Famed for its big-name designer fashion brands and elegant shopping district, Milan is also a city of surprises. Tucked away in secret courtyards and small streets are a number of low-key local institutions that are well worth exploring.
A true cabinet of curiosities, Raw&Co brings together vintage and contemporary styles in one of the city’s most beautiful boutiques. Explore its curated selection of antiques, wallpaper, lighting, home décor, and more.
Founded by two sisters, Solamente Giovedì is a unique shopping space, inspired by French and English country houses and in constant evolution. Open on Wednesdays and Thursdays, it offers up a beautiful selection of homeware and accessories.
Antica Barbieria Colla is one of the oldest traditional barbershops in the city. Founded in 1904, it’s been cutting hair and beards to great acclaim ever since. In more recent years, it’s also developed its own brand of healthcare and handmade grooming products.
Tucked away in a hidden courtyard in the heart of the historic city, Laboratorio Paravicini specialises in beautiful hand-painted ceramics. Established over 20 years ago, each piece is still created on site. It's known for unique creations for Milan Design Week.
L’Arabesque is a concept store with many aspects – a fashion boutique and design gallery that’s expanded to include a café, a bookstore and even a fitness centre, all carefully curated by multi-hyphenate designer Chichi Meroni.
Lisa Corti’s textile emporium has set trends for home furnishing and women’s clothing in Milan since 1980. Cotton, muslin, silk, zari fabric, ikat, bandhani, khadi, chintz – you’ll find it all here in vibrant colours and unique designs.
Located a few steps away from Hotel Principe di Savoia, Vincent Vintage Bijoux's jewellery boutique is replete with treasures hunted down by Vincent himself from all around the world. Discover a truly special selection of personal creations and rare finds.
Nonostante Marras was designed as an invitation to linger. Enjoy the art or leaf through books as you sink into a velvet sofa, then explore uniquely-designed accessories, clothes and home décor.
Head to historic Navigli for Clori Home and Flowers. This pretty little flower shop is filled with beautiful blooms all year round, plus a gorgeous selection of home accessories. Visit to see for yourself why it’s become such an institution in the city.
A temple dedicated to everything secondhand, Cavalli e Nastri is one of Milan’s most celebrated vintage stores – so much so, that it now operates in three locations. Trawl through its unique selection of clothing, from 19th-century pieces to Issey Miyake’s futuristic designs.