^ The sun never sets on Benetton

Last Christmas season (Dec 2004) our teen expert, Ross, took me out to see where the cool young people shop in Milan.

MM Shoes, in via Torino near the Duomo – trendy shoes and boots at very reasonable prices
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The Calzedonia chain features socks, stockings, lingerie, and swimwear. All over the city.

Fornarina – very in, but also expensive (even their graffiti matches).

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We continued down via Torino, past the Colonne di San Lorenzo, to Porta Ticinese (the big archway you see in this photo – one of the gates to the medieval city).

Beyond is Corso di Porta Ticinese, full of interesting, funky boutiques as well as chain stores. Some of our favorites are the shops featuring hand-made clothing and accessories of bright Asian silks.

Armani Jeans, also in Corso di Porta Ticinese

Later, we met up with Ross’ friends Ilaria and Filippo in front of the H&M in San Babila…

…and strolled over to the “Golden Quadrilateral” – bounded by via della Spiga and via Montenapoleone, this is the high-end shopping district. It’s fun to look at the gorgeous window displays, even when you can’t afford anything!

Valentino

Even baby strollers get the star treatment. (The Aprica shop on via Montenapoleone does seasonally-themed displays, you can see another onehere.)

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