Advertising 
Story CHAU GIANG
Photos INTERNET
I spent my entire youth in Milan, but the fashion capital of Italy never ceases to amaze me. Every time I explore a different area, I am in awe of the city’s rich culture, cuisine and architecture. When a friend visiting from France asked me to design a fashion-themed tour of Milan, I realized that I had never experienced the city from that perspective. And so two twenty-something girls brimming with youth, excitement and a love for art decided to set out on a unique and memorable itinerary in this beautiful city.
No matter how one chooses to discover Milan, enjoying a morning coffee while admiring the majestic architecture of the Duomo Cathedral is an essential experience. We decided to savor our warm cappuccinos at the Cafe Gucci, nestled in a luxurious fashion paradise – the famed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping center beside the Duomo. Located in the city’s heart, this high-end shopping mecca is designed as a cross with an exquisite glass-domed roof. The world’s leading fashion stores, from Prada to CHANEL to Louis Vuitton are all on display inside this opulent shopping paradise. It is not only the splendid dream of fashion enthusiasts but also a place of cultural and architectural significance to the city.
Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of commerce, we made our way to the Palazzo Morando. This Italian fashion history museum showcases a timeline from medieval to contemporary. As we strolled through the museum, my friend happily absorbed details about the garments worn over a century ago and the pioneers and innovations that helped build one of the world’s leading fashion industries. Immersed in medieval ambiance, we felt like we were time-traveling while attending a history class.
As our journey continued, we moved on to the Armani Museum, an iconic establishment of the Giorgio Armani brand. There, we not only expanded our understanding of fashion philosophies and the career story of this great designer but also indulged in a visual feast of architectural space and a diverse array of captivating art exhibitions.
Blending into the life of Milanese locals, we continued to the Brera district, situated behind the famous Sforzesco Castle. Here, we found cobblestone streets rich in Italian character, with delicious eateries and charming shops offering fine arts, crafts and “made in Italy” fashion. After savoring a perfect margherita pizza and a plate of exquisite bolognese pasta, we felt energized to explore this artsy and bohemian neighborhood. We were excited by the quality of local brand stores, where we admired the meticulously tailored clothes and enjoyed conversing with the friendly designers.
Participating in the fashion shows held in Milan is impossible without an invitation, but we could still immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the fashion festival happening all around us. Every corner of the city, with its ancient golden walls, centuries-old European architecture and distinctive trams, could serve as the perfect backdrop for a striking fashion shoot. The city is enveloped in a chic aura; it wouldn’t be surprising to encounter a celebrity posing in designer wear or a model in cutting-edge attire, drawing everyone’s gaze with a confident stride. Learning from the photographic styles of Vietnamese fashionistas like Chau Bui, Quynh Anh Shyn and Co Em Trendy, we took memorable photos for each other, celebrating our own fashion adventure.
Ending a long day in Quadrilatero d’Oro, home to some of the world’s busiest shopping streets, we followed the pebbled paths of Monte Napoleone and Sant’Andrea, brimming with luxury brands. Browsing designs from Italian fashion houses like Gucci, Fendi, Versace and Bottega Veneta in the fashion capital of Italy was an incredibly satisfying experience. Simply holding a cold, creamy gelato while admiring the dazzling fashion stores through grand glass windows that reflected the enchanting evening light, we felt incredibly fortunate to enjoy such beautiful moments in life.
Observing the dynamic, art-rich cityscape, I realized that here, fashion is not just a trend; it’s how Italians live. Fashion lies in the demeanor of each local, in the air around us, in every alley, every building, every sign, and in the hearts of tourists who come to Milan because they, too, want to live with a deep and passionate love for fashion.
