Milan Fashion Week
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Vittoria Ceretti walks the runway at the Dolce&Gabbana fashion show during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 on September 23, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

Ah, February. As hearts flutter with Valentine’s Day whispers, the fashion world thrums with a different kind of excitement: fashion month.

Milan Fashion Week, in particular, is a whirlwind of avant-garde trends, star-studded runways, and electrifying energy that sets the tone for the global fashion scene. Whether you’re a seasoned industry insider, a budding influencer, or simply a sartorial enthusiast with wanderlust in your soul, Milan Fashion Week beckons you to its glamorous embrace.

Milan Fashion Week
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Karin Teigl, Viktoria Rader and Aylin Koenig are seen before Sportmax during Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2020-2021 on February 21, 2020 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)

Why Milan?

Milan isn’t just about pasta and Prada (though both are undeniably fabulous). It’s the birthplace of iconic fashion houses like Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and Armani, a city where cutting-edge design and timeless elegance seamlessly intertwine.

Here, fashion isn’t just a seasonal trend; it’s a way of life, pulsating through cobbled streets and opulent ballrooms alike.

Milan Fashion Week
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Jean-Sebastien Rocques and Alice Barbier are seen, outside Tod’s, during Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2020-2021 on February 21, 2020 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Roadmap to Fashion Month Bliss:

  • Plan your pilgrimage: Milan Fashion Week takes place every February and September. Mark your calendars for February 20-26, 2024, and start plotting your sartorial strategy.
  • Secure your runway pass: Tickets to the big shows can be elusive, but fret not! Public presentations, off-site exhibits, and street-style sightings offer ample opportunities to soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Check the official Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana website for updates and event schedules.
  • Pack like a pro: Think layers, statement outerwear, and comfortable yet chic shoes (cobblestones and runway hopping, anyone?). Don’t forget your phone with a trusty battery pack — you’ll be capturing enough FOMO-inducing content to fill your Instagram feed for months.

La Compagnie: Your Chic Chariot to Fashion Week:

Forget the cramped cattle cars and pre-dawn baggage battles. La Compagnie elevates the journey to Milan into an experience as glamorous as the shows themselves, making it our number one recommendation when it comes to planning your fashion week travels.

Photo courtesy of La Compagnie
  • A 100% Business Class Oasis: Ditch the economy blues and bask in the comfort of 76 plush, fully reclining seats, each a cocoon of space and luxury. Forget fighting for armrests; here, you’ll have ample room to sprawl out, draft your next Instagram post, or simply savor the pre-show anticipation in pure comfort.
  • French Gastronomy at 35,000 Feet: Forget soggy airplane peanuts and lukewarm coffee. La Compagnie pampers your palate with exquisite Michelin-starred cuisine, crafted by French and Italian culinary masters. Think seasonal menus curated by acclaimed chefs, paired with a selection of fine Italian wines that would make even Anna Wintour swoon. Each bite is a mini vacation for your taste buds, ensuring you arrive in Milan ready to conquer, not famished.
  • Wi-Fi Worthy of Front Row: No more struggling for a decent internet connection! La Compagnie boasts lightning-fast, complimentary Wi-Fi, letting you stay connected, share your envy-inducing photos, and live-stream the latest runway magic directly from your cloud-kissed seat. Work deadlines? No problem. FOMO? Not here, darling.
  • Effortless Convenience, Chic Arrival: La Compagnie understands that getting to the heart of the action shouldn’t feel like a runway hurdle. Their direct flights from Newark to Milan Malpensa eliminate layovers and connection woes, whisking you away in just over 8 hours. Plus, pre-flight lounge access and priority boarding ensure a smooth and stylish start to your Italian adventure.
Photo courtesy of La Compagnie

Price Tag Perfection:

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room (or should we say, the fashionably dressed elephant strolling down Via Montenapoleone?). Luxury air travel often comes with a hefty price tag, but La Compagnie breaks the mold.

Photo courtesy of La Compagnie

From $2,400 round trip, you can experience first-class comfort and service without breaking the bank. Consider it an investment in your Milan Fashion Week experience, leaving you with more budget for those must-have designer finds (or that extra round of Negronis at Terrazza Duomo, no judgment).

La Compagnie’s commitment to luxury extends beyond the aircraft. From the moment you step aboard to your chic arrival in Milan, La Compagnie ensures you experience the magic of Milan Fashion Week in style, comfort, and grace. Consider it your personal runway pass to La Dolce Vita.

Photo courtesy of La Compagnie

Beyond the Runway:

Milan Fashion Week isn’t just about the shows. It’s about the energy, the inspiration, and the feeling of being in the heart of the fashion universe. So, take a break from the front row and explore the city’s hidden gems:

  • Pinacoteca di Brera: Immerse yourself in Renaissance masterpieces like Raphael’s “Sposalizio” and Caravaggio’s “Cena in Emmaus.”
  • Castello Sforzesco: Take a step back in time at this 15th-century castle, once the residence of the powerful Visconti and Sforza families. Explore the courtyards, admire the frescoes, and wander through the enchanting Sala delle Asse, decorated with trompe l’oeil frescoes that create the illusion of an open sky.
Milan Fashion Week
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Caroline Daur is seen wearing tan metallic pants and matching crop top, sheer chiffon trench coat and gold chain necklace outside the Alberta Ferretti show during Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 on September 20, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images)

Navigating the City of Chic:

Venture beyond the catwalks and immerse yourself in Milan’s vibrant fashion scene with our curated guide to the city’s most stylish neighborhoods, hidden gems, and must-visit hotspots.

  • Quadrilatero della Moda: Get lost in the fashion mecca — a labyrinth of luxury boutiques where Prada, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana reign supreme. Prepare for your credit card to sing its swan song (in the most fabulous way possible).
  • Palazzo della Permanente: Witness the future of fashion unfold at this historic venue, where emerging designers showcase their avant-garde creations. It’s the perfect place to spot the next big thing before it hits the mainstream.
  • 10 Corso Como: This iconic concept store is more than just a shopping destination; it’s a cultural hub buzzing with art, fashion, and delicious food. Fuel up on a picture-perfect cappuccino and browse the curated collections, then head to the rooftop terrace for Insta-worthy city views.

Model-Magnet Hotspots:

Delve into the glamorous world of Milan’s fashion elite and rub shoulders with the industry’s top models at these exclusive hotspots. These venues are the perfect places to spot the latest trends and catch a glimpse of fashion’s most captivating personalities.

  • Giacomo: This sleek cocktail bar is a regular haunt for the fashion elite. Mingle with industry insiders and maybe even catch a glimpse of your favorite street-style star.
  • Bar Luce: Step into a Wes Anderson film at this quirky cafe designed by the director himself. With its pastel hues and vintage pinball machines, it’s the perfect place for a caffeine break with a side of people-watching.
  • Ceresio 7: Perched atop the Duomo 21 building, this rooftop restaurant and pool bar is a magnet for Milan’s elite. It’s a see-and-be-seen destination where models mingle with designers, sipping cocktails and soaking up the panoramic views of the city skyline. With its sleek design, vibrant atmosphere, and frequent fashion events, Ceresio 7 is the perfect spot to rub shoulders with the industry’s finest and potentially spot the next cover star. Just be sure to dress to impress – this is a place where style reigns supreme.
A view shows women’s clothes at an Armani shop in Via Sant’Andrea, part of Milan’s so-called fashion district “Quadrilatero della Moda” on May 18, 2020 as the country’s is easing its lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 infection, caused by the novel coronavirus. – Restaurants and churches reopen in Italy on May 18, 2020 as part of a fresh wave of lockdown easing in Europe and the country’s latest step in a cautious, gradual return to normality, allowing businesses and churches to reopen after a two-month lockdown. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images)

Embrace the Fashion Feast:

No trip to Milan during Fashion Week is complete without indulging in some serious retail therapy. Beyond the Quadrilatero della Moda, explore vibrant neighborhoods like Brera and Corso Como for independent boutiques, vintage finds, and up-and-coming designers.

  • Antonia Giò: Dive into a treasure trove of avant-garde fashion curated by the legendary Antonia Giò. Discover emerging designers alongside established powerhouses, from Rick Owens’ intricate draping to Tom Ford’s sleek tailoring. Prepare to be seduced by the exquisite pieces and expert styling advice — this is more than just a boutique, it’s a fashion sanctuary.
  • 10 Corso Como: Browse the racks of iconic fashion houses alongside cutting-edge streetwear brands at this renowned concept store. Fuel up on a delicious meal at the in-house cafe and soak up the creative energy that buzzes through the air.
  • San Babila Market: For a vintage lover’s paradise, San Babila Market is a must-visit. Every Sunday, over 300 stalls overflow with vintage clothing, leather goods, jewelry, and antiques. Haggle your way to treasure-trove finds, from one-of-a-kind Dior bags to Chanel jackets with a story to tell. Be prepared for friendly competition — vintage hunters in Milan are no slouches!

Nightfall Magic:

As the day fades, Milan transforms into a playground for the fashion-forward. Glam up for an evening at one of the city’s chic cocktail bars or Michelin-starred restaurants, or dance the night away at a trendy club.

  • Mono Club: This buzzing underground club is a favorite among DJs and fashion insiders. Prepare for eclectic beats, a vibrant atmosphere, and the chance to rub shoulders with the city’s cool kids.
  • Just Cavalli: Step into the glamorous world of Roberto Cavalli at this chic nightclub, where the Italian designer’s signature style is infused into every aspect of the experience. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, dance to the rhythm of the latest hits, and live it up like Milan’s fashion elite. Just Cavalli is the perfect place to let loose, have fun, and make unforgettable memories amidst the electrifying nightlife of Milan.
  • Terrazza Duomo: Sip on cocktails with breathtaking views of the Duomo Cathedral from this rooftop bar perched atop the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It’s the perfect spot for a luxurious nightcap and some serious people-watching.
02 September 2023, Italy, Mailand: View of the Duomo of Milan. The Duomo is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Milan. Photo: Friso Gentsch/dpa (Photo by Friso Gentsch/picture alliance via Getty Images)

A Chic Farewell:

And there you have it, your ultimate guide to conquering Milan Fashion Week in style, comfort, and affordability. So pack your bags, book your La Compagnie flight, and prepare to embrace La Dolce Vita in the heart of the fashion universe.

Bonus Tip: As your Milan Fashion Week adventure draws to a close, make your departure as stylish as your arrival. La Compagnie’s all business class service whisks you away in comfort and elegance, leaving you with a lasting memory of your Italian fashion dream.

Photo courtesy of La Compagnie

Remember, Milan Fashion Week isn’t just about the shows; it’s an experience for all the senses. Immerse yourself in the vibrancy, the creativity, and the undeniable magic of this extraordinary city. 

Buon viaggio!