by Stefania Vida

Located in the heart of Milan, in via Manzoni, Bernasconi 1872 is the Milanese reference point for the most exclusive Made in Italy silver creations

It was1872 when Bernasconi became an established name on the Milanese scene, renowned and praised for its exquisite silver creations. Today, its new boutique continues to be a cult address boasting a covetable catalogue of home decor accessories.

After leaving its historical headquarters in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the shop recently relocated to via Manzoni, in the heart of the Quadrilatero della Moda.

In addition to its exquisite, classic silverware collections, its new boutique also stocks more contemporary selected products made from only the highest quality natural materials including horn, leather, marble and mother-of-pearl, all customizable to suit the individual tastes of its discerning clientele. And in this case, the word ‘discerning’ is a highly appropriate appelation. In fact, way back in 1924, Bernasconi had the enormous honour of being appointed ‘Official Supplier of the Royal House of Savoy’ (right photo).

Though priding itself on its rich heritage and outstanding reputation, today it takes an innovative approach to the design and craftsmanship of all of its products.

As an exclusive tribute to Expo, it has created an ad hoc collection, inspired by the symbols of the city, a line of silver jewel charms depicting several of Milan’s most iconic landmarks, including the Duomo and the ‘vedovella’, a typical Milanese drinking fountain.

All work processes are executed by hand by expert Italian artisans who imbue each piece with sought-after elegance and allure, unique objects to be used, loved and handed down from generation to generation.

Open Mon 3pm-7pm; Tues-Sat 10am-7pm

Via Manzoni, 44
M3 (yellow line) Montenapoleone
T: +39 02 86460923
www.bernasconi1872.com

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Rich brunch every Sunday, starting from 12.

Via Spadari 9
M1-M3 (red and yellow line) Duomo
T: +39 02 8023161
www.peck.it

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Viale Montenapoleone, 8
M3 (yellow line) Montenapoleone or M1 (red line) San Babila
T: +39 02 76005599
www.pasticceriacova.it

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By Giulia Minero

A Piedmontese city reporter keen on travels and culture, in love with Milan’s vitality. She collaborates with Where Milan to share her passions with international visitors and to promote the most suggestive experiences, to make each trip in the capital of fashion unique.

The Streets of Milan in the Early 20th Century

But how to call it? Its name is owed to Gabriele D’Annunzio’s brilliant mind, who advised it to his friend Borletti in his poem 5000 Lire, to give the idea of resilient building reviving from its ashes, similar to a phoenix.
The innovation lies in the arrangement of the garments to be sold, put for the firts time on shelves and visible from the shop windows: a brand-new way of shopping. Its success is striking; as Milan keeps enlarging, La Rinascente grows, opening many stores in Italy and increasing the facilities it displays, among which a bank, a post office, a haidresser fro him and for her and a tea room with its private orchestra. The Second World War leaves the variety shop untouched, so its owner can take advantage of the booming market in the 50s to act as a springboard for never-seen-before products…the huge american refrigerators, for example, were first sold in its rooms, fueling the curious’ interest in visiting the shop. Since then, La Rinascente’s ownership swifts to many entrepreneurs, among which the Fiat Group between the 60s and the 70s, years in which the shop adds little by little many entreprises in its spaces, such as furniture shops and restaurants.

Interior of the First La Rinascente Shop in Milan

Today, after 150 years of history, La Rinascente group can number a network, a concept store and 11 stores in the most relevant Italian cities; its historical building in Milan now spreads over 10 storeys and features a wide range of facilities. Who has never heard about its luxury boutiques? Many of the most famous fashion brands such as Armani, Bulgari, Burberry, Dior, Dolce&Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent and many others chose to sell their products in its luxurious spaces where it’s also possible to buy lingerie, home interiors and design objects, as well as indulging in a beauty treatment. Not to mention the upper, panoramic storey occupied by the food court displaying typical italian restaurants, sushi bars, corners selling handmade chocolates and pralines sas well as bars offering a relaxing experience sipping a glass of the best wines; the whole with a priceless view over the Duomo’s steeples. Moreover La Rinascente currently organises cultural, recreational and musical events.

To learn more about what’s on at La Rinascente check its official calendar.

Photo Gallery

Milan's City Centre in the Early 1920s

Interior of La Rinascente from Alinari Archieve

La Rinascente Staircase in the 1920s

Historical Advertisement La Rinascente 1920s

The post la Rinascente: a Milanese Success Through 150 Years of History appeared first on www.wheremilan.com.

Nicola Ciccarelli, former and historical President of the company

You could not say this meeting Monica Pasetti, chief executive officer of Ciccarelli, the traditional Italian producer of personal care products. Despite her role when we first met her in a group of people chatting at the coffee machine, we only understood that one of the persons in the group was outstandingly charming and classy. But the approach was absolutely friendly and we could not understand that the charming person was the CEO of Ciccarelli until we reached the impressive meeting room under the images of Nicola Ciccarelli or Clemente, il Capitano, founder of the company after a long family tradition as pharmacists.

Monica really loves her company’s products.

And she is a very good ambassador for these products.

During our short meeting we understood that she does not concentrate her passion only on her job. She would like to spread the culture of this Italian success story among young people, starting from children. And starting by leaving a strong message in the community. In this aspect she decided to be the main sponsor of a very successful program in the schools against bullying.
We reached now the fourth year of the “Siamo tutti Capitani” (we are all captains) in the tracks of her great grandfather Clemente, il Capitano, who started the expansion of the Ciccarelli company after his experience as officer in the army.

Monica now concentrates her efforts on the new flagship store recently inaugurated in the Quadrilatero of Milan (via Sant’Andrea 17), in the middle of the big luxury brands. She owns a treasure that you can’t buy.

She owns a family tradition and she is willing to share it with the international visitors in Milan through the new Ciccarelli line named Secrets.

Ciccarelli, an Italian story of success

In Italy the name Ciccarelli recalls something familial and daily, right as the company itself was born from a typically Italian passion and history. Indeed, we discover that all starts from the Ciccarelli family’s entrenched apothecary tradition and reaches its top thanks to the young Clemente’s military experience, who first foresees the fundamental role of a powerful anti-corn cream for the soldiers’ health. Soon afterwards, the invention of a new toothpaste formula, called Pasta del Capitano in honour of Clemente’s military experience, gets ready to revolutionise the oral hygiene of entire generations.

>> Go on reading

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By Giulia Minero

Among the many luxury clothing and haute jewellery stores in Via Sant’Andrea, everybody would be surprised to find such a cozy and familial showroom such as the one launched by Ciccarelli on the 1st of May to promote its new line for the beauty of the skin.

Monica Pasetti, CEO of Ciccarelli.
Carrying on one’s shoulders more than a century of family company tradition is a very engaging task in this modern world: but when the holder of this heritage is a charming and beautiful lady, wife and mother, difficulties grow. You could not say this meeting Monica Pasetti, chief executive officer of Ciccarelli, the traditional Italian producer of personal care products.
>> Go on reading
WM’s post on Monica Pasetti

As you come in, it’s easy to understand that the success of the company rides in parallel to the generations that constitute the Ciccarelli-Pasetti family, whose 150 years of history are narrated with affection by Monica Pasetti, CEO of the group.

In Italy the Ciccarelli’s name recalls something familiar and daily, right as the company itself was born from a typically Italian passion and history. Indeed, we discover that all starts from the Ciccarelli family’s entrenched apothecary tradition and reaches its top thanks to the young Clemente’s military experience, who first foresees the fundamental role of a powerful anti-corn cream for the soldiers’ health. Soon afterwards, the invention of a new toothpaste formula, called Pasta del Capitano in honour of Clemente’s military experience, gets ready to revolutionise the oral hygiene of entire generations.

Needless to say that a good manager’s ability is also owing to his ability to spot the best location in which he can develop a successful activity. And what city is better than Milan for this purpose? In fact his son Nicola first opens three drugstores in Milan and succeeds in widely promoting the products spread, getting able to supply them in more than 70 countries.

Nicola Ciccarelli, former and historical President of the Ciccarelli company

Even the nowadays’ headquarters of the company, now an out-and-out indutrial reality in which the employees still keep feeling part of a big family, are owed to his work.

At this point it’s not surprising to discover that Nicola, with such a brilliant and resourceful personality, appeared many times as a testimonial in the unforgettable TV advertorial format Carosello to promote his products with actress Giorgia Moll’s bright smile, Made in Pasta del Capitano!

During the same years, his passion for beekeeping leads him to a revolutionary discovery: beeswax, thanks to its nourishing characteristics, can grant a powerful antiage treatment to the skin, becoming an indispensible ally to women. In the end of the Fifties Cera di Cupra® was born and, with its name recalling the Ciccarelly family’s city of origin in Central Italy, gets ready to appear among every women’s cosmetics, handed down from mother to daughter as a ritual of beauty.

Marco Pasetti, today’s Ciccarelli President, at work in the Company in a shot of the Eighties

As well as the success of the products continues from generation to generation, the company keeps growing with Marco Pasetti, nowadays president, his daughter Monica and his son Luca, who daily value their little family treasure.

Today, even keeping unchanged its extremely simple and pure composition, the Ciccarelli products get dressed with a brand-new look. At the showroom in Via Sant’Andrea 17, indeed, Ciccarelli celebrates the coming of Expo in Milan launching the Premium line of Pasta del Capitano 1905, inspired by the first original packaging and The Secret core product of Cera di Cupra® Milano line aiming to be handed down, from generation to generation, exactly as the secret of beauty they hold.

>> Read more on the flagship store of Milan

Photo Slideshow

Nicola Ciccarelli, Ciccarelli’s former President and his nephew Marco Pasetti, the current President of the group.

Silvio Ruschena, manager for Ciccarelli (70s) at work

Founder Clemente Ciccarelli with his family

Nicola Ciccarelli with actors Giorgia Moll and Carlo Dapporto shot during a commercial for the famous Italian TV advertising program Carosello

[Photos from the book La formula del Capitano - Storie e segreti della famiglia che ha fatto sorridere gli italiani, courtesy of Mursia Publishing]

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by Stefania Vida

Sheraton Diana Majestic: a blend of tradition and innovation, a reference point for international hospitality and a meeting place for the Milan for more than one century

Mr Cellerino (Hotel Manager) and Maria Vittoria Lucchese (Marketing Manager, Milan area) with the staff in the Lobby

Between past and present

Crossing the threshold of the hotel Diana is like taking a trip back into the history of Milan. In fact, just few hotels in the city are able to boast such a longstanding tradition.

Giovanni Callerino in the lobby area

As explained by the Hotel Manager, Giovanni Cellerino, since the very beginning the “Diana” has represented a reference point for art, culture and fashion in Milan. Steeped in history, it offers all the allure of its time-honoured past, cutting-edge technology, comfort and the glamour of vibrant, quietly hip atmospheres.

“The Diana is a property of longstanding tradition, situated in the heart of the city’s business and luxury shopping district. Our Art Nouveau building, boasting a large, charming private garden, combines traditional architecture with state-of-the-art design and a young, trendy atmosphere, a real living room!”

More than a century of history

Bagni Diana as it was in the past. It opened in 1842.

Telling the story of the Diana means taking a trip back in time. It means talking about the habits of Milan’s partygoing elite who chose this hotel as one of the best and favorite meeting places.
It all began in 1842 when the ‘Bagni Diana’ - the first public Italian swimming pool – officially opened in the area known today as Porta Venezia.

In 1904, the Hotel Diana – yet another innovative addition to the city’s burgeoning landscape, because it was actually the city’s first purpose-built luxury hotel – was built around the spaces hosting the swimming pool.
In short, since the very beginning innovation and a forward-looking approach have been a part of the Diana’s DNA, still renowned today for its longstanding tradition of excellence and Milanese hospitality.

 A meeting place

Hotel Diana: indoor dining and aperitivo area.
 Where Milan journalist Stefania Vida has a talk with Mr Cellerino and Ms Lucchese.

The Diana is distinguished by its ‘two souls’: almost obsessive, old-world attention to making guests feel welcome and a hipper, more trendy side that makes it a sought-after meeting place for Milanese trendsetters.

On entering its lobby, guests will find themselves immersed in an atmosphere that is both welcoming and modern. In fact, quite some effort has gone into making it effortlessly cool thanks to a careful selection of beautiful design objects, that change every two years.

In fact, it comes as no surprise that one of Milan’s most famous aperitivo haunts is located right here at the h club >diana, the ideal spot to meet in Milan!

Aperitivo time in Milan

Whether you’re looking for the perfect breakfast to start your day, a light lunch consisting of locally sourced produce, one of the hottest aperitivo spots in the centre to meet with friends or simply a brunch with your family, the h club >diana is your destination in the city. Starting from 7pm join the viby Milanese scene to enjoy the exciting atmosphere of the club and its rich menu of drinks and cocktails!

Hotel Diana: one of the outdoor dining and aperitivo areas

A combination of a convivial atmosphere, trendy music, original cocktails and a clientele that includes A-listers in the world of fashion, design and art, have made it one of the most famous locations in the city for Milan’s ritualistic Happy Hour.
The bartenders here know their stuff  and you’ll enjoy seeing them whip up bespoke cocktails and non-alcoholic variations, accompanied by a wonderful all-you-can-eat buffet of light, tasty delicacies designed to satisfy even the most discerning customers.

Diana for Expo

It’s ongoing quest for innovation and its forward-looking attitude  obviously led us to ask how the Diana is gearing up for the eagerly-awaited appointment with Expo 2015 “a huge opportunity for Milan and all of us”, says Giovanni Cellerino, who kindly offered us a sneak preview of the events being planned. “We’re organizing various projects in collaboration with Milanese institutions and cultural bodies. The Diana will thus become a space dedicated to the avant-gardes featuring temporary and permanent exhibitions showcasing the work of young creatives from the world of fashion and design, but not only!”

The guest, first and foremost

The Diana’s point of pride is its staff’s intuitive approach to guests’ needs (the Manager actually specifies that he is not here simply referring to customers staying at the hotel).

“We focus particular attention on all types of guests, from businessmen who stay here regularly, to the Milanese who stop by to enjoy an aperitivo with friends or families who drop in for our Sunday brunch (children included, thanks to our ‘Kids Brunch’).

Sheraton Diana Majestic, the Garden

What we want is to make the Diana “The place to be”. Bearing this in mind, we strive to make sure that everyone finds exactly what they are looking for, we want our guests to feel completely at home.”

The hotel offers guests an array of services, guaranteed by the professionalism and excellent personable service of it staff who go out of their way to please guests: from the concierge who is the first person that the guest meets to the housekeepers, each and every member of its staff is committed to offering a unique service.
“It’s important for us to manage to build and maintain a rapport with our clientele, which allows us to understand them better and anticipate their every need, in order to offer them a truly unique experience.”

A green oasis in the city

If you dream of waking up in a lush, scented garden then the Hotel Diana is just what  you’re looking for!  In fact, whatever the season, its gorgeous garden offers a breathtaking view. It’s obviously at its best in spring and summer when, thanks to warmer temperatures, you can relax in its comfortable armchairs or settees and soak up the atmosphere, possibly while sipping one of its absolutely fabulous evening aperitivi.

Viale Piave, 42
M1 (red line) Porta Venezia
www.sheratondianamajestic.com

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Dining at night at Hotel Diana

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Hotel Diana, the aperitivo area

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1 – Panarello Cafeteria, Ice Cream and Pastry Shop (free Wi-Fi)
Via Tolstoj, 1 (Portici di Via Savona)
M2 (green line) Porta Genova
T: +39 02 37072033

2 – Panarello Cafeteria and Pastry Shop (no Wi-Fi)
Via Speronari, 3
M1 (red line) M3 (yellow line) Duomo
T: +39 02 86462264

3 – Panarello Cafeteria, Ice Cream and Pastry Shop (free Wi-Fi)
Piazza San Nazaro in Brolo, 15 (corner of Corso di Porta Romana)
M3 (yellow line) Crocetta
T: +39 02 87128284

4 – Panarello Cafeteria, Ice Cream and Pastry Shop (free Wi-Fi)
Piazza Santa Francesca Romana, 1
M1 (red line) Porta Venezia
T: +39 02 29531093

5 – Panarello Cafeteria, Ice Cream and Pastry Shop (free Wi-Fi)
Via della Moscova, 52 (corner of Largo la Foppa)
M2 (green line) Moscova
T: +39 02 87141481

www.panarello.com 

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Giovanni Galli in Porta Romana – Since 1911

Open Mon-Sat from 8.30am-1.00pm and 2.00-8.00pm, Sun 9.00am-1.30pm
In December Sundays open from 8.30am-8pm

Corso di Porta Romana, 2
M3 (yellow line) Missori
T: +39 02 86453112
www.giovannigalli.com

Giovanni Galli in the Duomo area – Since 1945

Open Mon-Sat from 8.30am-8.00pm, Sun 9.00am-1.30pm
In December Sundays open from 8.30am-8pm

Via Victor Hugo, 2
M1 (red line) M3 (yellow line) Duomo
T: +39 02 86464833
www.giovannigalli.com

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When your passion becomes a job you can overcome many obstacles in order to fulfill your dreams. Luca Tafuni’s devotion to his city, Milan, was as great as his love for his tiny, shining FIAT 500.
A 1973 technical prodigy that tends to excite girls moiré than a brand new Ferrari, especially when they catch a glimpse of its driver weaving in and out of the small, crowded streets of central Milan. Following the recent founding of his company ‘Vintage Tour’ , Luca has come to the realization that he needs to increase the number of 500′s available in order to satisfy the fast-growing number of bookings from all over the world. “Asian and American tourists really love the 500″ says Luca with his contagious smile. He can’t wait to see his fleet growing. Expo 2015 is just around the corner and more than 20 million potential customers are likely to be standing in line to enjoy the Milan 500 experience with Vintage Tour.
The next step will be a sustainable revolution targeted at the green feeding of their engines. Furthermore, in partnership with Where® Milan and prominent tourist association Milano Loves You, Luca is also working on developing a new guide to the city. A surprise that will intrigue and engross many of you… and a new, fun, unique way to say hello to the city!

Vintage Tour

Vintage Tour

Private tours of the city (not modifiable by the customer) for a maximum of three people, aboard a splendid vintage car with a qualified Tour Guide. All tours (excluding the ‘Tour Veloce’ and the ‘Tour delle Porte’) last for three hours, from 10am to 11pm. The ‘Night Tour’ starts at 8pm and ends at 11pm. Routes may be subject to change due to traffic, accidents or warnings issued by the Municipality. The Vintage Tour Milano partners are Cardiac Science, 1380 Vintage Design Store, Locanda Chiaravalle and Taxi service 02 4000.

Tour Veloce
A 30-minute tour of the centre: Teatro alla Scala, via Montenapoleone, Brera, Castello Sforzesco, Ago&Filo, via Brisa, Palazzo Mezzanotte Borsa, Duomo, via Torino, Carrobbio, San Lorenzo, Anfiteatro Romano, Università Statale, Giardini Guastalla, via Montenapoleone.

Night tour
A trip in discovery of Milan’s swinging aperitivo and cocktail scene.

Tour della Campagna
Exploring the farmhouses and abbeys of Parco Sud Milano

Tour Delle Porte Storiche (30 minutes)
A tour of the old city

…COMING SOON
Tour Classico – An absolute must-do in Milan.
Tour La Città che sale – Innovative architecture, past and present, that makes Milan unique.
Shopping Tour – The window displays of the City of Fashion.
Tour di Leonardo – Following in the footsteps of Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci
Tour di Giuseppe Verdi – A glimpse of the maestro’s haunts in Milan

T: 349 2695335
info@vintagetour.it
www.vintagetour.it
www.facebook.com/vintagetourmilano
#vintagetourmilano

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