Milan offers a different vibe compared to Florence, with wider spaces and fewer narrow streets. This metropolitan feel sets the stage for Milan Fashion Week, a global fashion event.
My Spring Break coincided with Milan Fashion Week for Spring 2024, presenting an unmissable opportunity. Despite a limited initial schedule, I secured tickets for a smaller show and booked my travel arrangements.
Arriving in Milan was a chaotic experience, navigating taxi app issues and persistent vendors. Eventually, I reached the Meliá Milano Hotel, the venue for both my stay and the fashion show. Preparations were still underway upon my arrival. After checking in, I relaxed and prepared for the upcoming event.
My initial purchase was an experiential VIP ticket, offering enhanced access to the fashion show. However, upon check-in, I received a wristband, a dinner ticket, and directions to hair and makeup, along with information about a red carpet walk. To my surprise, my ticket was upgraded to “Celebrity” status. Embracing this unexpected turn of events, I decided to enjoy the experience.
After a wait, I had my hair styled professionally, opting to postpone makeup until after dinner. The dinner at the hotel restaurant included a delicious three-course Italian meal: risotto, sesame-crusted salmon with green curry, and tiramisu. Conversations with fellow attendees, many of whom were study abroad students, filled the dinner. A highlight was a brief encounter with the designer, Samina Mughal, before the show commenced.
My “Celebrity” ticket granted me front-row seating for the entire show. Three distinct collections were presented, each separated by musical performances. The collections showcased sustainable textiles, cultural fusion, and Mughal’s signature gemstone designs featuring emeralds. An after-party with drinks followed the show, providing another opportunity to speak with Mughal.
The following day, after breakfast and check-out, a booking error revealed an extra day in Milan. Securing a taxi to a hotel nearer the train station, I embarked on exploring the city. Shopping, sightseeing, and a delightful dinner at Pianeta Luna, a hidden gem near the station, filled the day. Gelato, an Italian essential, concluded the evening before an early night in preparation for my 5 AM train.
The pre-dawn walk through Milan was a unique experience, with the city enveloped in quiet stillness. The train station mirrored this tranquility, occupied only by a few early travelers. While grateful for the unexpected Milan Fashion Week adventure, I was ready to return to Florence.
Attending even a small fashion show during Milan Fashion Week is a highly recommended experience for anyone passionate about fashion in Italy.
