Atlantica - 01.05.2002, Page 30

28 A T L A N T I C A
FASHION CONSCIOUS
Italians have style. It’s as simple as that. A new survey con-
ducted among the inhabitants of the European Union shows
that no other nation spends as much money on clothes and
accessories as the Italians. Nowhere is this more noticeable
than in fashion’s Mecca, Milan. I had never seen people so
smartly dressed, from their luxury shoes to their flashy
wristwatches, some of them costing the same as a small
Fiat.
Milan is one of the most fashion-oriented cities in the world.
Name any designer, and he’s sure to have a boutique here.
Fashion fanatics of more moderate means should hang on
to their credit cards or make a fast getaway. However, those
content to window-shop will enjoy browsing the streets behind
the Duomo and on the so-called Quadrilatero d’Oro, otherwise
known as the Golden Quad. This is where you’ll find Italy’s
most famous designers: Armani, Dolce et Gabbana, Kenzo,
Versace and Prada, along with a gathering of international
designers. And then, of course, there are the stunning interior
design shops. Milan is definitely the queen of design capitals,
and for the best information on the wide variety of design avail-
able, Italian magazine Interni regularly publishes listings with
the addresses of the main galleries and design shops.
Fashion fanatics of more moderate means should hang on to their credit cards...
Milan
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