Milan City Guide

Italian fashion designer, Leda Di Marti, shares with U her insider guide and tips to one of the world's most important fashion capitals...

Breakfast in Milan:

Bar Luce: Designed by director Wes Anderson, Bar Luce recreates the atmosphere of a typical old Milan café. I think it would be a great set for a fashion photo shoot. It inspires me every time I go there to take a cup of tea on my own, mostly because among the many iconographic sources there are two film masterpieces of Italian Neorealism, both set in Milan: Miracle in Milan (1951) by Vittorio De Sica and Rocco and his brothers (1960) by Luchino Visconti. When I am sitting there I always feel very Italian.

Culture in Milan:

Prada Foundation: I am convinced that culture is profoundly useful and necessary, as well was engaging and attractive, in a city modern as Milano, that's why I absolutely love the Prada Foundation. Art must enrich our daily life and the Prada Foundation was developed with this idea and mission. There is nothing better than to visit the numerous artist presentations from all over the world and catch up on the gossip with my closest girlfriends. 

LUBAR: Lubar: Sophisticated, relaxed and relaxing. The scenographic objective was to create a sensorial atmosphere of a 360° holiday, for sight and taste. LùBar is a place you must see in Milano: it follows a specific philosophy, that the entertainment, even if it is music, culture, education or simple reading, must be in continuous evolution from morning to evening. Simply, LùBar never stops.

Leisure Time in Milan:  

Terme Di Porta Romana: The wellness place. Because as you may know, in Milan the sauna is experienced on public transport! What is better than a historic tram converted into a sauna in the historic setting of the Spanish walls? It is a km 0 place, close to the centre of Milan. It is very innovative yet remains very classic: a typical, luxurious spa, where the noise of the city doesn’t reach you.

Cinemino: In Porta Romana, where I had my previous fashion studio and HQ, a small neighbourhood cinema has just opened with an international flavour: they only show auteur films (notti per film d'autore), highly selected projections and unpublished titles. The ideal place for small getaways from reality. I like to stay there for hours and watch one movie after another lost in my own thoughts. 

Orto Botanico di Brera: A true gem in the city! Small and familiar, it is a nice place to enjoy the greenery and feel welcome. Little plants shops sell flowers all year round and also can deliver the plants directly to your home. I have just bought many new plants for my new studio in Porta Venezia, close to this enchanting spot!

Dinner in Milan:  

Saigon: Milano is also ethnic! Saigon is a Vietnamese restaurant with an atmosphere inspired by the "Indochinese style" trend with a clear and evident reference to the French colonial period; the wooden floors of Versailles, white marbles of Carrara, boiserie in Vienna straw, chairs and stools in red velvet honeycomb, exotic fruits that give a tropical feel to the setting and on the walls they have wonderful French tapestries.

Langosteria: Amazement at every dish! Where to find the best catch of Milan. You never get tired eating here because, every season, the menu has a new look. There is only one certainty, the King Crab is always on the menu every season and it never fails!

Dabass: In the heart of Porta Romana, in a beautiful Art Nouveau building, a mini-restaurant with a hipster-retro atmosphere that offers cocktails created by art by Robi, the super friendly barman, and elegant, well-structured dishes. For a gossip night with friends here is a little secret: You must taste the Tardelli cocktail! 

Nightlife in Milan:  

Chiosco Mentana: The ideal place to sip drinks outdoors with the real Milanese. Recommended drink? The "gin lemon" 

Plastic Nightclub: From the first flyer sent out on 23rd December 1980, which recommended "the dark dress, the heavy makeup, the pomp especially the glitz" Plastic is now very much part of Milan’s nightlife history. Who has not spent a Saturday night there with drag queens?

Patuscino: Small disco in the heart of the historic Brera district, very popular during the week. Live music and karaoke, Patuscino dispels the myth that in Milan you cannot make friends!

In 2017 Leda launched her own eponymous womenswear label focusing on daywear and separates and centered her business operations in the South, and close to Milan where the collection is also designed. Leda uses fine Italian craftsmen in both Milan and Florence to make her collection, using patterns that are painted by her. www.ledadimarti.com

Ideal For

Fashionistas


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