Creative brain and textile-obsessed Silvia Osella (portrayed above in a photo by Igor Termeñon) has mastered the art of textile design. After working in leading textile companies in Europe, Osella decided to put her experience and expertise to use by establishing her personal design and consulting studio in Milan.
In a city known for its splash of creative initiatives, Osella has some favourite go-to spots. See Milan through her eyes in our collection of places below.
Enoteca Naturale
Enoteca Naturale is a wine bar, one that we can’t get enough of! Offering a selection of natural wines, this is a frequent spot for the designer. With traditional Italian plates to savour and accompany with great wine it is a beautiful place for a cozy night out with your girlfriends.
Cavalli e Nastri
If you are into vintage, this is the shop to visit when in Milan. With a selection of vintage gems from the world’s greatest brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Hermès and Fendi, Cavalli e Nastri is more like a wonder-place than a store.
Diving into the old school aura of timeless designs and supporting second-hand shopping practices, Cavalli e Nastri awaits for those who are into eternal personal style, not seasonal trends.
Erba Brusca
In the southern region of Milan, Erba Brusca is an unmissable spot for the lovers of organic products and Italian cuisine. With the stance that ”eating is an agricultural act,” the restaurant owns a garden from which fresh produce is gathered for their menu. The interior carries with it an aura of calm and nature’s wonders are your plate and outside the window on display. The restaurant has stolen the hearts of visitors including Silvia Osella.
Fondazione Prada
One of the most prominent names in Italian fashion is associated with this cultural institute. Since its establishment in 1993, Fondazione Prada has hosted and promoted works of art and culture becoming a world-known space for enlightenment. With several exhibitions each season, the Fondazione is a must-visit hub for individuals seeking a dose of intellectual activity.
Triennale Milano
Italy has an historical and cultural heritage traced centuries back. To this day, the country continues to be a hub for belles-lettres and important events in the arts.
Triennale Milano is one of Italy’s leading establishments for design and modern cultural updates. Bringing to the public exhibitions and initiatives from the world of design, architecture, visual and performing arts it provides a shelter for sophistication of the spirit and aesthetics.
Pirelli Hangar Biccoca
Evidently, Milan has a lot to offer to those visiting eager to feed their mind and soul with creative and artistic content. Pirelli Hangar Biccoca is a centre with mission to promote contemporary culture. No wonder it is a favourite of the connoisseurs in visual arts!
Wandering Around The ''Cinque Vie''
They say you can only really get to know a city if you walk through it. When it comes to Milan, the Italian fashion capital is easily discovered strolling around. A particularly wholesome promenade is at the ”5 Vie” district, a region named after its five main streets: Via Santa Marta, Via del Bollo, Via Bocchetto, Via Santa Maria Fulcolina and Via Santa Maria Podone.
Wandering around the Cinque Vie you will come across small galleries, antique shops that will catch your eye, boutiques, ateliers and concept stores as well as art studios. A particularly nice stroll on a sunny day, time will fly before you know it as you look at all the unique settings.
AiSPi Curated Milan Designers
Of course, we cannot miss out on the special, local boutiques and designers that Milan has to offer. Take a glimpse at the ones we are keeping our eye on.
Benedetta Bruzziches
Benedetta Bruzziches is the brand we turn to whenever we are hunting for bags in the city. Its unique, playful design gives an instant confidence boost the moment you touch it. Glamorous, party-ready and carrying an interesting inspiration story. After all, brand gained popularity for its glitzy approach to accessorising.
Gatti Milano
Few brands have managed to strike us at first sight so much as Gatti Milano. With a selection of bags offering an ever-alluring aura, the story only gets more impressive once you learn that these masterpieces are all made exclusively by hand! Well, that might be a main reason to consider them as masterpieces actually.
Tavat Eyewear
Perhaps the greatest thing to know about Tavat is their heritage. Manufactured in Northern Italy by artisans working in independent and family-owned businesses each pair of glasses could take even months to be ready. But the designs along with the forward-thinking technology adopted are not to be ignored. Quality, history and elegance are all checked off the list when it comes to Tavat.
Look through it for both sunglasses and opticals.
Written by Eleftheria Giannouli
All photos are courtesy of their listed captions.
Silvia Osella’s portrait is by the very talented photographer, Igor Termeñon.
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