ANTONIA
Part of a new generation of Italian boutiques that shuns flashy fashion for lower key, unfussy looks, Antonia eschews fleeting trends in favour of future classics by the likes of Maurizio Pecoraro and Giambattista Valli. It's fast becoming a cult destination in Milan adored by fashion editors, buyers and stylists alike.
What to buy Anything by relaunched label Vionnet.
Contact Via Ponte Vetero 1 (corner of Via Cusani) 20121 (+39 028 699 8340, antonia.it)
SHOPPING LIFTS SPIRIT
SLS is the perfect retail retreat for anyone with a bad case of jet lag or shopping fatigue. Step inside, kick back with a coffee and have the assistants pick out the latest arrivals for you. The store specialises in hard-to-find pieces from international and Italian designers including Ernesto Esposito, Marras and Fifi Chachnil.
What to buy Michelle Obama's favourite Thakoon.
Contact Via Maroncelli 3, 20154 (+39 022 906 3125, shoppingliftspirit.com)
PUNTOOTTICO
In a country where La Bella Figura is everything, spectacles are high on the list of priorities for completing your look. Puntoottico is the in-the-know address for niche handmade glasses and hard-to-find brands such as Theo, Alain Mikli and Oliver Peoples.
What to buy Pick out a heavy-rimmed square pair and you'll blend right in with Milan's creative locals.
Contact Piazza Filippo Meda 3, 20121 (+39 02 781 999, puntoottico.it)
VINTAGE DELIRIUM
Beloved of in-the-know fashion connoisseurs (Hollywood stylist Laury Smith and designer Tom Ford are regulars), Vintage Delirium is a treasure trove of antique clothing and accessories - with many pieces hailing from the private archives of prestigious Italian families.
What to buy Owner and former art gallerist Franco Jacassi will help you find the perfect Courrèges dress or a pair of handmade
18th-century leather gloves.
Contact Via Sacchi 3, 20121 (+39 028 646 2076, vintagedeliriumfj.com)
GIULIANO FUJIWARA
This striking store is an architectural masterpiece in itself and makes the perfect backdrop for Giuliano Fujiwara's sharp, conceptual clothing and accessories. The huge space is decked out in monochrome asymmetric fittings with shards of black Perspex jutting from the ceiling, and comes complete with its own VIP room.
What to buy A pared-back biker jacket from his menswear line.
Contact Via Borgospesso, 11, 20121 (+39 023 653 1230, giulianofujiwara.com/news)
GARDENOIR
It's impossible to rush the Gardenoir experience - with its soft lighting, black glossy walls and leafy garden, this store is the epitome of slow shopping. Founded by designers Byung Soo Zocchi and Barbara Brignone, the store stocks vintage gowns and watches by Tomoko Tokuda.
What to buy Vintage-inspired collection Mebarbarabrignone.
Contact Via G Ferrari (corner of Via C Simonetta), 20123 (+39 023 981 1131, gardenoir.com)
VERGER
Verger is a unique and refreshing concept in Milan, with three floors of beautiful products and its own 'kitchen', where customers can sample traditional, seasonal cooking made modern. The sleek yet rustic space is home to the Verger knitwear line, as well as shoes by Una Vita Di Pasticcini and jewellery by Aimé and Mary Lee.
What to buy A knitted piece.
Contact Via Varese 1, 20121 (+39 028 699 8276, verger.it)
FRIP
This small boutique is a favourite among the young Milanese fashion set for its mix of edgy Scandi labels, denim and vinyl.
What to buy Pick up an off-the-wall item from Henrik Vibskov and team it with one of the store's more pared-down looks by Acne or Hope.
Contact Corso di Porta Ticinese 16, 20123 (+39 02 832 1360, frip.it)
Jo Marshall is travel and arts editor at WGSN, the world's largest trend forecaster (wgsn.com). British Airways is the official airline to London Fashion Week.
WAY TO GO
British Airways flies to Milan from Heathrow. Visit ba.com, where you can join the Executive Club and earn BA Miles.
