Surviving Milan Design Week

When you work in the interior design industry, Milan Design Week can feel like a school reunion. Whether it is indeed your; school friends, friends from Uni or more than likely, a previous job – don’t be surprised to bump into them again in Milan! This is one of the things why I like interior design.

A Design Week Reunion.

Firstly make the most of it and share a delicious Italian lunch in a busy trattoria in between design shows(?) It’s a great part of the event that I recommend. You can share ideas, chit chat and enjoy the week together. I’m not sure if all routes lead to Rome but I’m absolutely positive that all designer’s routes lead to Milan!

Ask Italians for tips!

Although it’s a pretty basic concept a lot of people don’t do it: if you know any Italians; colleague at work for example, ask them for some tips on Milan. Sometimes more beneficial than travel guide leaflets etc. They’ll give you the best tips for your Milan Design Week trip!

Thanks to my work colleague, Antonio, I didn’t miss out on visiting Fondazione Prada and some of the best hidden restaurants.

Reserve most of your time for central Milan exhibitions.

Milan Design Week became famous because of the big trade fair on the outskirts of the city. Now most of the best exhibitions are organized in one of the central disctricts such as; Brera, Tortona or Lambrate. The newest furniture collections are exhibited with the stunning Italian architecture in the background. You can really feel the busy Milan atmosphere and see new design ideas in reference to real life.

Fly to the closest airport.

Again, a pretty basic concept but get the most of your Milan trip and don’t spend it in traffic trying to get to the wrong airport. Book your flights to the closest one – Linate because it saves a lot of time.

The other two airports: Malpensa and Bergamo are located quite far from Milan.

Enjoy Milan Design Week!

Last but not the least, and after getting some inspiration from the newest design trends, don’t forget to taste the joy of dolce far niente (Italian, ‘sweet doing nothing’). Enjoy the tasty pasta, pizza and gelato – naturalmente! Lay down on the grass and get some sun before returning home because you deserve a holiday too.