DIARY DA MILANO

The great thing about Milan is that no one’s surprised when you’re eating by yourself. Definitely not during fashion week. Though I’d recommend avoiding a fancy restaurant, and rather go for an honest and Italian family restaurant; the type of restaurant where the dishes and waiters haven’t changed in years and where it’s an honour to serve people. I went to Rosy e Gabriele on the via Giuseppe Sirtori 26, and felt like a principessa upon arrival. When I ordered an Ossobuco with risotto after my insalate di mare, the waiter called it ‘un spettacolo’, and he literally jumped from joy over the fact that I was brave enough to order a two course dinner for myself. He didn’t know yet that I wasn’t going to eat everything, but he’d soon find out. I apped with home and the editors, read Porter magazine, and enjoyed a moment of doing nothing. I like a hermit moment during an overcrowded fashion week. After a caffè and a limoncello on the house, I headed towards my hotel room to pack my suitcase.

Once in bed I remembered that the dust bag from my Chanel bag was missing. I rummaged through everything (even my packed suitcase), but it was gone. The cleaning lady probably threw it out with the bedding by accident. Now I’d to explain the desk clerks in my finest Italian what a. a dust bag was, and b. that such a fabric cover was kind of really important to me. Luckily, I’m in Milan and about four desk clerks were readied to find my bag’s sleeve. Still no results, but I had faith.

Now I’d to explain the desk clerks in my finest Italian what a. a DUST BAG was, and b. that such a fabric cover was kind of really important to me.

When I woke up and took a look at my Instagram account with lensless eyes, I saw posts of the MaxMara show. Did I sleep-in? Thankfully, the posts were from Rachel Geerman who did the hair for the show and was present at six in the morning. Thankfully. I turned around, and already felt such respect for Rachel. And the models. And for Carine Roitfeld, who styled the MaxMara show and picked the models.

After a latte macchiato from my bartender friend (that’s how it goes in Italy, go to a local place, make some small talk, and the next day you’re a habituée), I strolled to the Via Melegari with Google Maps in hand. I like to be at a show in time, and to look at all the pretty things. MaxMara and I have a strong connection. Once, Nicole Gerber-Maramotti (the founder’s son’s wife, who now rules the entire empire) won a Prix de la Mode and we had a click, and kept in touch. Besides, I love the classic brand which they manage to keep modern. They don’t shout from rooftops that Karl Lagerfeld has designed for them or that Carine Roitfeld always does the styling. Demure chic with a contemporary twist, that’s MaxMara. From camel coats to golden shoes.

I had a wonderful seat next to Vogue Taiwan’s editor who brought along a chihuahua Prada friend for my new bag. A photo together and the spettacolo was ready to begin. Beautiful oversized coats with subtle prints, golden shoes, and especially that signature dress from sturdy wool. So pretty. The hair was undone and tugged in the coats, and Tom Pecheux gave them neutral looks with a distinct burgundy lip that looked especially pretty on top model Lindsey Wixson. If anyone has a mouth for it, it’s her. Sasha Luss also walked the runway as did the Dutch Saskia de Brauw and Benthe de Vries, who you could pretty much call Saskia’s younger sister. Carine is so charmed by Benthe so Benthe will walk the runway if Carine’s in charge. It’s that simple.

I had a wonderful seat next to Vogue Taiwan’s editor who brought along a CHIHUAHUA PRADA friend for my new bag.

After the show I went for a quick visit to Tosca Blu. The press day was really the day after, but because I was leaving the country that night I got to see and touch all their pretty things then. Cost aware as I’ve suddenly become these days, I walked towards the tube to go to my hotel. But the tube station was right in front of the Cos store. And a sweater in my size was delivered at the store that day. Right, I just quickly dashed inside to get it after which I took the tube for €1,50.

At the hotel I ordered an insalata caprese and a mint tea and decided to do some work. I then checked out, informed again after my Chanel friend (still not found), and I walked out of the building. Whether he should collect a taxi, the kind hotel manager inquired. No thanks, my friend is waiting outside, I told him only not to admit to the fact that I was taking the bloody tube. Staying the night at the Diana Majestic, travelling by tube. That’s an irreconcilable combination in their eyes so I didn’t bother explaining it to him. Just like a vero Milanese, I hopped from tube to train to shuttle bus, and then I was ready to board the easyjet plane. Slightly unglamorous, but hey, glamour’s in my heart. And my suitcase.