Buongiorno, my lovely tutu-wearing darlings! Emma here, back from a whirlwind of a week in the fashion capital of the world, Milan, Italy! I can't even tell you how much I've been looking forward to this trip. My love affair with Milan began years ago, after my first ever performance at Teatro alla Scala – it's a venue that leaves you breathless, literally, from the grandeur of its architecture to the sheer brilliance of the performers.
I'm always on the lookout for a bit of magic, especially at Christmas, and this city doesn't disappoint. Every corner seems to radiate with festive cheer – twinkling fairy lights, ornate Christmas trees shimmering with ornaments, and the unmistakable aroma of panettone filling the air. I felt like I was in a living, breathing Christmas card, and I simply couldn't resist donning my most fabulous pink tutu. I mean, how could you? 😉
But let me take you back to the beginning.
Travel in Style: The Romance of Rail
My journey began in good old Derbyshire, England, and the trusty old train is my faithful friend, a chariot to carry me across the countryside and towards the exciting adventures awaiting me in Milan. This week, I boarded a sleek red-and-white Italian train, so charming and effortlessly cool, that it almost felt like a film set! As we travelled south, I gazed at the countryside through my window, spotting tiny villages nestled amongst rolling hills, the scenery changing constantly as we crossed rivers, valleys and towns. I simply couldn't resist documenting my trip with a quick ballet pose for the ‘Gram – what's a trip without a little photo op, right? 😉
The Pink Tutu Arrives in Milano Centrale
Arriving in Milano Centrale station was truly an experience – a hub of activity, bustling with travellers, locals, and shoppers alike. The station is grand, majestic, with huge arched ceilings and beautiful art deco touches, which always reminds me of ballet scenes, grand and dramatic, always full of emotion! My suitcase felt lighter as I rolled it across the polished floors towards my apartment. I had found a beautiful place just a stone's throw from the city centre, right in the heart of the Brera district, where I've stayed a couple of times before. A cute, airy space with a view of the cobbled streets and, of course, the all-important mirror space to indulge in a little tutu twirling!
Exploring the Heart of Fashion: Via Montenapoleone
Once I'd unpacked and settled in, the call of Milan’s chic fashion district was irresistible. A few steps out the door, and I was in the heart of Via Montenapoleone. This street is home to some of the world's most famous fashion houses, from Valentino to Dior, Gucci to Prada – it’s enough to make your head spin! Walking among these beautifully-dressed shop fronts felt like being inside a living, breathing fashion magazine! It felt like my heart was pounding like a ballet dancer about to go on stage! This street was everything I imagined Milan to be – opulent, fashionable, and captivating. I indulged myself in some window shopping, of course – dreaming about that gorgeous emerald green velvet Valentino dress (it will be mine one day!) and imagining my ballerina body draped in its flowing elegance!
A Pink Tutu at Teatro alla Scala
But no trip to Milan would be complete without a performance at the Teatro alla Scala! This legendary opera house is breathtaking – its elegant neoclassical façade is a beautiful contrast to its ornate interior, and every detail speaks to a rich and fascinating history. My heart nearly burst when I saw my name printed on the programme for the evening – tonight, I was performing ‘The Nutcracker’ with the Milan Philharmonic. After a grueling afternoon of dress rehearsals, I felt a thrill of nerves and excitement. The atmosphere backstage was a whirlwind of activity – costume designers whisking around in elegant silk gowns, dancers stretching, warming up and tuning their instruments, each musician a symphony of energy and purpose! This night was magic! And there I was, a twirling pink tutu princess performing amongst some of the most talented artists I'd ever seen! Every gesture, every twirl, was embraced by the adoring audience! It felt truly special to perform in such a beautiful theatre, surrounded by people who understood the passion and power of dance!
Pink Tutu Paradise: My Favorite Finds
But what is a trip to Milan without indulging in a little bit of fashion? You know how much I adore finding treasures and that feeling of discovering something uniquely wonderful. From beautiful leather bags to silk scarves, each item seemed to whisper stories of chic Italian style. You simply cannot visit Milan and not step inside its amazing vintage shops and vintage market stalls, each with a collection of stunning garments and accessories. This year, the Christmas market was abuzz with activity and so colourful! One stand had amazing brightly coloured fur jackets, like a pink dream, which reminded me of one of my costumes and the joy of vintage shopping. There’s something so charming about owning a piece of fashion history, don't you think? But I must admit I did have to keep my mind focused! And with the grand Christmas tree at Duomo square lighting up the night sky with dazzling beauty, the temptation of exploring Milan's festive streets was too much!
A Trip Through the Tram and Subway
When not admiring the majestic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, strolling through the Parco Sempione, or enjoying the festive lights of Navigli (the historic canals of Milan, decorated to perfection!), I found myself exploring the city on its efficient tram system – my haven for people watching! There's always a fun mix of people on the trams: stylish Milanese dressed in their sharp tailoring, groups of students laughing together, and families enjoying their day.
Even the train journey between stops was full of intrigue – so many charming moments; the way an older gentleman shared his newspaper with a younger man and then smiled politely at a woman getting off the train; a young couple kissing passionately; a lady carrying her groceries, dressed head to toe in exquisite pink! There's a sense of warmth and vibrancy on Milan's trams, even amidst the occasional bustling chaos, and I have to confess, my love for all things pink meant I often became the subject of attention. Sometimes you have to wear the big, bright pink tutu to inspire those around you and be the source of a few smiles! 😉
*Food and More Food! *
Oh, the food! This has been a gastronomic journey, from delectable fresh pasta to melt-in-your-mouth gelato. I even had my very own personal pink Panettone (my absolute weakness!)! I tried some delicious pizzoccheri (buckwheat pasta with cabbage, potatoes, and cheese) at a cosy local restaurant, and every dish I sampled was packed with flavor. I'm quite convinced they even add an extra pinch of Italian magic to their cuisine!
My Top Tips for Pink Tutu Travellers
Well, darlings, I think my little pink-tutu Milan adventure has been just the ticket to help you get into the festive mood! And with this blog being post #1591, I'm going to keep things fresh, but I have a feeling I’ll be returning to the magical streets of Milan soon enough.
To those who want to get their very own taste of the Italian spirit in a pink tutu (who doesn’t?), here’s a bit of inspiration from yours truly!
Here's my guide for a Pink Tutu adventure in Milan!
Pack Your Pinkest Tutu: There's something about Milan's streets, the grand piazzas, and the charming squares that beg you to twirl in a tutu! Bring a pink tutu that reflects your style and have a little fun with it. You can dress it up with a glamorous evening look for a fancy occasion or create a stylish everyday look! Trust me, Milan is the perfect place to channel your inner pink ballerina, especially if you like to stand out!
Take a Tram and Discover : Explore Milan beyond the popular tourist spots – get on a tram or subway! You never know what surprises might await you around the corner. Remember, Milan is a place of magic, creativity and innovation! Let your ballet spirit guide you to hidden corners and enchanting discoveries!
Taste, Feel and Be Immersed: Indulge in the flavors of Milan. Don't miss out on traditional Milanese dishes, like Risotto alla Milanese, Ossobuco, and Panettone. Make time for the delicious Gelato - even with all those beautiful and inspiring fashion houses, it will make you want to go into a twirling spin!
Capture the Beauty: The magic of Milan is everywhere! I’ve taken so many pictures for my instagram – there’s so much beauty and creativity in every corner! Remember, my beautiful tutus can capture the most breathtaking moments and express all the emotions, big and small, in this glorious city!
A Heart Full of Pink
As my time in Milan winds down, I’m heading to the train station, a suitcase full of memories, my heart full of the vibrancy of this fashion and ballet capital, and the warmth of its enchanting Christmas atmosphere. And now I can share my excitement with you! I can’t wait to be back next year and twirling in a new pink tutu! Until next time, my gorgeous Tutu Sisters!
