When you think of Italy, the first three words that probably come up must be food, design and fashion. However, most of the times, each of these topics related to the so-called “Bel Paese”, is more linked with tradition and cosy old style rather than innovation. Whilst very proud of our roots as pioneers of arts and crafts, we now realise that we must keep up with the times and the experience-oriented American style, that is so wanted by any kind of customer. Nowadays not only do clients come into a store to purchase something, they also want to enjoy their time in a place where they feel like they are in a salon, a lounge bar, a technology store and in a sitting room, all at once.
Italy is a small country, it is conservative and often considered slow compared to some other European countries, nevertheless this tiny peninsula has always been taken as a benchmark for Style. Therefore, we just have to update our way of “selling” to keep up with the Joneses. Some of the big brands have found a way to let local Italians and visitors enjoy a modern and charming shopping experience adding some of our typical Italian touch. In Milan, part of the city, here are my favourite four must try stopovers to enjoy good Italian coffee and good atmosphere.
Nespresso Boutique
You can’t say you’ve experienced the taste of Italy if you don’t try the real one: an espresso…made in Italy. Needless to say it’s not just the flavour that makes the experience superb, it’s the story behind what you are tasting, it’s the location, it’s the comfort around you. This is exactly what you will enjoy after the first sip of coffee at the brand new Nespresso flagship store, located in the marvellous Liberty Square (Piazza Liberty). Inaugurated in June 2015, it’s the land of coffee divided into 3 floors. From outside, it looks like a luxury furniture atelier, full of huge windows. From inside, customers will begin their journey in to a fascinating story. All the coffee specialists will introduce you to the main features of the several types of coffee which you can buy on the first floor.
On the second floor, technology has the main role. Liquid crystal displays and colorful coffee machines are all around. Before you leave the store, don’t forget to do what the locals do. Go to the taste corner and ask for your favourite one. There are around 23 types of coffees and the shopkeepers will be glad to organise a complimentary coffee tasting for you.
Piazza del Liberty, 8, 20121 Milano
Opening Hours: 10.00 – 20.00
Alviero Martini 1° Classe – Flagship Store
Alviero Martini made his fortune thanks to geography. He is a well-known stylist in Italy for his brand 1° Classe (First Class). His style was first of all featured by casual bags with geography maps printed on them which, year by year, gained popularity, especially thanks to the great quality of the hides he chose. The pattern was so successful that it it became the motif not only of each bag, but also each garment and accessory items. For a brand that sells the idea of bringing the whole world with you, what better place to locate its flagship store in Italy but in the heart of Milan’s fashion district, Quadrilatero della Moda. Via Verri, at the end of Via Montenapoleone, hosts a refined two floor store where warm wood furniture and white sofas welcome the guests and accent the models of the goods. From shoes to watches, from foulards to belts, everything invites clients to try them on surrounded by a relaxing atmosphere that encourages you to think of nothing but the first opportunity to wear them.
Via Verri, angolo Piazza Meda – Milano
Opening Hours: 10.00 – 20.00
Ferrari Store
Welcome to the fabulous F1 world with a special focus on the so called “cavallino rampante”, emblem of speed and elegance, a symbol to which every Italian citizen is strongly attached.
The store is totally inspired by speed and race, in a very modern and fashionable way. Inside the historical building “Palazzo Ricordi” you will find three floors coated in flaming red. For any kind of original Ferrari merchandise, this is the place to find it: sunglasses, shoes, garments, perfumes, toys, suitcases and much more. For those who have heard about Ferrari at least once, it’s quite impossible to leave this flagship store without a souvenir.
For the more stimulating experience for you or any car lover, after seeing a real model of Ferrari in the shop window, clients are invited to really experience speed in one of the four Formula One simulators located on the ground floor. You can choose one of the different 5 circuits with multi-sensorial areas and interactive video walls that will entertain visitors and race lovers.
Via Berchet, 2 – Milan
Opening Hours: 10.00– 19.30
The Versace Store
The centre of Milan is a tribute to design and good taste. Walking through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the glass-roofed arcade near the Duomo, is astonishing. Designed in 1861, this arcade is considered one of the oldest shopping malls in the world. All the biggest brands have their luxurious shop windows displaying their best, surrounded by the Neo-Renaissance style of the arcade and by elegant bars and restaurants that welcome Italian workers and foreign tourists. It’s so stylish that Italian people named it the “salotto di Milano” (the sitting room of Milan). Among the large number of stores, the Versace boutique stands out. The great seasonal collections easily gain the attention of the shopping lovers who can’t help looking into the two-floor golden store. High columns that look like marble with Corinthian capitals welcome the guests exuberating glamour. Cream and gold walls decorated with angelic statues combined with simple transparent shelves and spotlights letting the dresses and accessories shine.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milano
Opening Hours: 10.00 – 20.00
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