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If you’re dedicated to fashion, you do wear heels in Milano,” laughs Simona, as I wrestle my kitten-heeled ankle free of a Milanese cobble for the fourth time in ten minutes. Having felt compelled to abandon my manly flats in honour of the style-setting Italian city, I’m swiftly discovering that Milan’s famous fashion streets aren’t as easy to navigate as I’d imagined. Thankfully, though, I have Simona at hand.
Simona Iulini Levy, an impeccably coordinated five foot five, is undoubtedly dedicated to fashion. Having worked for Giorgio Armani and Romeo Gigli in Milan, she decided to go it alone in 2003 as a Milanese personal shopper to the holidaying international elite, hoping to sate her own shopping addiction as a happy extra. “Put simply, we are used to good and beautiful things in food, design and fashion in Milan,” Simona says, when asked to explain the effortless panache that’s so uniquely Italian. “Women will dress well even to go to buy milk.”
But isn’t this all a little more complicated for those of us ungifted with an inherent Italian appreciation of style? “No!” insists Simona, arching the jet-black eyebrows that rise and fall as she speaks, punctuating her conversation with exclamation marks. “You can look like a star even if you’re buying last season’s lines, if you buy timeless pieces. Certain looks will last a lifetime: a classic navy blazer by Armani; leather driving shoes by Tod’s; or a black Gucci cocktail dress.”
Simona is celebrated for her easy way with her clientele – “They often talk and talk about their relationships and their problems” – as well as her ability to demystify high style. Her client list is top secret, but it is warmly rumoured that she has been called upon to dress a number of Hollywood’s sartorially challenged elite. Her personal shopping days are tailored to customer demands: clothes, accessories, antique furniture; even more obscure requests: “I have been asked to shop for dogs’ clothes”.
However, the mainstay of Simona’s work, which she evidently relishes, is the wardrobe makeover: “In half an hour I have to interpret the client, to understand them. Maybe they are mothers, perhaps businesswomen, or celebrities. They have all lost their feminine side, and I give it back to them. And it’s great because we’re experiencing a very feminine time in fashion now. We have colours, we have lace and gold glamorous clothes that can make you happy.”
Shopping evidently makes Simona happy – her response to fine design is infectious, calling to mind a breathless Audrey Hepburn, face illuminated in the golden glow of Fifth Avenue shop lights in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. “You know,” Simona says, “I have two young children, so I often have a stressful day. I just go and look at a stunning pair of shoes and, you know, all the worries go.”
10 Corso Como
10 Corso Como, tel: +39 02 6z53 531
“This shop is run by Carla Sozzani, the sister of the editor of Vogue Italia, Franca Sozzani. Carla keeps reinventing the mix of shops in this beautiful courtyard. I use 10 Corso Como to understand my client, it has all types of contemporary styles, something for every age. I watch where my clients’ eyes go, and then I get a good idea of where to take them next.”
Abito Qui
P.za Mirabello 5, tel: +39 02 29002518
“Abito is a pun. 'Yo abito’ means 'I live here’, but 'abito’ alone is a piece of clothing. Giorgio Borgiato and his designer wife Grazi run this shop and another one nearby. They used to be architects, and now she designs clothes, and he buys really nice antique furniture and unique housewares and sells it here. I love how it is hidden away off the square – there is only this small plaque to let you know it exists.”
Oro, incenso e mirra (gold, frankincense and myrrh)
Via San Fermo 15, tel: +39 02 6554492
“Oro is famous for its antique Middle Eastern jewellery, unique light fittings, brassware and mid-20th-century furniture. Look at this amazing old worn desk – lovely. I love the sweet smell of incense here too.”
Le Solferine
Via Solferino 2, tel: +39 02 6555352
“Shoes are my passion. This shop is great –
it’s a traditional shoe shop, but it’s really directional and perfect for younger women. These metallic pumps are really this season.”
Abito Qui 2
Via San Fermo 9, tel: +39 02 6590673
“This is the sister to Abito Qui. The clothes are fine silks, rattans and crepes, and are all made in Italy. Look at how they are finished – true quality. This is great for the older lady who is especially practical, loves good quality and is still a little bit, you know, sexy.”
Luisa Beccaria
Via Formentini 1, tel: +39 02 863807
“This store is being renovated – and the stripped white walls here only make Beccaria’s romantic designs look more feminine, all these pinks and corals. Beccaria isn’t too well known, though her designs are worn by Hollywood stars such as Catherine Zeta-Jones and Sarah Jessica Parker. This shop is perfect if you need to buy something special to wear to a wedding.”
Le Soulier de Satin
Via Formentini 1, tel: +39 02 8699 6720
“This shop makes bespoke shoes to order. It’s really hidden – it’s a secret for those in the know, like the private apartment of a friend. You can come here, walk up the dark stairs, have a cappuccino and sit on the terrace, as if you’re at a friend’s house. And you get to look at incredible shoes. Heaven!”
Viktor & Rolf
Via Sant’Andrea 14, tel: +39 02 796091
“This crazy Dutch label exploded here in Milan this year. The store alone is a masterpiece; you feel as though you are entering their universe. Their key pieces on the catwalk this winter are structured suits with big collars. For a simpler look, you can go for one of their Grecian silk dresses or quilted cropped jackets.”
Biffi
Corso Genova 6, tel: +39 02 83116052
“I sometimes go here just to see what’s new and how they display it – it’s an inspiring place. You can buy items by offbeat young designers, as well as more established labels such as Marni and Fendi. The sales (first weekend in January) here are also very good.”
Simona’s perfect capsule wardrobe “A very good tailor-made jacket is essential. Match it with a good pair of jeans and a classic white shirt. One very nice black cocktail dress is necessary too, so you are ready for anything. These are the staples. You can then use jewellery and accessories to change your look – think of them as make-up for your clothes.”
Where to take a break and rest those shop-weary feet
TIBI, Via San Fermo
Hot new wine-tasting bar, a mere swagger from Abito Qui.
Teatro 7, Corso Como
Como is becoming renowned for its edgy operations, and Teatro 7 is no exception. The kitchen is built next to the dining tables and is separated by a crystal partition, which is unique in Milan.
Armani Caffè, Via Manzoni
Slick, minimalistic and monochrome, as you’d expect from the ultimate man’s brand.
Fioraio Bianchi Caffè, Via Montebello
This café was recently converted from a flower shop, and is as famous for its extravagant blooms and floral scent as it is for the comic surliness of the manager.
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