MILAN

German fashion designer Philipp Plein divulges how to make the most of a day in Milan

spend a lot of time in Milan for work and I’m delighted that I’ve got to know it incredibly well. I really feel like it’s my adopted city. This is the place where my brand received international attention for the first time, so I feel a strong connection to it.

Whenever I’m in Milan, I stay at the Bulgari Hotel, which is a fantastically renovated 18th-century Milanese palazzo. I wake up around 8am and head straight to the gym. I’m addicted to the stepper—i work out on it every single day. After exercising, I usually run straight to my office. However, if I’m blessed with the luxury of time, I’ll grab a bite to eat at Cova on Via Montenapoleone.

The sheer abundance of shopping options in Milan is one of the most appealing aspects of the city. I love to visit our neighbours’ boutiques on Via della Spiga and all the brands on Via Montenapoleone. For research, Lipstick Vintage on Corso Garibaldi is a real treasure trove—i often have appointments there and am always excited about what’s in store. There’s a superb selection of brands at Daad Dantone on Via Santo Spirito and I often find myself perusing their aisles.

For perfumes and accessories, you can’t beat Penhaligon’s on Via Brera. I pick up groceries and other edibles at Peck and Eataly. From all these options, you’re sure to find the perfect gifts to bring back for your loved ones—delicious local food and fine clothing are what Milan does best.

If I have time, of course I love to take in some of the city’s incredible cultural offerings. I recently visited Fondazione Prada, which really lives up to the hype; it’s a very interesting and thought-provoking space. Although I’m more of a fan of architecture than art, a visit to Galleria Gió Marconi is the perfect place to stumble upon fresh contemporary artists.

I always ensure I have my staples with me wherever I go, especially V-neck T-shirts in black and white—they’re my uniform. It’s good to be prepared for all eventualities, so I travel with jogging pants for comfort and a blazer if a formal occasion should arise. I always bring my large collection of fragrances with me when I travel—my taste is constantly changing, so it’s good to have a selection. I never leave home without my headphones, either, as music always makes travel that much easier.

When I’m in Milan, I usually spend a lot of hours in the office, so I like to chill out after work. One of my favourite things to do is to have late dinner and a drink at Nobu. I’m a big sushi fan, and the restaurant’s interiors are refined and relaxing. I don’t really go out partying in Milan, as I prefer to save my energy for the south of France. However, if I do fancy a dance, Byblos or Divina are both really cool clubs. At Divina, you’ll bump into all the fashion stylists and photographers. Byblos is a bit more traditional— the dancefloor is packed with beautiful girls who just want to have fun.