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Milan is the fashion capital of Italy, if not the world. It holds a prominent place, with such designers as Versace, Gucci, Bulgari, Bottega Veneta and Sergio Rossi. Yet, fashion in Milan extends beyond designing the latest trends in clothing. In Milan, being at the cutting edge of fashion extends into furniture and other related aspects of design. If you want to take part in the exciting world of creative design concepts, consider booking a room in one of the Milan centre hotels during April. This is when the Zona Tortona comes alive with innovative designs as part of the Salone del Mobilo - the Milan Furniture Fair.
What's to See?
If you visit the Zona Tortona at any time of the year you can explore a myriad of small and exclusive design shops. These range from creative space usage by NHOW to garden designers such as Hortensia Garden Designers. Zona Tortona is home to a variety of designers who form the new wave of style in and outside your home. This attraction for photographers and designers started a new wave of renovation and reuse of old factories during the late 20th century and into the present.
Today, the Zona Tortona has become the site of choice for many famous Italian designers and craftspeople - even the headquarters of Giorgio Armani are set up in the renovated Nestle Factory. The sector has also become home to another patron of the arts - leading contemporary sculptor, Arnaldo Pomodoro. He provides a space for showcasing both modern and contemporary international sculpture. You will find it in Fondazione Arnaldo Pomodor, located in the former Riva and Calzoni factory. The different levels of the factory make it perfect for fulfilling its variety of purposes.
You can view any of the 120 works in the permanent collection (including several by Pomodoro, Nanni Valentinit and Aldo Soldi), as well as a temporary exhibition space and an area devoted to the annual competition for young sculptors. Between admiring the work - sometimes bizarre, sometimes at the forefront of the environmental movement, even both - you can sit down and relax at chic Ristorante Boccino or grab a typical Milanese aperitif at any of the aperitivo bars in the district. Afterwards, take time to visit the Rojo Art Space. This art and design shop displays some of the best in contemporary art. All this and much more is well within reach of most Milan centre hotels.
Salone Del Mobile
The week of Salone del Mobile occurs during April. You will need to book ahead in one of the nearby Milan centre hotels if you want to be close to the action. During this week, the Zona Tortona takes on a whole new look. The façades of the stores come alive as the most current, trendy, environmentally friendly and even outrageous designers take over store-fronts and streets. You can catch works on display as part of temporary museums or pop-up structures. You can see the latest offerings from international designers, including Belgium, French and Italian. Molo, Zuiver and works by Marcel Wanders are favourites.
During the day and throughout the evening, you can visit the small cafés and bars that line the streets. The shops are open with extended hours and you will get a chance to see firsthand what you will soon be able to buy. It is a great way to experience, and sometimes pre-purchase, the very best of the future trends. Nina Hilgemann
