! There’s no excuse to miss the world-class gallery at the Accademia di Brera and their exquisite collection of art that takes your breath away!
Milan is so much more than just the capital of fashion. From ancient Roman history at Sforza Castle, to Garibaldi Square, a favourite of locals - every street, every building, and every corner, there's an exciting new discovery around each corner. This place really inspires you!
But now, the sleepy little pink tutu ballerina in me has to go, and recharge. Tomorrow is another day and who knows what exciting adventure Milan has in store for me, I am definitely not waiting to see! Until my next blog, I’m off to see the ballet production at the theatre!
See you all next week. Until then,
Stay fabulous! Love, Emma.
