Milano Rolodex: Viviana Volpicella Gives Us Her Scoop on the City’s Best Spots

LaDoubleJ’s own Fashion Director and Super Stylist is Bari-born but after a decade of living in the city like a super local, she reveals her city secrets and go-to spots for everything from drinks to only-in-Italy must-haves.

Where do you start your day?

I always take a cafe at Di Viole di Liquirizia (Via Madonnina 10). They know me so well so I don’t even have to order, I just show up.  I even have my own personal Minions cup. This is my office. When you cannot find me I am there.

Where do you take an aperitivo?

I love the San Germain Spritz from Filippo Lamantia (Piazza Risorgimento/ Via Poerio 2A), because you can SMOKE INSIDE (newsflash!) and Filippo himself is hot and I want to be his girlfriend and he wants to be my boyfriend. I also love The Yard (Piazza XXIV Maggio).

You’re always smoking! What is your brand and where do you buy them?

I smoke Gauloises Gialle which are French just because they are my favorite writer, Samuel Beckett’s cigarettes. I get them in Piazza San Sempliciano. They stock them in the after-hours self-service machine just for me so I can get them at night.

What is your favorite multi brand shop?

Antonia (Via Cusani 5), because she is a friend of mine and she’s The One. She has the best selection and I go there for ideas and inspiration. I also love Pupi Solari (Via Lorenzo Mascheroni 12) because she and her shop are both Milanese institutions.

What’s your favorite small shop with small labels?

Mariza Tassy (Via Molino delle Armi 43) has a super cool, super hippie selection with a cool vibe.

Where do you buy your PJs…and undies?

I always wear men’s pajamas by Derek Rose which you can find online or at La Rinascente (Piazza del Duomo). They’re old style with an attitude and I always take them in white.  My underwear comes from the street market in Piazza San Marco in Brera. I stock up and buy loads.

What’s the best linen shop?

My sheets are very, very old white cotton from my grandmother, otherwise I like Casa del Bianco (Corso Magenta 2). I get everything in white. Sheets. Towels. Underwear, everything!

What’s your local Farmacia?

Farmacia Legnani (Via Giovanni Rasori 2) is the best. It is not in Brera but that is ok. If you are a blonde with blue eyes and want brown hair and brown eyes he can make that happen. I always get the Mandorle oil and the Iperico oil for my face.

You get around town in a scooter with the signature basket, where did that come from?

Rossingnoli (Corso Garibaldi 71) of course! I am super proud of my midnight blue scooter. It matches everything and goes with any look. It is the perfect color.  

Where would you send a man to go shopping?

A man only needs the right woman to dress him but otherwise there is HOST (Piazza Tommaseo 2). I also like Deus ex Macchina (Via Thaon di Revel 3) for a Casual Friday look.

Where would you go to buy a unique gift?

Raw (Via Palermo 1) where you can find something from 20 euro to 2,000 euro. I got all of my Christmas presents here this year. If you want something super duper unique there is Max Bernadini Luxury Vintage (Corso Magenta 68) for those with the big bucks.

Your preferred jeweller?

I love De Simone (Via Madonnina 23) for their unique coral and cameo pieces which are very traditional and remind me of jewelry from the south. And for the big diamonds, Sabbadini (Via Montenapoleone 6). I also love their little gold bees.

Where do you go for a non-fashion activity?

Anteo Cinema (Via Milazzo 9) in Brera of course. They have a super high-brow selection of films and I love it. You find the most intellectual and best people in Milan here.

Almost of these places are in Brera! Do you ever leave that zona?

I live in Brera, not in Milano. Brera is my town.

-Meredith Nichols

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