What to do in Milan, According to a Fashion Designer

The name Amanda Briskin-Rettig might not ring a bell, but there's no doubt you've felt the power of her influence. The designer founded accessories powerhouse Mimco (which she sold in 2007) and in 2012 quietly launched a new luxury handbag label, A-ESQUE. Fresh from an inspiration trip to Milan, we asked Briskin-Rettig to keep a travel diary of all the amazing art, architecture, and fashion she saw during her visit. So how does a fashion girl navigate the streets of Milan? By taking in the sights, walking everywhere, and pausing to appreciate the detail.

Keep scrolling to peep Briskin-Rettig's Milan travel diary.

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(Image credit: Amanda Briskin-Rettig for Who What Wear)

"On my way to the Tom Dixon launch night. I always have an A-ESQUE bag ready to go (and these trusty Gucci loafers)." 

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(Image credit: Amanda Briskin-Rettig for Who What Wear)

"I love flower shops—they're my favourite stores in the world!"

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(Image credit: Amanda Briskin-Rettig for Who What Wear)

"Shop windows are a throw back in time, untouched, but inviting and so appealing in their organic and nostalgic way. Seeing this took me back to the idea of shopkeepers for stores. They represented service not theatre, that's what I like about the purity of this window. The retail experience is real and human."

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(Image credit: Amanda Briskin-Rettig for Who What Wear)

"Windows at Loewe. Created especially for Salone, creative director Jonathan Anderson transformed a collection of 20th-century furniture pieces, using prints from the Loewe's silk archives which were transformed into intricate leather inlays." 

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(Image credit: Amanda Briskin-Rettig for Who What Wear)

"Words, statements, slogans and expression. Everywhere! Even on the carpets. Look up, look down, look everywhere. You never know where you'll find inspiration."

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(Image credit: Amanda Briskin-Rettig for Who What Wear)

"The adventures of A-ESQUE box clutch stationed at a very old-world location. A juxtaposition of the modernity seen at Milan Design Week."

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(Image credit: Amanda Briskin-Rettig for Who What Wear)

"A creatively signed installation of soft metal colours. My Adidas Originals Stan Smith's ($120) were my best friends."

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(Image credit: Amanda Briskin-Rettig for Who What Wear)

"Pink, pink, and more pink. It's the first time I've observed such a close palette between fashion and homeware trends."

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(Image credit: Amanda Briskin-Rettig for Who What Wear)

"The extraordinary out of this world Prada Foundation. Miuccia Prada is a genius, her work with Rhem Koolhaus is the most defining and iconic of our times (I think)."

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Amanda Bardas