Shop the City: where to shop in Milan

It’s Italy’s fashion capital, which means that Milan knows a thing or two about great shopping. The city is home to big-name designers and some of the world’s most exclusive boutiques, as well as upscale concept stores dealing in the latest in fashion and design. But there’s more to Milan than huge labels and glitzy flagships. Know where to look, and you’ll find a crop of independent makers and artisanal ventures that are just as worthy of your attention.

Don’t forget, when you travel with your Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard^®, you’ll earn HK$4 = 1 for all overseas spending, so if you haven’t already, sign up for one to make sure you don’t miss out on earning even more miles

1. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

No trip to Milan is complete without a visit to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Italy’s oldest shopping mall, this 19th-century temple of commerce is worth a visit for its giant glass dome and Renaissance Revival architecture alone, though the haute couture on offer certainly adds to the appeal. You’ll find the bigger brands housed in the centre of the arcade, next to more niche yet equally impeccable names showcasing Italian-made products. Don’t miss bespoke hat-maker Borsalino, and bag- and glovemaker Piumelli .

2. 10 Corso Como 

Part art gallery, part fashion and design boutique Corso Como serves as a one-stop destination for art exhibits, gadgets, and design-forward homewares and accessories. Everything is exquisitely curated and displayed, which makes wandering around a delight. Take home a molto chic tote bag or umbrella from the 10 Corso Como merch collection, featuring the shop’s trademark black-and-white logo designed by American artist Kris Ruhs. 

3. Milan Icons 

If you want to bring home some meaningful mementos from your trip, look no further than Milan Icons . A tiny shop in the Cadorna area, this lovely spot stocks charming indie prints, illustrations and stationery, all inspired by Milan. There’s also a small but beautiful selection of tableware and handmade ceramics, ensuring you’ll find something for everyone.

4. Robertaebasta

Antiques fans will fall head-over-heels for Robertaebasta , a treasure trove of vintage furnishings and retro design objects in the boho Brera district. Owner Roberta Tagliavini has been in the business since 1967, and her impeccable taste is on full display in the cavernous space. You’ll find Art Deco lamps, mid-century modern desks and contemporary artworks aplenty. This is a gem you’ll love to get lost in.

5. Cavalli e Nastri 

Milan’s retro and second-hand shops are filled to the brim with fantastic finds. For some of the best, head to Cavalli e Nastri (‘horses and ribbons’) in Brera. Inside, you’ll discover designer clothes from the likes of Prada and Versace in pristine condition, glamorous evening gowns, and accessories like silk clutches and velvet gloves.    

6. Fortela

Fortela is one of those independent Italian brands that still bets big on Made in Italy, with top-quality fabrics and time-honoured sartorial competenza. Blending classic Italian tailoring with vintage Americana, the label stocks everything from plush sweaters and sharp-looking blazers to leather loafers for both him and her. The two shops in the trendy Porta Venezia neighbourhood – one for men, the other for women – are a reflection of the label’s aesthetic, with exposed brickwork and original tiled floors.

7. Mercatone dell’Antiquariato 

Held along the main canal of the Navigli area since 1982, the Mercatone dell’Antiquariato (‘big antiques market’) appears on every last Sunday of the month.If you happen to be in town, make sure to go: at almost two kilometres long, this flea market-meets-antiques bazaar is packed with more than 400 stalls trading antiques, artisanal handicrafts and vintage items. 

8. Bezpen 

Overlooking the tree-lined Via Crema in the Porta Romana area, Bezpen is a real gem. It’s an eclectic boutique filled with women’s clothing, accessories and shoes from contemporary indie Italian and international labels, creating a welcoming and laidback atmosphere with colourful walls, quirky tchotchkes scattered across eclectic wooden furniture, and vintage armchairs. The shop also sells woollen hats and furnishings hand-crocheted by owner Elisabetta Deola. 

Best neighbourhoods in Milan to shop for:

Multi-brand stores and indie labels: Porta Ticinese, Cinque Vie, Moscova

Artisanal handicrafts and small boutiques: Isola, Navigli, Brera

Indie wares andmid-market steals: Porta Venezia, Porta Romana

Luxury brands: Via Montenapoleone

High-end boutiques: Via della Spiga

Vintage treasures: Brera, Porta Ticinese, Porta Venezia  

Design finds: Zona Tortona