Fashion, Milan

Especially Milan is considered to be one of the capitols of fashion. This is totally true as you will feel yourself in the middle of a fashion show when you are walking in Via Montenapoleone or Duomo Square. Italians pay a lot of attention to what they wear and they follow fashion as an instinct.

I fell in love with this model in this advertisement in some Milan Galleria store. I wasn't satisfied with my exposure and frame of the shot, as I was prepared to take a second picture, the shop person just noticed I was going to take a picture and screamed at me and ordered me not to take pictures.

I was very apologetic, of course, when you fall in love, one tends to think of the beauty as opposed to customs. But if you can control your heart try not to take pictures inside stores (or be very sneaky not to be caught).

Non-EU residents (e.g. American, Australian and Asian tourists) can claim back the value added tax on purchases totalling over €154.94 from a single store that displays a 'Tax Free Shopping' sign.

Just remember to keep all your receipts and have them stamped at Customs when you leave Italy. Please don't wear your newly acquired Versace necklace or Ferragamo shoes until you are well clear of Customs. And finally, remember to submit your 'VAT back' paperwork!

There are refund centers at Malpensa and Linate airports open from 7am-11pm every day of the year to service you.

The Milanese have a reputation for high-fashion and for good reason. Try not to look too slobby when visiting if you don't want to truly stand out. Wear black, it always helps and bring something besides sneakers/trainers. Looking a little nicer can go a long way with the locals.

Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world and has several prestigious schools for modelling, design and marketing. The Italian fashion houses have managed to combine style with wearability. Slip into something designed by Armani and you'll feel as good as the models look.

For those interested in fashion, Milan is one of the world capitals. Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace, Gucci, Valentino, Trussardi or Salvatore Ferragamo are some of the designers with headquarters in Milan. Their shops are located in Via Monte Napoleone and Via Sant'Andrea.

In 1811 Stendhal said about Milano...
'Milano rievoca in me teneri ricordi. Qui ho trascorso i dolci anni della mia gioventu. Qui ho amato piu. Qui si e anche formato il mio carattere. Ogni giorno mi accorgo che il mio cuore e italiano...questa smodata predilezione per la lietezza, la musica, la liberta dei costumi, l'arte, per poter godere della vida in tranquilita..., tutto cio fa parte della natura del milanese'