Milan Fashion Week: Top 7 Places to Hang Out

The Milan Fashion Week Autumn / Winter 2017 starts this week and as always, it provides visitors a unique opportunity to admire a continuous, live street fashion show where the great and glamorous are out and about dressed in iconic brands like Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Bottega Veneta, Armani, Moschino...

Milan comes alive and there is a tremendous buzz and excitement that is quite special to fashion. But Milan is also home to great restaurants and trendy bars and nightclub, where fashion conscious party the night away. Here are seven hot tips for you to enjoy and where you may even bump into some famous celebrities.

Carlo e Camilla in Segheria

This is one of the hottest restaurants in Milan and the latest creation of the Italian Michelin-starred chef, Carlo Cracco. The decor is absolutely unique:  A table in the shape of a cross, set in the middle of a vast room where beautiful crystal chandeliers hang from tall ceilings, creating a mysterious and elegant vibe.

Its very sparsely decorated, giving the feeling of an abandoned factory, but don't worry, you are in a unique space that’s not to be missed.

Via Meda, 24

+39 02 8373963   

Ceresio 7

This restaurant is surely one of the loveliest spots in Milan for a romantic dinner, located on the rooftop terrace of the historical Enel building. Ceresio 7 is an elegant and luxurious bar and restaurant. One the best sensations you get here is the indescribable peacefulness when overlooking the hectic city, simply enjoying outstanding cocktails and food in a cool atmosphere.

Via Ceresio, 7

+39 02 3103 9221

Bice

One of the favourite’s places to see fashion people such as Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne and American Vogue editor, Anna Wintour. Its usually always booked for lunches during Fashion Week, but rinf ahead and try your luck for a table.

Celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, this family-run institution is a charming restaurant focusing on hearty Tuscan dishes and homemade pastas. A popular entree is the “pappardelle telefono” made with tomatoes and fresh mozzarella but there are plenty of salads - for models who stop by once they’ve finished walking their shows.

Via Borgospesso, 12

+39 02 76002572/795528

Armani Bamboo Bar

On the 7th floor of the Armani hotel, get ready to be fully be immersed in luxury worthy of Giorgio Armani’s style. Everything is perfect at the Armani Bamboo Bar: a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere, beautiful design, cool music, super welcoming staff, lovely drinks and food including vegan and organic options. Here again, you will certainly find all of the coolest fashion brigade.

Via Manzoni Alessandro, 31

+39 02 8883 8888

Giacomo Arengario

Elegant glazed terrace on Located at the sleek Museo del Novecento, this restaurant offers spectacular views of Milan’s famous Duomo and a plush decor which competes victoriously with the Vittorio Emanuele Gallery opposite.

The Art-Deco lounges at the back, on the kitchen side, are splendid. Excellent dishes very nicely presented - taste lobster ravioli's accompanied by beautiful pieces of flesh or lime risotto. Anna della Russo, the Vogue Japan style icon, Katy Perry, and Jeremy Scott are a few of the names who have celebrated Fashion Weeks here.

Via Marconi 1

+39 02 7209 3814

Martini Bar – Dolce Gabbana

Martini Bar offer a heaven of peace within the hectic fashion and business centre of Milan. The staff is attentive and the quality cocktail and dishes fits with this place elegant and pleasant in a winter garden.

The address is design but it could not be different since this is part of the Dolce Gabanna Luxury Home. In the evening, the atmosphere is trendy and friendly.

Corso Venezia 15

+39 02 7601 1154

Where to Score Cute (and Actually Comfortable) Spring Shoes

This Week’s Top Story

Shoe designer Marion Parke is a former surgeon. So, when she designs her luxury kicks, she also has comfort—and being able to walk without twisting your ankle—in mind.

Locally, the designer’s shoes can be found at Neapolitan Collection; they’re also available at Intermix Chicago (40 E. Delaware Pl., intermixonline.com) as of this week. Styles to shop for now include The Bernadette ($625), a Mary-Jane-style sandal in camel suede, __and perfect-for-spring The Beck ($625) sandal in black or white baby calfskin.

Top Sales This Week

Anne Fontaine (909 N. Michigan Ave., annefontaine.com) has a sale selection filled with artfully tailored tops __and chic accessories. Find a ruffled white blouse that fits like a T-shirt (reduced from $265 to $185) and a wide, black-leather belt (reduced from $495 to $247) that has the androgynous appeal of a Parisian Annie Hall.

Vince (E. Oak St., vince.com) has discounts on its casual—and cashmere—basics. Score deals on a distressed-trim crew (reduced from $245 to $147) or a shawl cardigan knit in Italian yarn (reduced from $465 to $279).

Trunk Show

Space 519 (900 N. Michigan Ave., space519.com) will celebrate the launch of Olivia Joffrey with a trunk show this evening from 5 to 8 p.m. The line offers dresses and cotton tunics inspired by the breezy California lifestyle. Olivia refers to her aesthetic as “salt-air elegance.”

Health & Beauty

Since we’re already veering toward shorts weather this February, perhaps we all need more boot camp our lives. Just in time, a new location of Barry’s Bootcamp (barrysbootcamp.com) will open at 1937 North Halsted Street on Saturday. At 4,500 square feet, Barry’s Lincoln Park will have a clothing boutique and a snack-and-smoothie bar. It will also have what every gym needs: a selfie wall. This marks the chain’s second local outpost; the first opened in December.

 

Other Sales & Shopping News stories

 

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3 weeks ago

London’s most seductive Champagne bars

Perfect for date night or simply to celebrate a successful day, these five Champagne bars have that all important wow factor.

We may like wine for dinner or a cocktail to start the evening, but for a celebration (big or small), nothing beats bubbly. London has a multitude of dedicated Champagne bars and we’ve whittled it down to a select few; remarkable for their location, décor or extensive choice. Because it doesn’t matter if you’re lucky in love of just looking to relax, nothing beats Champagne.

Harvey Nichols

For the exhausted fashionista, “Champers at Harvey Nicks” has always been the perfect pick-me-up, and it’s easy to see why. The flagship Knightsbridge store features the Fifth Floor Bar, decked out oh-so-prettily in grey and white marble and powder-blue banquettes. Choose from a mix of vintage and non-vintage or excellent Champagne cocktails, let your shopping bags drop, enjoy the pretty view over Knightsbridge… and relax.

109-125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ

T: 020 7235 5000

Bob Bob Ricard

When it first opened, the bar’s quirky menu (which included cornflakes), caused some confusion but pink-clad waiting staff and wonderful décor – with a dedicated ‘push for champagne’ button – quickly grabbed our imagination. It’s delightfully romantic without being obvious – the design and atmosphere is more akin to a glamorous 1920s movie than a sentimental couples catcher, and its booths bring privacy whether you are visiting in a romantic or business capacity. And did we mention the Champagne button at every table..?

1 Upper James St, Soho, London W1F 9DF

T: 020 3145 1000

Voltaire

Named after the French poet and dilettante, Voltaire Champagne Bar is right in the heart of the city, occupying underground vaults that were a onetime prison and bank before becoming a wonderfully louche bar. It features a series of tiny rooms tucked into each vault space, so you and your friends can be completely comfortable as you enjoy the impressive Champagne menu that is heavy on the Pommery.

19 New Bridge Street, London EC4V 6DB

T: 020 7438 8059

Beaufort Bar at The Savoy

Sure, the American Bar at the Savoy is more famous, but this exquisite bar has to be seen to be believed. Built on the hotel’s original cabaret stage (George Gershwin once performed there) it’s a fabulous Art Deco room with huge arched booths covered in gold leaf – wonderfully decadent. With more than 40 Champagne varieties, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

The Savoy, Strand, London WC2R 0EU

T: 020 7836 4343

Searcys St. Pancras Champagne Bar

Even in the age of social media and cheap flights, there’s something so romantic, something very Brief Encounter about trains and railways stations. Searcys St. Pancras Champagne Bar makes the most of its upper concourse location in the soaring Victorian arches of St. Pancras International station. The cosy leather booths and Art Deco styling add to a delicious atmosphere of nostalgia and sweet partings. And, yes: they also have Champagne buttons on every table, perfect for creating your own brief encounter.

St Pancras International Station, Grand Terrace, Upper Concourse
62 Euston Road, London N1C 4QP

T: 020 7870 9900

Erdem, Eastern Influences

We are always amazed by the collections of Erdem Moralioglu for his own label “Erdem”. His creative style has become synonymous with versatile designs that still portraying powerful femininity. Erdem reinforces this style and technique with his use of experimental textiles, vibrant prints, and detailed craftsmanship, creating a beautiful world of luxury and cool clothes.

On the opening of his flagship store in central London in the end of 2015, Erdem commented « I always hope that when you buy a dress, you’d own it forever, and absorb it into your life» I always wanted a store that would feel permanent, too” .

The 200 square meter store, located on 70 South Audley Street in Mayfair is a two-storey luxury boutique that has a wonderful atmosphere which blends an array of many intriguing decorative features that include harlequin-patterned marble floor, solid brass-edged mirrors, exotic leafy plants, collection of photography and art books on the tables, some of which comes from the private collection of the designer. It’s very personal and a pleasure to visit.

Erdem’s 2017 Spring collection interprets the cross-cultural exchange between East and West of the 1930s. The boyish modan gāru – the Japanese ‘modern girl’ counterpart to the French la garçonne is one of the cornerstone themes of the collection. Immortalised by Maria Callas as its Japanese protagonist, the army elements of Madama Butter inspires the collection’s take on militaria and the men’s uniform, combined with the idea of the traditional Japanese wardrobe. Paintings of girls in kimonos by Dutch impressionist GH Breitner act as a reference for a 19th century representation of Japonism.

Other particular items include a trench coat covered in luxuriant oral embroidery echoed in a leather motorcycle jacket that features orals taken from a Japanese paper print found in Kyoto and a striped bomber jacket that is also adorned with rich embellishment. There exotic leopard coat in printed rabbit fur with lace trims. All are wonderfully unique and are fine examples of this talented designer.

Lightness characterises the collection with tulle laces, graphic and scalloped guipures, and swirly Japanese that are tailored by relaxed cuts – sometimes with hints to the kimono. Emphasising a vibrant meeting between East and West, a pink embroidered jacket in crêpe is adorned with oriental stitching in gold lurex thread, a gilded theme repeated in themed headbands, necklaces and earrings.

CITY INSIDER: London, Soho

How to experience Soho, London Fashion Week-style

This year’s London Fashion Week brought all the buzz and excitement we hoped for, filling the capital with models, stylists, buyers and clients gathered here to see the brands who view London as their creative home.

And London’s famous Soho district is LFW’s spiritual home, with the bulk of the catwalk shows and events held in here. It’s an intense experience as the ‘fashion crowd’ hop from show to show, so unsurprisingly, in their downtime they only want the best, hottest and most exclusive experiences, from beauty to bars. So if you want a quick guide to Soho LFW-style, read on…

EATING

Café Monico 

Soho House and the Groucho Club are filled to bursting during LFW, but they’re members only. If you fancy the vibe but aren’t a member, check out Nick Jones’ Café Monico which is open to all. It serves a French-Italian menu in a clubby room: all sage green leather chairs, marble bar, funky lighting and vibrant atmosphere. In fact, it epitomises the Soho House ethos: very casual and very cool with excellent service.

39-45 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 6LA

T: 020 3727 6161

Chotto Matte
The name means ‘please wait’ or ‘hold on’ and you’ll certainly be arrested by the insouciant, Tokyo graffiti vibe inside this excellent Peruvian-Japanese restaurant. That’s right: Peruvian-Japanese, also known as Nikkei (there’s a huge Japanese diaspora in South America). This super-tasty, fresh and fabulous food (think gyoza dumplings made with pork, prawn and cassava) plus the grungy attitude makes it a hot spot for the younger LFW crowd.
11-13 Frith Street, W1D 4RB
T: 020 7042 7171

The Palomar 
Style magazine Tatler’s Restaurant of the Year in 2015, The Palomar is simply fabulous. It’s not just the food, which is wonderful: Middle East meets Mediterranean with a heavy Jerusalem slant (think tortellini filed with labneh, for example). It’s also the hip bar stools and neon vibe, and the fact that the staff are so invested in enjoying their work that they sing, turn up the music and even share a drink with the customers. It’s hard to get a reservation but very much worth the effort. 
34 Rupert Street, W1D 6DN
T: 020 7439 8777

RELAXATION

Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre 
How they managed to fit an 18-metre-long pool, hammam, sauna and Jacuzzi as well as London’s first Watsu pool (for tailored hydro-treatments and guided meditation) in a building right in the centre of London is beyond us, but this very high-end spa is a byword for exhausted models – Neelam Gill of Burberry-fame is a fan. You’ll find it enclosed in the show-stopping Hotel Café Royal, but the spa itself is very peaceful and stays open until late.
Hotel Café Royal, 50 Regent Street, W1B 5AS
T: 020 7406 3360

Margaret Dabbs Sole Spa
After a hard day seeing the shows, the only place to be is Margaret Dabbs at Liberty. Margaret and her team of podiatrists offer an extensive list of treatments including the renowned medical pedicure with Oxygen Therapy, as well as polishing and shaping manicures and pedicures. Other treatments on offer include Halo Therapy, Reflexology and Foot Detox Baths.
Liberty, Great Marlborough Street, W1B 5AH
T: 020 7494 4492

ENTERTAINMENT

Toy Room Club

This luxury boutique club with dollar-bill wallpaper and model portraits has room for only 180 and is unabashed about its door policy: if you look the part, you get in, and it’s best to pre-apply for the guest list. And once inside, the excellent hip hop and R&B keeps the people coming back. This is the place to see and be seen.

The London Paladium, 8-9 Argyll Street, W1F 7TF
T: 020 7734 6066

68 & Boston
This cool, dual-purpose space has a late night 1940s gin joint feel to it: all dark wood, sultry lighting, waiters in whites tuxes and a cool retro style. Downstairs it’s a wine bar (68), upstairs cocktail guru Luca Cordiglieri, (president of the UK Bartenders' Guild), reigns supreme with some truly startling drinks. Cleverly, every wine is priced at £20, so relax and try an unusual bottle, or head on up for a squid ink martini (yes, really). It’s very cool without being pretentious, and well worth a visit.

5 Greek Street, W1D 4DD
T: 020 7287 3713

Bar Termini

This tiny bar does only two things: coffee and cocktails. But wow, how it does them. The coffees are overseen by Marco Arrigo, head of quality for iconic Italian __brand Illy, so it doesn’t get much better than this. The cocktails are nearly all versions of a negroni and they’re from the legendary Tony Conigliaro (Zetter Townhouse, among others). The place to be seen for a coffee or an early evening tipple.

7 Old Compton Street, W1D 5JE

T: 07860 945018

CULTURE

The Photographers’ Gallery 

Fresh from a multi-million pound refit and with a board consisting of the rich and good, The Photographers Gallery is the largest public gallery in London dedicated to photography. It features anything from the latest emerging talent to historical archives and established artists.

16-18 Ramillies Street, W1F 7LW
T: 020 7087 9300 

Sister Ray 
There’s been a huge surge in people buying vinyl, and anyone who’s anyone (or wants to be) in the music and fashion world is into it. Soho's iconic Sister Ray, which buys and sells rare, vintage and modern vinyl only, is the best place in Britain to get that ultra-rare 70s funk track.
34 Berwick Street, W1F 8RP
T: 020 7734 3297

London Fashion Week Festival

Most of the LFW events are private and very hard to get into, but the festival, running 23-26 February, distills the Week into three days of shows, talks and shopping which are open to the general public. See the A/W 17 collections, update your wardrobe with cutting edge style from 150 brands, and meet fashion experts.

The Store Studios, 180 Strand, WC2R 1EA
www.londonfashionweekfestival.com

Pharell Williams Debuts First Collection at G-Star RAW

Pharrell Williams certainly boasts a Midas touch and his latest collaboration with cutting-edge clothing __brand G-Star RAW hits the perfect note. The music impresario became co-owner of the Dutch denim label in 2016 and joined as Head of Imagination, charged with the simple task of pushing the boundaries to create new product ideas and __brand experiences. 

“We’re genuinely excited to reimagine the future of denim together,” a spokesperson said, and Pharrell’s new capsule collection has already exceeded expectations. The G-Star Elwood X25 collection, which launches on 16 February, is based around G-Star’s much-loved Elwood jeans. First launched 20 years ago, designer Pierre Morisset pioneered the “3D Denim” approach to create jeans that followed the leg’s curve when riding a motorcycle; boasting knee patches, shaping knee darts, saddle patch, heel guards and slanted thigh seams. Still deeply iconic today, at the time the jeans represented a revolutionary way of thinking about how clothes fit, so it’s no surprise this is the line Pharrell chose to take to a whole new level. 

The new collection uses innovative 3D technology, and offers vibrant style, sheer originality and off-the-wall sartorial choices – much like the musician himself. In Pharrell’s own words, “The 25 prints are an expression of true creativity. They give everyone the freedom to choose for themselves and, by doing so, empower them to decide who they want to be and what they want to wear.”

The pieces are rich in colour and range from bright red plaid to multi-coloured camo, restrained navy pinstripe to chinoiserie patterns in red and blue. If you’re drawn to black and white, however, you won’t be disappointed: his monochrome pieces feature a bold block stripe, pinstripe, as well as chequered and geometric patterns. Pharrell himself models the jeans in the urban/rural ad campaign, alongside Dutch model Marte Mei van Haaster, which was conceived by Ronnie Cooke Newhouse (of House + Holme fame) and shot by Lukas Wassmann.

Available from 16 February.

5-11 Shorts Gardens, London WC2H 9HZ

T: 020 7240 2801

272-274 Oxford Street, London W1C 1DU

T: 020 7493 6503

Westfield White City, London W12 7SL

T: 020 8749 9508

Westfield Stratford City, London, E20 1EP

T: 020 8534 4003

Lush Cosmetics Opens Bigger Digs on Michigan Avenue

This Week’s Top Story

Lush (lushusa.com) recently shuttered its shop at Water Tower Place—but wait! It was for a good reason. The handmade cosmetics company moved into bigger digs at 744 North Michigan Avenue. The sweet-smelling store opened earlier this week.

Selling the colorful bath bombs, cleansers, __and facemasks the brand is best known for, this 10,000-square-foot location also has something new. At 16 consultation stations, shoppers can get expert advice on skincare, hair care, __and more.

Speaking of new: Mouthwash Tabs (“solid mouthwash”) will be in store on April 1. In the meantime, reps name Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner ($35.95) and Floating Island Luxury Bath Oil ($3.95) as two must-haves to carry you through winter.

Top Sales This Week

Nordstrom (nordstrom.com, local stores here) hosts its first sale of the year, The Winter Sale, February 17 through 26. Running in stores and online, the sale takes 40 percent off fashion for men, women, and kids.

The Fashion Outlets of Chicago (5220 Fashion Outlets Way, Rosemont, fashionoutletsofchicago.com) is celebrating President’s Day with—you guessed it—sales. There are plenty going on at the shopping center all weekend, with highlights including 40 percent of at DVF from February 16 to 20.

Pop-Up

Nordstrom (55 E. Grand Ave.) continues its pop-up series, Pop-In@Nordstrom, with a shop devoted to Korean beauty products. Decked with bright, cloud-theme décor, the shop sells some 500 products for men and women. And these aren’t your usual beauty-counter finds: Look for hydrating jelly eye shadow, banana-milk masks, and swabs infused with 24-karat gold.

 

Other Sales & Shopping News stories

 

This New-to-Chicago French Facial Promises an Instant Facelift

1 week ago

 

Choreographer Kevin Iega Jeff Shares His Favorite Things

2 weeks ago

 

This Bridal Trunk Show Will Have a “Pinch of Spice”

2 weeks ago

 

Switch Up Your Workouts and Wardrobe for the Winter

3 weeks ago

This New-to-Chicago French Facial Promises an Instant Facelift

1 week ago

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2 weeks ago

This Bridal Trunk Show Will Have a “Pinch of Spice”

2 weeks ago

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3 weeks ago