First of all, I have to confess: I’m one of those rare people who truly loves Milan.
I say “rare” because so many people describe the city as grey, cold, or even boring. But I’ve always felt that Milan simply doesn’t reveal itself immediately. Its beauty is discreet, hidden beneath the surface — sophisticated, restrained, elegant, and deeply Milanese. It’s a city that values essence over ostentation, refinement over flashy luxury.
And this is exactly why I love Design Week so much.
During these days, Milan opens the doors to its hidden world. Stunning palazzi, private villas, churches, secret courtyards, and historic apartments suddenly become accessible to everyone — and this is where the real magic begins. Every corner of the city feels alive with creativity and inspiration.
Some people come for the latest interior design collections and furniture launches. Others are more interested in brand presentations or installations. And some simply want the rare opportunity to step inside architectural masterpieces usually closed to the public.
What makes the week even more special are the people. Visitors arrive from all over the world, bringing together an incredibly stylish, creative, and international crowd. Personally, I find Design Week far more inspiring than Fashion Week.
Of course, it’s not exactly a vacation. You need to be prepared to walk endlessly, stand in queues for hours, and navigate crowds everywhere. Hotel prices become outrageous, taxis impossible, and even moving from one location to another can easily take over an hour.
I had registered for many events, but in reality managed to visit only a few. On one hand, I felt deeply inspired by everything I saw; on the other, slightly frustrated by how much I missed. That’s the paradox of Milan Design Week — there is simply too much happening at once.
Still, I absolutely love it. And I’m honestly impressed by how Milan continues to strengthen its place on the global jet-set calendar during this week.
This year, one of the most memorable places I visited was the apartment of Osvaldo Borsani, presented by Intervening Nostra. After standing in line for almost an hour and a half, finally stepping inside felt almost surreal. And imagining that Albert Einstein once lived in that apartment made the experience even more extraordinary.
Another highlight was Gucci’s “Gucci Memoria” presentation by Gucci. The blooming courtyard captivated everyone immediately, while the specially created objects and installations beautifully narrated key moments from the story of the House of Gucci. It felt immersive, theatrical, and emotional at the same time.
Then there was the Aesop presentation — another queue, another hour of waiting, but absolutely worth it. The installation was intimate and incredibly poetic: thousands of recycled Aesop bottles transformed into a sculptural installation dedicated to the launch of the brand’s first design object — the Apose lamp. Quiet, minimal, yet deeply impactful.
But honestly, for me Design Week is also about everything happening around the official program. Visiting the flea markets in Navigli, seeing the Armani Privé Exhibition, or spending time at Villa Necchi Campiglio — all of these moments became just as important as the installations themselves.
Because in the end, Milan Design Week is not only about design.
It’s about Milan itself — a city that, for one week, finally allows everyone to see its hidden beauty.
Art
• Beyond Retro
• Rokit Vintage
Exhibition
minimal, quiet, light-filled
Places
museums, galleries
Restaurants
museums, galleries