As one of the fashion capitals of the world, we were excited to check out some of Milan’s clothing shops. Recommended to us as a “must-see” by Teen Vogue’s Fashion Director, we headed over to 10 Corso Como (the name as well as the address of the store). All I have to say is “WOW!” There were so many amazing things in this space I didn’t know where to look first! Not unlike Colette in Paris, the retail shop of Corso Como features a carefully edited selection of the best designer clothes, accessories, and beauty products from around the world. With hard to find labels like Junya Watanabe, Martin Margiela, and Rodarte filling the racks, we were like kids in a candy shop (the sad part was we weren’t taking a single thing home!) At one hundred euros a pop, Mom and I joked we couldn’t even afford a mini Corso Como brand makeup bag! But buying wasn’t the point; this was more of an experience than anything else. Seeing the rhinestone-encrusted Balmain sandals and Junya Wantanabe long denim skirts from the Spring ’09 runways in person was just about as good as it gets. Before entering the retail shop, you pass through a beautiful little courtyard and a lovely cafe (above). 10 Corso Como was conceived by former journalist and fashion editor Carla Sozzani as a virtual narrative of a magazine layout. The Corso Como “experience” includes an art gallery, bookstore, restaurant, and a small hotel. There are also retail stores in Tokyo and Seoul.

Above: the shoes! Oh the shoes! Too good for words. Below: a peek at the beauty section of the store.

Above: from top left: An asymmetrical blue and white gingham print top by Junya Watanabe, Corso Como’s signature bath oil, wild rubber shoes by iconic architect Zaha Hadid, Cacharel Liberty of London dress (I was so happy to see their selection of Cacharel…so hard to find!) Check out Corsmo Como’s website too, where they’ll soon be opening an online store. And one last thing I wish I had known before I got back to New York: there is a Corso Como Outlet located at 3 Via Tazzoli. Viva Italia! – L