An insider’s guide to Milan by Edward von Dadelszen

20 September 2016
By Fashion Quarterly

Edward von Dadelszen and Constance Cummings

Edward von Dadelszen’s eponymous menswear (and soon to be womenswear) label has set a new standard for luxury in New Zealand.

As Edward tells us in Fashion Quarterly’s Spring 2016 issue, his collections are produced by some of the finest garment manufacturers in the world at the same ateliers where the likes of Hermès, Bottega Veneta and Valentino goods are made. This means that, along with his girlfriend, muse, and unofficial creative consultant, Constance Cummings (who you will know as owner and director of vintage jewellery boutique, Love and Object), Eddie spends several weeks of the year in Europe – and for the stylish couple, fashion mecca Milan is basically a second home.

“I’ve fallen in love with Milan over the past few years,” says Constance. “The first time I struggled because you’ve got the cathedral, and the shopping streets, and the guys coming up trying to sell stuff, and it just doesn’t feel very authentic. But now I love the city. Almost – and this is a big call – almost as much as Paris. I think because the Italians are so engaging.”

To be honest, we were sold on ‘shopping streets’, but we thought if anyone could give us the lowdown on where to stay, what to eat, where to drink, and what to do in Milan, it would be Eddie. The following is his insider’s guide to the Italian fashion capital…

Straf Hotel and Bar in Milan
Straf Hotel & Bar

 

Haute hotels

Dark and intimate, there’s no better place to be than Straf Bar on a bitter winter’s evening. Part of Straf Hotel, the cocktail nook is known for its long happy hour, a tendency to mix potent libations and for being the place where the fashion set come to play. A 30 second walk from Duomo Milan and with key shopping destinations La Rinascente and Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II’s also in the immediate vicinity, its location is ideal too. Hotel Principe di Savoia, meanwhile, is a special occasion place. Its landmark building dominates Piazza della Repubblica and while the aesthetics are traditional and ornate, the mood inside is lively. Without name dropping, this place has seen its fair share of talent, celebrity and royalty. Well…one name drop. Several years ago, Constance was having a drink at the bar with a friend, and at the table next to them was Carine Roitfeld and Stefano Pilati.

Cracco michelin star restaurant Milan
Cracco

 

Restaurants I rate

Milan is a great city to dress up and enjoy yourself when going out to dine — the other patrons and staff really do respond to this favourably. Loved by locals, Zio Pesce is one of the finest seafood restaurants in the city. Casual, authentic and very well priced. Il Salumaio  is utterly my favourite. Classical Milanese fare served in an unfussy yet incredibly sophisticated manner, I just adore the place in winter or in summer. The location is simply beyond beautiful, with patrons to match! I could eat there every day for the rest of my life I think. Cracco, if a wealthy Aunt is taking you (or if you are the wealthy Aunt!), is pretty incredible Michelin Star dining. And special mention to Peck – the most famous Deli in Milan. It is an incredible place to sample local produce and has the most famous brunch in the city. Great place to load up on incredible antipasto, charcuterie and wine to take back for a sneaky meal in your hotel room.

Aperitif garden bar at Hotel Bvlgari in Milan
Aperitif at Hotel Bvlgari

 

Bars to be at

The Aperitif at Hotel Bvlgari is probably the hippest spot in the city for apparetivo hour. The garden is so beautiful and everything about Bvlgari is pure sophistication and elegance. It’s followed closely by Hotel Diana Garden Bar, whilst Radio 10 is a very cool rooftop bar with a pretty serious attitude and exceptional standard of dress. I mean Milan, for men, is the best dressed city in the world. 65 year old guys in amazing shape with perfect tans and perfect outfits…my own outfit game goes through the roof when I’m there.

museo del novecento in Milan
Museo del Novecento

 

Galleries I love

Situated at the Dominican convent close to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper is an absolute must see. It’s quite a surreal experience, just a shame the monks chopped Jesus’ feet off when making a door in 1652! Book through the Milan Museum, but if you can’t book, don’t go. The lines could waste an entire day. Try modern art gallery Museo del Novecento, located in the Duomo, instead.

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