Milan.
Photo: Dan Grytsku / Alamy Stock Photo
An Insider’s Guide to Milan Curated by Maria Sole Ferragamo
The vision behind So-Le Studio and great-grandchild of Salvatore Ferragamo shares her favorite galleries, restaurants, shops, and more
Maria Sole Ferragamo. Photo: Courtesy of Maria Sole Ferragamo
As one of Salvatore Ferragamo’s great grandchildren, Maria Sole Ferragamo has been immersed in craftsmanship and design her entire life. Raised in Florence, she went to Milan to study architecture at Politecnico di Milano, and later, to launch So-Le Studio, her sustainable fashion brand which is focused on stunning-yet-sustainable jewelry made from upcycled leather and pieces of lightweight scrap metal.
Drawing on her family’s legacy, Maria Sole has carved a niche for herself in sculptural, wearable, and affordable jewelry—and not with bright stones or precious metals. Her statement-making pieces are coveted by a chic, in-the-know following and are designed for the confident wearer who can pull off a serious cuff bracelet or a dramatic full collar necklace. Designed in Milan and crafted in Florence, her twice yearly collections feature one-of-a-kind pieces that are reflective of “the architecture and geometric patterns at all scales” that surround her home and atelier.
For anyone coming to Milan for Design Week, a stop at So-Le Studio–her sublime boutique on Via Sant’Andrea 10 that is part of Portrait Milano’s beautifully restored Piazza del Quadrilatero—is a must. “Salone brings a lot of curiosity to the city,” says Ferragamo. “There are so many fashion brands involved now, and that brings a much wider audience.”
So-Le Studio. Photo: Mikael Olsson
What makes Milan so special?
MSF: As an architect, I find the city inspirational: the contrast of leafy neighborhoods with skyscrapers, the art and design scenes, and the dynamic women who live here. They inspire me and I design practical pieces for them that work from day to night.
The city comes alive during Design Week, especially the Triennale, the museum of art and design in Parco Sempione. I go at least once a month and I always find something new and interesting. The building by Giovanni Muzio from the early 1930s sits within the park and the bookshop here is excellent as well.
Other highlights during Design Week include Nilufar Depot and Lia Rumma Gallery that’s focused on contemporary art. The iconic Rosanna Orlandi is always wonderful, but her space becomes particularly vibrant during Design Week.
Maison Margiela x Gentle Monster pop up at 10 Corso Como. Photo: Courtesy of 10 Corso Como
What stores are worth a detour?
MSF: I’m not a fan of clothes shopping, but I highly recommend furniture and design stores like Cargo, HiTech and Design Republic. For beautiful stationary, there is Rigadritto in Brera and Antonia is just a beautiful space with carefully edited clothing and accessories. The 10 Corso Como concept store is still a gold standard, and I also like both Officine Universelle Buly 1803 and the Argentinian perfumer Fueguia for fragrance.
10_11 at the Portrait Milano. Photo: Courtesy of 10_11
Do you have favorite sights, restaurants, and bars during the busy Design Week?
MSF: The craftsmanship at the Portrait Milano is stunning and their 10_11 restaurant and bar serve as a lively hub from breakfast through dinner. For gluten free options in a warm and welcoming setting, I like Eutopia, a small café near Brera.
Also in Brera is the botanical garden where an oasis of wisteria and centuries-old trees provide a diversion from the design-related activities. Also of interest is the Cimitero Monumentale—or Monumental Cemetery of Milan—and the tombs and grounds are just so beautiful. People should definitely go to see this. Also Santa Maria delle Grazie where Leonardo da Vinci’s fresco The Last Supper is open to the public. The building is a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles, and it provides a quiet break from the busy pace of Milan life.
Installation view of "Siamo Foresta" at Triennale di Milano. Photo: Andrea Rossetti
For dinners out, I tend to choose restaurants that feel like home and serve food like my mom makes. For an aperitivo, check out the sleek terrace at the Hotel Viu in Chinatown. Da Orient is a great place for curated vintage clothing, and you’ll find interesting furniture and objects. If you have any energy after long Design Week days, try one of the cool new bars that are flourishing in the city—Section 80, Bar Paradiso, and Minerale offer an aperitivo with atmosphere.
If you want to go further from the city—either before or after Salone—I recommend Contrada Briccone in Bergamo. This high mountain restaurant offers a warm experience and excellent cuisine that’s just been awarded a Michelin star.
Cover: Milan.
Photo: Dan Grytsku / Alamy Stock Photo
