I've always loved Milan. I took any opportunity to visit (art exhibitions, my birthday, concerts, anime conventions...) because the idea of being in -what I thought was- a big/real city, was mesmerising and made me feel happy inside.
It's funny because now that I live in Milan as an adult I think it's pretty small... but I used to feel the same way about Amsterdam where I'd go as a teenager for a day out shopping with my mom. (I'd say they're about the same size.)
Isn't it funny how we perceive cities so differently depending on our age? I now see my childhood town almost as a lego set. 😅 Not to mention about its "skyline"...
Absolutely. But at the same time, Milan didn't make it through WW II as nicely as some other Italian cities did, so for architectural wealth and lots more old stuff (& art), there are probably 'better' Italian places to visit. So I think it makes sense that other things took the foreground in Milan, and fashion is historically one of them. That said, as someone not particularly fond of shopping and definitely not of shopping luxury brands, the city can feel a bit... vapid. I'd say it's by far the most 'generic big European city' I've come across in Italy so far
Very good point about the bombings of WWII and this reminds me of Frankfurt, which is just as 'generic' for Germany, if we look at its architecture. So it makes total sense that other areas would take the lead in Milan...!
I did my Erasmus in Vercelli, which is halfway between Milan and Turin, and was surprised by how dressed up everyone was and how many upmarket boutiques there were despite the city being so small. Apparently there was a lot of money around as most people commuted to work in either Turin or Milan and they replicated the way people dress in both cities. As a result I spent a year feeling underdressed. Then I lived in Bologna for another year, which is a very different place, and felt overdressed all of a sudden with the same clothes 😂
Hehe I can totally relate to that! I've been lots of times in the area, Milan, Turin, Verona, the lakes, and I always felt underdressed, coming with my Barcelona-infused style. 😅 I'm sure you know what I mean...
I find people in Barcelona dress very well generally so I'm sure you could blend in easily. It's just that in Northern Italy they take it to another level, also when it comes to hair and make up. Too much production for me 😂
Haha totally, about northern Italy! For me in Barcelona people dress a little too lax and hippie type, but it all depends what you compare with of course.
Compared to Northern Italians definitely, but it's true that Barcelona is after all the home of Desigual and that probably transpires on the street as well
The vibe was completely opposite at the time. It was ridden with what my Italian flatmates called "punkabestia" - a clear contrast to the crowd in Vercelli.
I always enjoy your reflections and comparisons in life. Someone the other day talked to me about language and the temperature of the place, like your piece a while ago comparing the same, and I thought of you!
I've always loved Milan. I took any opportunity to visit (art exhibitions, my birthday, concerts, anime conventions...) because the idea of being in -what I thought was- a big/real city, was mesmerising and made me feel happy inside.
It's funny because now that I live in Milan as an adult I think it's pretty small... but I used to feel the same way about Amsterdam where I'd go as a teenager for a day out shopping with my mom. (I'd say they're about the same size.)
And now I look at Milan and go "what skyline?"
Haha my literal first thought reading that was "skyline? what skyline?"
Isn't it funny how we perceive cities so differently depending on our age? I now see my childhood town almost as a lego set. 😅 Not to mention about its "skyline"...
Yes!! It's like walking back into you old elementary school and realising everything is much smaller than you remember
Ah yes, that too!
I'm not into fashion, so haven't ever gone to Milan to say that but I love the point you make about the great architecture taking a back seat.
Thanks, Michael! It's pretty striking in Milan.
Absolutely. But at the same time, Milan didn't make it through WW II as nicely as some other Italian cities did, so for architectural wealth and lots more old stuff (& art), there are probably 'better' Italian places to visit. So I think it makes sense that other things took the foreground in Milan, and fashion is historically one of them. That said, as someone not particularly fond of shopping and definitely not of shopping luxury brands, the city can feel a bit... vapid. I'd say it's by far the most 'generic big European city' I've come across in Italy so far
Very good point about the bombings of WWII and this reminds me of Frankfurt, which is just as 'generic' for Germany, if we look at its architecture. So it makes total sense that other areas would take the lead in Milan...!
I did my Erasmus in Vercelli, which is halfway between Milan and Turin, and was surprised by how dressed up everyone was and how many upmarket boutiques there were despite the city being so small. Apparently there was a lot of money around as most people commuted to work in either Turin or Milan and they replicated the way people dress in both cities. As a result I spent a year feeling underdressed. Then I lived in Bologna for another year, which is a very different place, and felt overdressed all of a sudden with the same clothes 😂
Hehe I can totally relate to that! I've been lots of times in the area, Milan, Turin, Verona, the lakes, and I always felt underdressed, coming with my Barcelona-infused style. 😅 I'm sure you know what I mean...
I find people in Barcelona dress very well generally so I'm sure you could blend in easily. It's just that in Northern Italy they take it to another level, also when it comes to hair and make up. Too much production for me 😂
Haha totally, about northern Italy! For me in Barcelona people dress a little too lax and hippie type, but it all depends what you compare with of course.
Compared to Northern Italians definitely, but it's true that Barcelona is after all the home of Desigual and that probably transpires on the street as well
Yep, very much!
Yeah I thought Bologna was so much more chill and young compared to Milan!
The vibe was completely opposite at the time. It was ridden with what my Italian flatmates called "punkabestia" - a clear contrast to the crowd in Vercelli.
I always enjoy your reflections and comparisons in life. Someone the other day talked to me about language and the temperature of the place, like your piece a while ago comparing the same, and I thought of you!
Oh nice, so I'm not the only weirdo who insists on that theory! hah
There are others like you making this connection!
Interesting perspective as always Monica!
Thanks, Edward!