Milan Diaries: Champagne at 30,000 Feet, Pasta Heaven & Aperol That Hits Different
As promised, my Guid-ians, here’s part two of my Milan adventure — and trust me, this city knows how to keep you on your toes (in Prada heels, of course).
The journey kicked off with a quick hop from Cape Town to Joburg on Airlink, followed by a chef’s kiss experience on Lufthansa Business Class. Once you’ve been spoiled with first-class champagne and birthday surprises for your travel buddy (shoutout to the crew for making it unforgettable), it’s hard to go back. Highly recommend if you’re flying to Europe — the service alone deserves its own Instagram reel.
First Impressions: Ciao Milano!
We landed bright and early in Milan, and let me tell you — the energy here is next level. It’s buzzy, stylish, artsy, and the architecture? Bellissimo! Think historic buildings with modern flair, and yes — all that biophilic design I mentioned before (greenery crawling up skyscrapers like it’s the most natural thing in the world).
Naturally, first stop: the Duomo di Milano. The cathedral is jaw-dropping — every angle is Instagram-worthy, which explains the sea of tourists snapping away. After elbowing through the crowds, we wandered into the Quadrilatero d’Oro, Milan’s fashion district, where even window shopping feels luxurious. Between Ferragamo, Gucci, and Armani, the real spectacle was the queue snaking out of the Ferrari store (Monza weekend vibes — everyone wanted a slice of that Ferrari magic).
And yes, I had to do my own Milanese strut. I rocked Woolworths’ latest summer collection — a butter-yellow linen shirt (colour of the season) paired with striped pants. Effortless, comfortable, and perfectly Milan-ready. Honestly, it blended right in with the city’s chic aesthetic. If you want to get the look, shop it here: Woolworths Summer Collection.
Lunch in Brera: Where Pasta Dreams Come True
By midday, it was time to carb-load like true Italians. Enter Brera, Milan’s artsy-meets-elegant neighbourhood, where streets are lined with chic boutiques and trattorias that know how to do pasta right. Picture this: silky handmade tagliatelle, pizza straight out of a wood-fired oven, all washed down with a crisp glass of wine. Honestly, if you visit Milan and don’t eat in Brera, did you even go?
Smoke-Free in Style
Here’s something that surprised me — Milan has really embraced smoke-free culture. Instead of clouds of cigarette smoke, you see sleek devices everywhere: restaurants, bars, terraces. At lunch, I used my IQOS device freely while sipping wine and chatting with friends — no stepping outside, no missing a beat. South African restaurants, take notes: it’s about creating spaces where people can stay present.
And because I’m me, I popped into a tabaccheria to check out the latest innovations. The range is insane — from limited-edition flavours to Levia, a new stick compatible with IQOS ILUMA that even offers zero-tobacco options. Sadly, it’s not available in SA yet, but honestly? We could use something this innovative back home. While I was there, I got my hands on the VEEV device — a vapour product under the PMI stable that officially launched in South Africa this week. Marketed as a safer alternative, it’s something I’ll do a deep dive on in future articles as I continue to explore the vapour industry and provide updates on the Tobacco Bill.
Milan Street Style: Effortlessly Gorgeous
One thing about Milanese people? They don’t play when it comes to style. Everyone — from the barista pulling your espresso to the cyclist whizzing past in the drizzle — looks like they’ve stepped out of a Vogue spread. It’s no wonder Milan Fashion Week is basically the Olympics of street style. Here, effortless chic isn’t an event — it’s a lifestyle.
Sundowners with a Twist
We closed the day at a rooftop bar with (what else?) an Aperol Spritz. But here’s the gag: Aperol in Milan tastes different. Fresher, punchier, more balanced. Maybe it’s the oranges, maybe it’s the Milanese flair, but once you’ve sipped it here, the South African version will never be the same again.
Key Trends I Noticed in Milan
- Smoke-Free Lifestyle: Devices > cigarettes. It’s the new normal.
- Sustainable Fashion: Eco-materials, circular design, and slow fashion everywhere — even the luxury giants are leaning green.
- Biophilic Design: Buildings infused with greenery aren’t just for Pinterest boards; they’re Milan standard.
- Food as Art: Every dish is crafted with a story — presentation is as important as taste
- Wellness Culture: Rooftop yoga, boutique gyms, and self-care woven into daily Milan life.
So, Guid-ians, Milan isn’t just a destination. It’s a mood, a runway, and a love letter to design, fashion, and living beautifully. And honestly? I can’t wait to go back.