Ahead of Vogue World: Milano, which arrives at the storied Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II tomorrow, Tuesday, September 22, we’re turning the spotlight on some of our favorite stylish Italian women—masters of the enviable art of sprezzatura.
From their sartorial signature codes and the pieces they’re shopping for this fall to the designers and details they return to season after season, these women offer a glimpse into the fashion landscape of Italy through their own wardrobes. They’re also giving us a little more about the Milan they know and love—from Fashion Week haunts and the perfect spot for a quick caffè or aperitivo to the Italian expressions and catchphrases they can’t live without.
Consider this your insider’s guide to all things stile italiano, as told by the women who know it best.
Giorgia Tordini, Co-Founder and Co-Creative Director of The Attico
My Style Philosophy: “I like when there’s something slightly wrong in a look, something that feels unexpected or a little off—pieces that don’t necessarily belong together but somehow work. My style has evolved a lot over time.
I used to be much more rigorous, almost monochromatic, but working on The Attico has pushed me to experiment more with proportions, shapes, color, and especially with mixing casual and evening pieces in the same look. Fall is my favorite season because it gives me more possibilities.
It just gives me more to play with: layers, proportions, oversized outerwear.”
My Favorite MFW Spot: “A facial at Biologique Recherche is one of my Fashion Week essentials. It’s my reset moment in the middle of the chaos. An hour to switch off, take care of my skin and feel refreshed before everything starts again.”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “Ti chiamo tra poco, ti devo raccontare una cosa. ‘I’ll call you in a bit, I have to tell you something.’ It’s probably the most used phrase between me and my girlfriends.
It can mean anything from good news, bad news, something funny, something completely irrelevant. But you immediately know there’s a story coming.
I love that little sense of anticipation and intimacy. It says a lot about the way we communicate and stay close to each other.”
Gilda Ambrosio, Co-Founder and Co-Creative Director of The Attico
My Style Philosophy: “My style has always been about contrasts: polished but never too perfect, feminine with something unexpected. Fall gives me more room to play: more layers, more textures, more possibilities.”
My Favorite MFW Spot: “A Lagree class at LAM Milano—the perfect MFW energy boost.”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “Hai fame? Cosa vuoi mangiare? ‘Are you hungry? What do you want to eat?’ I find it incredibly comforting. There’s something so Italian about caring for someone through food—it’s a simple question, but somehow it makes you feel immediately at home.”
Carlotta Oddi, Founder and Creative Director of Alanui
My Style Philosophy: “I believe personal style is shaped by memories, textures and things we collect along the way, and fall is the perfect season to layer them all together.”
My Favorite MFW Spot: “Langosteria Bistro. My go-to for a beautiful seafood lunch or dinner—one of my absolute favorites in Milan.”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “La strada si fa andando. ‘The road is made by walking.’ I love this phrase because it reminds me that you don’t always need to know exactly where you’re going.
Sometimes the most meaningful paths reveal themselves as you move, travel, meet cultures and follow your instincts. It’s a way of living that feels very close to me, and to the spirit of Alanui: embracing the journey, staying curious, and letting the road unfold.”
Stella Novarino, Founder and Creative Director of Stella Jean
My Style Philosophy: “Uno, nessuno, e centomila—Luigi Pirandello. A phrase so powerful that it needs no verb: it contains the complexity of who we are—one identity, no fixed identity, and the countless versions reflected through the eyes of others.
In fashion, and especially in styling, this becomes a language. Clothes are like words: individually they may exist, but only through their composition do they create meaning.
Styling is the territory where fragments become a narrative, where a story takes shape. And yet, the person wearing that story remains forever: one, no one, and one hundred thousand.”
My Favorite MFW Spot: “Mercato Ittico. Open to the public only on Saturdays, this extraordinary market is one of Milan’s hidden rituals.
Since I was a child, my father used to tell me that, paradoxically, the best fish in Italy could be found in Milan—a city without a sea. Growing up in a family where food has always been a language of pleasure and connection, I have carried this tradition with me.
Even during Fashion Week, whenever I can, I still make time for this Saturday ritual. My son, who is a chef, chooses the finest scallops and sea urchins, which he transforms into two of my favourite dishes: carpaccio di coquilles Saint-Jacques and spaghetti with sea urchin.
Next door, the flower market adds another layer to this morning tradition: before we leave, my daughter always returns home with armfuls of flowers — her own small ritual of beauty.”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “Vuolsi così colà dove si puote ciò che si vuole, e più non dimandare.” — Dante Alighieri, Inferno, Canto III, vv. 95–96. “An extraordinarily refined and elegant way of saying ‘mind your own affairs’ without ever lowering the tone.”
Margherita Missoni Maccapani, Founder and Creative Director of Maccapani
My Style Philosophy: “My personal style is spontaneous and functional, but rarely quiet. For fall, I often dress from the shoes up.”
My Favorite MFW Spot: “Atto a Caffè Leopardi. Specialty coffee and a wide selection of alternatives to traditional Italian coffee—from hojicha and coconut cloud matcha to chai. Go if you’re trying to run into Lauren Sherman.”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “Non è bello ciò che è bello, ma che bello, che bello, che bello. It’s a playful take on the Italian saying Non è bello ciò che è bello, ma è bello ciò che piace, meaning that ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder.’”
Silvia Dusci, Founder and Creative Director of Le Sundial
My Style Philosophy: “My style is effortless, but I never want a look to feel too resolved. I like contrast—something polished with something unexpected, clean silhouettes with texture, and pieces that have a sense of character. Fall is when I enjoy dressing the most. I can build a look through layers, strong outerwear and accessories, then bring in something vintage to break the perfection and make it feel entirely my own.”
My Favorite MFW Spot: “Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano for its intimate atmosphere and incredible collection. It always feels like stepping into another era.”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “A regola d’arte. I love the idea that something should be made with intention, skill, and care—not simply beautiful, but beautifully resolved.”
Antonine Peduzzi, Co-Founder and Creative Director of TL 180
My Style Philosophy: “I'm mostly looking for freedom in what I wear: I don't like it when the clothes overpower the person. I love beautiful classics, but with a touch of eccentricity or something unexpected.
A childish touch too—a little ring made of colored beads, glittery nail polish… Details that make the whole thing more spontaneous and less serious. For fall, I lean heavily on oversized leather jackets, silk separates—a Dorso pajama blouse or a printed foulard—and, of course, knit pieces from TL.”
My Favorite MFW Spots: “La Libera: my favorite pizzeria in Milan. Cavalli e Nastri: a great vintage store with amazing pieces.”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: "Chi magna da solo se strozza. ‘Don’t be selfish, share.’”
Luisa Orsini, Co-Founder and Creative Director of TL 180
My Style Philosophy: “I’d describe my style as comfortable with a hint of feminine, sexy detailing. I like to add something sportier into the mix, especially in fall, such as a classic trench coat or a Gramicci puffer jacket. Texture play is also important in my wardrobe, everything from our croc-embossed Le Sac bag to shearling-lined slippers or a fur hat.”
My Favorite MFW Spots: “Barcillo: for an easy lunch with a view of the horses (it’s a riding school). Bar Bene Bene: for a cool atmosphere. Micamera: a beautiful photography library.”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: "Si chiude una porta, si apre un portone. Similar to the English expression, ‘when one door closes, another larger opens.’”
Romy Blanga, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Eéra
My Style Philosophy: “My style is a mix of classic pieces and more current—slightly undone silhouettes. I like when an outfit feels effortless, but still has a strong point of view.
For fall, my go-to is definitely an oversized T-shirt with a mini skirt or tiny shorts that are almost hidden underneath, bare legs, boots, and a jacket with strong, oversized shoulders. I love that contrast between something very masculine and oversized on top and something much more minimal and feminine underneath.
Jewellery is essential to my style because it’s what makes a look feel personal. I love how even a very simple outfit can instantly become more interesting with the right jewellery.
I tend to layer pieces and mix different textures and proportions, which gives everything a more elevated, almost high-end feeling. For me, it’s really about those little details that make an outfit look intentional and, at the same time, completely effortless.”
My Favorite MFW Spots: “For lunch, Saint Ambroeus is an easy favorite—very central and always a good place to run into people, especially those coming to Milan just for Fashion Week. For dinner, I like Pepe. It recently opened and has a fresh, more relaxed vibe, with a rooftop bar in the same building, which makes it an easy place to continue for a drink after dinner.”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “A mali estremi, estremi rimedi. ‘Desperate times call for desperate measures.’ It sounds quite dramatic and ironic, but somehow implies exactly the opposite. Sometimes you just have to deal with things and move on. I like that it takes the seriousness out of a situation, which I think is always useful.”
Chiara Capitani, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Eéra
My Style Philosophy: “My style is instinctive and built around contrasts: feminine and sexy, but often balanced with sportswear, denim, and oversized jackets. In fall, I love playing with layers without losing that sense of femininity.
The one piece I could never do without is an oversized leather jacket with strong, structured shoulders. My favorite is a vintage one that I wear constantly—it instantly gives character to any look.
Jewelry is also essential, both day and night, and is probably the element that defines my style the most. I love layering necklaces and rings, especially to elevate even the simplest, sportiest looks.”
My Favorite MFW Spot: “La Terza Carbonaia. One of my go-to spots for dinner. It has a warm, authentic atmosphere and is the perfect place to unwind after a long day during Fashion Week. It’s often frequented by people from the fashion industry, so it’s also a great place for spontaneous encounters. It’s an honest, unpretentious restaurant with excellent food—especially the meat.”
Favorite Italian Phrase: “Meglio tardi che mai. ‘Better late than never.’ I probably use it more often than I should, but I truly believe that it’s never too late to do something, change direction, or start again.”
Ada Kokosar, Creative Advisor and Head Shoe Designer
My Style Philosophy: “I like clothes that feel effortless but have a point of view. Fall is all about layering, when I can embrace richer texture, deeper colours and more interesting proportions—mixing something utilitarian with something feminine and always adding a little unexpected twist.”
My Favorite MFW Spot: “My Fashion Week go-tos are an organised calendar, my bike, and a little Milanese surviving instinct. Between a few shows, appointments, school drop-offs, and my consulting work, days are hectic. I’ve learned to enjoy FW in a way that feels much more natural to me now, making space for the things I love without having to put the rest of my life on hold.”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “Chi non risica non rosica. ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained.’”
Madina Visconti di Modrone, Founder and Creative Director of Madina Visconti jewelry
My Style Philosophy: “I’ve never really felt that I have one defined style. I dress quite instinctively and I love mixing things that shouldn’t necessarily go together—something vintage with something new, a romantic dress with sneakers, or something very simple with a lot of jewelry.
I particularly love fall because I can start layering again, and it gives me many more opportunities to wear my collection of costume-jewelry brooches. I love pinning them onto jackets, coats and knits—sometimes several at once.
For me, they can completely transform something very simple and make it feel personal. I like clothes to feel lived-in and personal rather than perfectly styled.”
My Favorite MFW Spot: “Bardo. A new listening bar dedicated to fashion photographer Bardo Fabiani. I love the mix of music, photography and fashion, and that it feels more like discovering someone’s world than simply going out for a drink.”
My Favorite Italian phrase: “Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano. ‘Slow and steady wins the race.’ I love the idea of taking the time to do things properly rather than rushing. It also feels very close to the way I work—making things by hand and allowing objects to have their own time.”
Ilenia Durazzi, Founder and Creative Director of Durazzi
My Style Philosophy: “Choose your coat as carefully as you choose your lover. In winter, outerwear defines the tone of the entire look. It has to have character and feel like an extension of your personality. I often start there and build everything else around it, playing with different textures and layers underneath.”
My Favorite MFW Spot: “Bar Nico. A favorite meeting point for creatives.”
Favorite Italian Phrase: “Audentes fortuna iuvat. ‘Fortune favors the bold.’ It is a phrase that embodies my approach to life: always dare.”
Corrada Rodriguez D’Arci, Co-Founder of Blazé Milano
My Style Philosophy: “Classic with a twist, confident without noise. Winter dressing is about oversized silhouettes and quiet femininity with a touch of vintage sport.”
My Favorite MFW Spots: “Fioraio Bianchi for aperitivo, Sandi for lunch, and Yapa for dinner.”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “Tanti baci. ‘Lots of kisses.’ It’s such a cute Italian way of saying hello and it’s become our little signature at every dinner.”
Maria Sole Torlonia, Co-Founder of Blazé Milano
My Style Philosophy: “Less is more… until it gets chilly. Then suddenly, I’m all about the layers. Soft knits, oversized coats, scarves, textures, and all the little details that make getting dressed for colder days so much more fun. Maybe it’s not about wearing less after all—it’s about finding the right layers.”
My Favorite MFW Spots: “LùBar for a drink. Ralph’s Bar (Ralph Lauren) for a quick lunch. Laboratorio Paravicini for some ceramics. Marina Fossati is the perfect spot where you can get small bijoux.”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “Non ti curar di loro ma guarda e passa. It means, ‘Don’t concern yourself with them; just look and move on.’ It’s a line from Dante’s Inferno and I’ve always liked the idea behind it.
To me, it’s about knowing when something or someone is not worth your energy. You can see what’s happening, understand it, and still choose not to get involved.
I think there’s a certain strength in being able to stay focused on your own path instead of constantly reacting to other people’s opinions, judgments, or behavior.”
Delfina Pinardi, Co-Founder of Blazé Milano
My Style Philosophy: “Tomboy with some skin showing. My approach to fall is comfortable but always with a high-end piece—it can be a nice foulard or a big belt (I collect them), but clothing is only in basic colors: beige, butter, chocolate, burgundy, navy, and black.”
My Favorite MFW Spot: “Bar La Notte—a small, intimate place owned by my friend and hairstylist Paolo Soffiatti. Amazing cocktails!”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “Ma dai! Is a very common Italian expression we use as an interjection. Depending on the context, it can mean things like ‘come on’, ‘no way’, ‘seriously?’, or ‘oh, come on’. It's usually used to show surprise or even affection. It doesn't have one exact translation in English, the meaning depends on the tone and situation.”
Novella Paghera, Founder of NPPR
My Style Philosophy: “Fall is about layers and embracing the unpredictability of a new season. I love evergreen pieces with a twist, and I’m obsessed with the finest fabrics and impeccable cuts. Comfort is essential, but never at the expense of the body shape, or a touch of sexiness. Niche and emerging designers meet established brands in my wardrobe, and a great pair of eyewear is never missing from my medium-sized bag.”
My Favorite MFW Spot: “Pasticceria Cucchi. My day always starts here with a coffee. I’ve been going since Mr. Cucchi himself was at the counter. The old-school Milanese pasticceria where you always run into friends, and it happens to be right around the corner from where I stay. The best way to kick off the day.”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “La vita e’ bella. ‘Life is beautiful!’ Which is also the title of one of my favorite movies.”
Coco Brandolini d’Adda, Founder and Designer of d’Adda
My Style Philosophy: “I love wearing colorful prints under a dark coat, usually black or brown, and I never go anywhere without a big scarf wrapped around my neck—it keeps me warm and makes me feel protected. And I usually never wear tights, but big socks.”
My Favorite MFW Spots: “Bar Basso: traditional Milanese bar full of surprises. De Santis: cute place to have a delicious fast panino. The park in Via Palestro, where I like to walk outside the traffic.”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “Mai dire mai. It means ‘never say never.’ I like it because it pushes someone to always try, because you never know what can happen!”
Francesca Zara, Creative Director of Barena Venezia
My Style Philosophy: “The woman in navy with a twist. Less is more, and being at ease is always better.” I honestly cannot wait for autumn; it is by far my favorite season. I love the crisp temperatures and the rich fall palette. I love the act of dressing up, as opposed to summer where we tend to strip down. I adore long sleeves, trousers, and blazers or rather, the ultimate double-breasted navy blazer.”
My Favorite MFW Spot: “Villa Necchi Campiglio. This place holds a very special meaning for me. It was originally designed by the visionary Piero Portaluppi, and it was later beautifully restored by his grandson, a brilliant architect and designer, and above all, a dear, great friend of mine.”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “Butta in alto il cappello. ‘Throw your hat high into the air.’ My father, Sandro, has always said this. It’s a traditional Venetian expression that carries the wisdom of past generations. To me, it means: move forward, don't get stuck, don't complain. Pick yourself up and start anew. Allow yourself to feel the pain when things are tough, but then stand back up, dust yourself off, and raise the stakes.”
Maria Sole Ferragamo, Founder and Creative Director of So-Le Studio
My Style Philosophy: “I think of my wardrobe as a uniform and my jewelry as the variable. It is a practical way to get dressed: one piece is enough to transform something casual. Fall simply gives me more surfaces to work with."
My Favorite MFW Spot: “Latteria San Marco. Lunch here is the closest thing to eating at home during that week. One small room, a short menu, no ceremony.”-
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “Getta il cuore oltre l’ostacolo. ‘Throw your heart over the obstacle.’ It tells me to listen to the heart and not let fear or risk stop me.’”
Giulia and Camilla Medea, Co-Founders and Creative Directors of Medea
Our Style Philosophy: “Our styles are pretty similar, which mostly means we’re constantly stealing from each other. It usually comes down to whatever’s available on the chair, plus something meant for the swimming pool, and it will probably all be mismatched.”
Our Favorite MFW Spots: “Veranda Thai Spa: strong yet relaxing Thai massage that will reset you. Chifa: one of the best Chinese restaurants in Milan.”
Our Favorite Italian Phrase: “Acqua cheta che spacca I ponti. Like saying, ‘still water runs deep.’"
Ambra Medda, Founder of AMO Design Consultancy and Co-Founder of Design Miami
My Style Philosophy: “My style is in constant evolution, explorative, colorful with a passion for textiles and knitwear in particular. I mostly buy vintage clothes and mix with a few contemporary designers and basics. My wardrobe essentials are good quality overall. If I had to choose one item as an essential, I would say an oversized soft cardigan.”
My Favorite MFW Spot: “Bar Sissi—sitting in the courtyard drinking coffee is the best!”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “Essere come il prezzemolo. Literal meaning: ‘To be like parsley.’ Meaning: ‘To turn up everywhere,’ or ‘to be omnipresent.’”
Valentina de Santis, Owner and CEO of Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Passalacqua
My Style Philosophy: “From monochromatic looks to colorful printed silks, I love a bit of everything, but I am always wearing a smile. I like pieces that have good manners in the morning but a little mischief by dinner, which is why fall is my favorite season for getting dressed. You can play with texture and layers and, after months of pretending that summer clothes are enough, finally bring out the cashmere.”
My Favorite MFW Spot: “Palazzo Reale. Fashion Week coincides with the very last days of Anselm Kiefer’s Le Alchimiste at Palazzo Reale, and I say it without hesitation: it is unmissable. The conversation between the dramatic Sala delle Cariatidi and the monumental artworks, which give voice to the women of centuries past, offers a moment of pure emotion between one runway show and the next.”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “Conosco i miei polli. Literally: ‘I know my chickens.’ I use it constantly, despite (or perhaps precisely because) it makes absolutely no sense in English. My international friends find it hysterical!”
Fanny Bauer Grung, Architect and Designer, Co-Founder of Studio Drago
My Style Philosophy: “A regola d’arte. I love the idea that when something is beautifully designed and well made, whether it’s an object or a garment, you’ll never tire of it and it can last forever. Shop less, but better! Things that are versatile, that will last a lifetime, will give you so much more than anything else. Structure, good materials, and pieces that work together at all times.”
My Favorite MFW Spot: “La Nuova Arena—my favourite restaurant in Milan and close to home.”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “In Naples, they say, ‘Sta senza pensieri,’ literally meaning ‘stay without thoughts,’ as in ‘don’t worry,’ but with humor—i.e., don’t take your thoughts and yourself so seriously.”
Bea Bongiasca, Founder and Creative Director of Bea Bongiasca jewelry
My Style Philosophy: “I have two moods, either super-happy color contrast-blocking with matching, fun but very niche accessories, or total black and slightly alt-punk with big, platform-y shoes like creepers or boots. There is no in-between, especially when it starts to get cold.”
My Favorite MFW Spot: “Bentoteca. One of the best restaurants in Milan. Japanese cuisine mixed with an Italian influence (of both ingredients and dishes). Forever a favorite.”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “To be honest, it’s probably ‘che sbatti’ which means ‘what a pain in the butt’ in Milanese slang. You can use it for so many things—if there’s a queue, you can say, ‘che sbatti.’ If the place you wanted to go to is closed, ‘che sbatti.’ Whenever something annoying happens, you say, ‘che sbatti.’”
Martina Mondadori, Founder of Cabana
My Style Philosophy: “My style has always been about timeless, effortless sophistication. I’m drawn to pieces that feel elegant without looking too considered, and that I know I’ll wear and love for years. For fall, I’m looking for beautiful layers and great tailoring.”
My Favorite MFW Spot: “The Cabana Store: Via Borgospesso 8!”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “Ognia lasciata è persa. ‘Every opportunity you let pass is an opportunity lost.’ I love it because it’s a reminder to embrace opportunities as they come, to be curious, and to say yes to life rather than wondering what might have been.”
Delfina Delettrez Fendi, Founder and Creative Director of Delfina Delettrez jewelry
My Style Philosophy: “My style is instinctive. I’m drawn to the tension between the masculine and the feminine, the precious and the everyday, the polished and the imperfect. I love mixing things that, at first, might seem to belong to different worlds.”
My Favorite MFW Spot: “Bice—eat the pappardelle della casa (of the house), Bice al telefono.”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “Vivi e lascia vivere. ‘Live and let live.’ A reminder to live freely and let others do the same.”
Viviana Verese, Creative Chef at Passalacqua Como and Founder of FAAK
My Style Philosophy: “‘What is style? It is an effortless confidence in being yourself.’ —Diane Von Furstenberg. My style? Comfortable, colorful, soft. Fall is the season of pumpkin, cabbage, and chestnuts. I like the nuances, and that in fall I can wear a mix of wool and silk.”
My Favorite MFW Spots: “Porta Nuova…The new Milan, modern and old. La Triennale for design and art that feeds our soul.”
My Favorite Italian Phrase: “Mamma Mia!”