VW up! at Lake Como. Photo by M.Nass Brauer
The Milan of today has grown into a world-renowned hub for design enthusiasts, an impressive ranking that stems from the city’s historical excellence in fashion design. With luxury houses like Moschino and Prada at the industry’s forefront, the metropolis’ multitude of non-fashion design accomplishments often go forgotten. The Salone del Mobile has fought against this neglect with its yearly presentation of revolutionary industrial and product design from around the globe, helping to shape the city into a centre for creativity.
Similar excellence in design can be found in Volkswagen’s new up! vehicle. As the ideal city car that’s also well-built enough to handle those lengthy summer road trips, we visited Milan’s most impeccably designed establishments before heading to Lago di Como for a quick scenic getaway.
Armani / Nobu
Fashion meets food
Armani / Nobu Cafe
Via Gastone Pisoni 1
When describing a sushi restaurant, “fresh” should ideally be the first adjective that comes to mind. Without a doubt, Armani’s Nobu Cafe successfully delivers on that expectation. The ingredients used in this chic restaurant are known for their top notch quality, delivering a beautiful congruency with the world-famous house of Armani behind it.
“True Value”, 2016, by Theaster Gates at Fondazione Prada. Image from Fondazione Prada’s Facebook Page, Photo by Delfino Sisto Legnani Studio
Fashion, design and architecture: The Holy Trinity
Fondazione Prada
Largo Isarco 2
Located in the southeastern neighbourhood of Lodi, the Fondazione Prada has quickly built a reputation based on consistency thanks in large part to its outstanding exhibitions housed inside beautiful industrial-contemporary spaces. The venue is recognised as a seminal architectural concept due to its effective challenge of spatial typologies. The concept, which was created by architecture firm OMA and led by Rem Koolhaas, works to both preserve older structures while creating new.
Fonderie Milanesi in Milan. Image from Fonderie Milanesi’s Facebook Page.
A rustically charming dining experience
Fonderie Milanesi
Via Giovenale 7
A trip to Milan would be incomplete without a good aperitivo, otherwise known as Italy’s preferred method for mingling: eating and drinking. When visiting the city, we recommend Fonderie Milanesi, a retro-looking restaurant and bar that’s a favourite among locals. The original structure houses an industrial vintage design that pairs well with the stylish clientele often seen enjoying a prosecco or two.
“Architecture as Art” at Hangar Bicocca. Image from Hangar Bicocca’s Facebook Page, Photo by Gianluca di Loia
When industrial design and engineering collide
Hangar Bicocca
Via Chiese 2
With monumental permanent installations as well as exceptionally curated temporary exhibitions, this Pirelli-owned institution is a contemporary arts museum housed inside a former aeroplane factory. The tyre company, which is also responsible for the fashion-based Pirelli Calendar, proves just how integrated design in Milan really is.
Pacifico, Peruvian Restaurant in Milan. Images from Pacifico’s Website
Latin American fusion with Italian design
Pacifico
Via San Marco, Via Moscova
Peruvian cuisine has gained an immense amount of attention these last couple of years, with Peruvian restaurants like “Central” in Lima, Peru consistently taking the highest positions in the Michelin Guide for the world’s best restaurants. With this ever-increasing trend of Peruvian restaurants opening in Europe, Milan does it again with “Pacifico”, the city’s unique take on the culinary craze. Pacifico is a Peruvian restaurant that not only has an enchantingly eclectic interior design, but also serves the best ceviche in town.
More information on Volkswagen’s up! vehicle can be found at volkswagen.de