Milan
Walking the street’s of Milan, the fashion capital of a country that prides itself on making a “bella figura,” or good impression, tourists are frequently tempted to stop short and take photos, not of buildings or store windows, but of average citizens on their daily commutes.
The latest, greatest and most expensive designs live in the Quadrilatero d’Oro, meaning “golden rectangle,” centered on blockbuster-lined Via della Spiga and Via Montenapoleone. In the center of town, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, a main covered walking area as well as a mall, is one of the oldest malls in the world and the prime place to window shop artful displays from Italy’s top brands.
The Milanese need to always be precise in fashion means that last year’s or even last season’s Prada, Gucci and Fendi can be snapped up for outlandish bargains at stock shops, many of which are located right in the middle of town off another major shopping street, Corso Buenos Aires.
Sale season in Italy is regulated by the government, so to catch these designers during their twice-annual discounts, visit during January or July. January is a chilly and rainy time in the city, but in July, Milan runs at an extra frenzied pace as everyone prepares for their vacations during the month of August.
