For years I have had a lovehate  relationship with the city of Milano.  In the past I have told clients, if you only have 9 days, thenk skip Milano and get right to the lakes, but now  my sentiment  has changed and that something happened with the preparation for The Worlds Fair of Food- Expo 2015- Feeding the planet which is now   in full swing at the Milano Fair grounds -October 31, 2015 . The city has removed her  dull dusty 1940's gray mask and has replaced it with new look, which is  fresh,  and reflective of her position as #1 ( move over Paris) in art and style.  The city's new identity is encouraged by the numerous  publications which  have been flashing her new look under our nose. You can't read Savour, Architectural Digest, Departures , Travel + Leisure or Conde` Nast Traveler without seeing even  a mention of something  happening that is very Milanese.  

This transformation has been linked largly in part to the Expo 2015,  where the  numerous off shoots from the world of fashion, food, design have  gifted this revitalization to the city.  Foundation Prada has transformed an old distillery into their private foundation and exposition  hall and last month opened 118,000 ft of exhibitan space. Prada Foundation.

Fashion foundations seem to be the theme in the city with Armani's renovation of the old Nestle factory turned museum on Via Bergognone 46.  Armani museum.  Not to be forgotton fashion mavericks house of Trussardi have opened from August 25 - Nov 15 "The Great Mother" exposition by over 80 artists with the theme of,  you guessed it: motherhood.  Palazzo Reaem Piazza del Duomo 12. Trussardi Museum.

 If that was not enough to get you to Milano north of Via della Spiega and south of Via Montenapoleone  was recently inaugurated is "La Via dell Uomo", ( Man's Street)  a man's place to shop in the hear of Milano. With style setters Rubinacci  and Caruso opening flagship stores Milano has returned to my list  as a must visit when in northern Italy.   More to report to you in July when personally  I can visit Etro's new outlet, Expo 2015 and  dine at  Joia-  Haute vegeterian cuisine. Vegeterian Cuisine Joia.