Travel: Bata Fashion Weekend
Our fashion editor, JESSICA RAMOSHABA, takes on Milan in 48 hours, enjoying the Bata Fashion Weekend.
I’ve always wanted to go to Milan. Just like anything else in life, whenever the opportunity arose, the timing was off. To go in my capacity as a fashion editor of the most exciting magazine in town was just a bonus. On a trip to Rome a few years back I thought it was such a pity to miss out on visiting Milan, due to a tight schedule. Fast-forward 2018, and the dream to visit the world’s fashion capital finally came to pass.
But let’s start my fashion fairy tale from the beginning. A mundane day at work was turned upside down when a text from my editor, Mbali Soga, shared the awesome news with me, and I immediately cleared my diary to realise a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity.
WHERE TO STAY
Principe di Savoia offers the most sought-after experience of good living, charm, elegance and service in Milan. The first thing I did after checking in was to order the most delicious cappuccino – creamy, smooth and at a perfect temperature. I’m such a warm beverage kind of girl. My expectation was met and
I knew right then that I was in for a magical stay in the most luxurious venue imaginable.
WHAT TO SEE
The quickest way to see Milan in 48 hours is to use the hop-on-and-off bus. Milan is relatively small so one can visit all the historical sights comfortably in a day or a day and a half. The entire SA team (influencer Mihlali Ndamase, Aqeelah of Fashion Breed and Swastika, the Bata marketing manager) opted to walk to get a sense of the city. And how we walked! We managed to see the spectacular Milan Cathedral, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and popular monuments dating back to the 14th century.
WHAT TO EAT
Our first meal was a light meal - simple yet very Italian, delicious and perfect for the soul, consisting of pasta, seafood risotto and salmon tarts as starters, at the cocktail pre-function to the main Bata event. For dessert, tiramisu nailed it. On Saturday, the MD of Bata, John Harman, took me to La Rinascente, Piazza del Duomo for lunch, where I enjoyed more pasta and Toscano salami.
WHERE TO SHOP
All high street and high-end stores are there for your indulgence. The smartest way is to have a guide. Visit the Dolce & Gabbana flagship store at the Palestro, and the hottest shopping street in town, Via Montenapoleone, to shop till you drop.