Fashion

As the birthplace of the Armani fashion house, and host to the famous Milan Fashion Week, you would expect nothing less than a myriad of shopping options in Milan. And you won't be disappointed. For up-to-the minute prestigious designers and clothes straight from the catwalk, head for the glamorous Quadrilatero della Moda or "Fashion Quadrangle". Designer fashion houses are neatly arranged around a rectangle of streets in the centre of historic Milan. Starting from Montenapoleone metro station, this Quadrilatero d'Oro (Golden Rectangle) heads southeast down Via Montenapoleone, passing the sparkling Gucci flagship store, Louis Vitton, Versace and Christian Dior. Turn left along Via Sant' Andrea where you can find Chanel, Versace, Hermes and then left again along Via della Spiga for Fendi, Roberto Cavalli and Dolce & Gabbana. Finally head left and southwest down Via Manzoni, where the Armani Superstore can be found, the largest Armani store in the world. If your budget doesn't stretch quite that far, but you are still looking for something trendy and hip, try the Brera district where the next generation of designers are trying to make their names with hip, stylish boutiques. This district seems to exude life, blending the old and the new in perfect harmony. Make sure you explore the side streets. For the younger, trendier, more casual fashion scene, head to Corso di Porta Ticinese where you can find brands such as Diesel, Gas and Fornarina mixed in with second-hand clothes stores. Bi-annual city-wide sales are held in January and July and the city's many outlet stores such as 10 Corso Como Outlet, Il Salvagente and Basement are a great way to find designer bargains.