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Saloni Lodha's Trip to Milan
By Britt Burritt
Saloni Lodha has come to many women's rescue with of her graceful, easy-to-wear collections. The founder and designer behind her namesake line of vibrant, silky dresses and separates splits her time between London and Hong Kong and travels as much for pleasure as she does for work. Recently, Lodha, a design enthusiast, was in Milan for the international housewares and furniture show Salone del Mobile. Following her trip, she shared some of her favorite fashionable places to visit there and the dresses she wore.
Why did you choose Milan?
I have always wanted to visit Milan during Salone del Mobile, and I was in St. Moritz for a wedding, so I decided to stop in Milan and do an event at Nilufar Gallery the week before the design fair opened. Exploring cities by collaborating with other creative minds is a fun way for us to bridge multiple disciplines and genres.
Where did you stay while you were there?
At the Bulgari Hotel, as it's located in the heart of Milan and has a beautiful garden.
What are some of the items you packed?
I packed SALONI dresses, our new fall/winter Maxima suit, Charlotte Olympia heels and statement jewelry. When I travel, I follow a strict skin care routine, as all flights leave your skin so dehydrated.
Is there anything you wish you would have packed but didn't?
Actually, I forgot to pack pajamas, but it was a great excuse to visit Telerie Spadari, a beautiful homewares store near the Duomo, selling linen, tableware and handmade 100% cotton pajamas.
What is your favorite way to pass the day in Milan?
Coffee at traditional Italian patisserie Marchesi is definitely a great start to the day. For culture, visit the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera and Fondazione Prada.
Did you have a favorite nightlife venue there?
Chez Nina, designed by architect India Mahdavi, is a cocktail lounge above Nilufar Gallery on Via della Spiga. We took over Chez Nina and Nilufar Gallery, which has incredible furniture curated by Nina Yashar, for our recent cocktail event.
Best place for a quick snack or a drink?
On this visit, I went to Fioraio Bianchi in Brera, which has been there for 40 years and used to be a florist. Today, the café still has floral decorations, and the original vintage decor is almost untouched. The food is traditional Italian with a twist, and they offer wonderful vegetarian options.
I would also recommend an aperitivo at Torre, the new restaurant at the Fondazione Prada.
Where was your favorite meal?
My favorite restaurant in Milan is La Latteria on Via San Marco in Brera, which is vegetarian but offers proper, authentic Italian food and reminds me of the best home cooking. I also would recommend Paper Moon Giardino (ask to sit in the secret garden!) and Il Salumaio, a traditional Milanese restaurant.
What is your favorite memory from the trip?
Visiting La Scala for the first time to see an opera.
Do you have any tips for traveling there?
Milan is actually quite a compact city, so I would recommend walking as much as you can. This way you discover at every turn beautiful palazzos, original churches and stunning contemporary architecture.