Amazing Choices for dresses
La Vendemmia 2016, The World’s Finest Wine and Lifestyle Experience
Milan’s Vendemmia is the most exclusive “Wine/Fashion” event of the year. It’s an honor to attend, and a key opportunity to explore the new wines available on the market as well as to see the new winter collections in the Golden Quad.
Castello Di Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2012, Melanie Payge & Emanuela Stefanelli (Hospitality, Retail and Wine Club Manager)
The first stop was Boutique Roger Vivier, their lovely 3 story shop in Via Sant’Andrea 17.
The Mazzei Winery was founded in 1435 and is still run by the same family, that is 24 generations! Very much an Italian Icon from Maremma Tuscany.
Mazzei chose to present Castello Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2012 at the Vendimmia because the grapes come from their best vineyards consisting of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Colorino and Malvasia Nera. It is produced in limited quantities and bottled only in the best years. It has one of the highest classifications and is considered a “Super Chianti Classico”.
See their website for more info: http://www.mazzei.it.
Fideli and Casale Del Giglio
Mirko Celani, Brand Ambassador Casale del Giglio & Melanie Payge
Mirko told me a lovely story about Casale del Giglio. The Santarelli family took over a swamp land in Lazio, near Rome, and cultivated it into a Vineyard. The first family to dominate the “Laziale” wine market.
The wine they presented at the Vendemmia is Mater Matuta (85% Syrah and 15% Petit Verdot).
It was very fun to see Mirko tying to give an interview and serve hundreds of guests at Fideli, the most crowded of all boutiques. Congratulations!
Fendi serving Verve Clicquot Rosé Denise Carni, Fur Expert & Melanie Payge with Monster Bags
Moncler serving Tenuta San Leonardo Melanie Payge, Paolo Riva & Samantha Riva. We very much enjoyed this exquisite wine
Salvatore Ferragamo Donna and Il Borro, by far my favorite wine, or could it have been, the ever so handsome man serving the wine 🙂
Sara Gerardi, Director of Sales, told me an interesting story about how the tunnels that exist in the wine cellars led to the main villa. Can you just imagine what was going on in the Midieval times? 🙂
It would all be said by Galileo Galilei, “Wine is the sunlight, held together by water”.
The amazing dark purple wine is 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet, 10% Syrah and 5% Petit Verdot.
Compliments to Il Borro!
Sponsors for the evening events@associazionemontenapoleone.it: Christie’s Charity Auction “Italian Masters” and Onlus http://www.dynamocamp.org.
Tom Ford !! What a talented man!! First, he completely put Gucci back on the map. Then opens his own “Super Luxury” bespoke mens wear label, which was closely followed by his ladies wear collection.
Melanie Payge with Model in Ostrich feathers & Sequence 2017 Winter collection NY runway
Out of nowhere, for his second film he was awarded the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize for Nocturnal Animals, La Biennale di Venezia’s 73rd Venice Film Festival .
Doesn’t he look marvelous in his own suit 🙂
Along with all this happening, he is still young and gorgeous.
Of coarse I’m mainly interested in his new collection, so, we will head back to the Milan Boutique which is showing us the runway “looks”, not even 24 hours after the catwalk intro in New York. 
This year there seems to be a whirlwind of themes in most designers’ collections. Tom Ford is not to be excluded, one aspect of FW2017 is full of sequence and elegance which dominates his red carpet (or traditionally known as “Black Tie” (ironic term for ladies wear)) collection.
Very inventive and creative use of fur: mink, beaver, fox etc. in various colors alone or mixed.
right Tom Ford Model in sequence halter dress and fur coat. left Gloria Magni, fashion journalist, Pam Bianco
The 70’s my friends, yes the 70’s. See the quilt-like patchwork leather jacket just behind me? Yes the 70’s, but with the addition of the pink fur collar to make it 2017.
The collection is also full of his tailored suits and sexy backless dresses. Tight skirts in heavy wool with leather bondage type fasteners. Elegant and cool ……New and retro.
Gloria Magni, fashion journalist, Pam Bianco, Egle Zvairaityte, Tom Ford Sales Assistant Via Verri Milan, Melanie Payge.
Beginning of September is all about bags and shoes, as if that’s something all girls don’t dream about, you too? We have something in common. After spending the weekend at MICAM, I get an invite to 3 locations in Via Montenapoleone, again who could resist?
Melanie Payge and Stuart Thom of Ainsley-T Shoes (NSFW)
NO words PR put together a fun and informative “NO WORDS ACCESSORY TOUR SS17” presenting new inventive and creative ways to match food and fashion.
My first stop was Montenapoleone 19 at “Ristorante Doriani” offering an aperitivo buffet with yummy little treats. After a glass of prosecco we toured the Piccadilly Brazilian brand embodying waste-free, sustainable, eco-friendly comfort.
The collection has 4 categories, we begin with 70’s a retro aspect but not vintage looking (maybe my favorite look). Next was the ethnic look, typically Brazilian with colorful fabrics and natural fibers Third is the “Inventive vibration” in other words minimal. Last of all we come across the “Revisited Tradition” where their storic collection joins youth.
Melanie Payge with inventor Toru Itoi and GM Kifu Kotaro Hosokawa
Off to MN 13 where we are spoiled by “Bàcaro di Sambuco’s” Italian delicacies and introduced to the newest in Japanese technology, a sort of paper shoe but not really. Using Abaca Fibers, Toru Itoi, invented Magical Washi canvas.
If this innovative material gets wet, it dries within seconds which keeps your feet dry at all times, weather it be perspiration in Summer or humidity in Winter. So once again Italian Tradition joins Tecnology, Arrezzo based shoe maker “Calzaturificio Fratelli Soldini” launces “Kifu’s” first collection.
Melanie Payge @ Studiofinorossi
Last stop on our tour is Studiofinorossi, Montenapoleone 1, where our beautiful purple haired Veronika explains the intricate handcrafts by Laboratorio Toscano using exotic natural hides for their luxury line and traditional soft nappas for the younger designs.
Definitely something different and new!
And The party begins: Press office Blu…. Ready for “PIN-UP” Super Stars to arrive.
Opening Super Sexy – especially as Chiara Biasi is launching her sexy young bikini line
“POISSON D’AMOUR”
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Look at these beautiful young sexy sales girls, who could resist buying a bikini form one of them, favorite in denim bought by my friend Francesca Francone Maitreya – Very Sexy !!
Founder of PIN-UP Stars, Jerry Tommolini American in Italy 35 years, Congratulations, (I’ve only been here 25 🙂 Jerry is also the creative director and owns numerous locations including Milan and San Tropez. Great “sexy” success to come his way !!
The Pin-up brand is entirely hand crafted and made in Italy, Emilia Romagna.
Filmmaker/Artist, Luciano Boschetti, explained to me the how the incentive comes for Jerry’s artistic culture. 
Enjoy some of the scenes from the Store Event:
Andy Warhol polaroids are on sale as well! My favorite Keith Herring !! Love Him!!
Fashionably Yours,
Melanie Payge
Salone del Mobile 2016 – Fashion joins Design. Cheers!!
I love Italians! Every excuse to celebrate is a good one. So the fashion world jumps on board with Design Week and Party Party Party.
International Guests all enjoying the flair of ML.
We kicked off your heels at ML Montenapoleone VIP Lounge http://www.montenapoleonelounge.it – a great new concept which gives hard-core shoppers a chance to relax.
You know how, in Hollywood, they mingle with the stars, well in Milan we mingle with the designers. Just look who I saw at Zegna, Mr. Zegna himself.
The Zegna Staff – Beautiful Men looking their very Zegna best !!
10 Corso Como, we meet the lovely Kelly @ Vogue G+J -Dutch life style magazine.
Gianni Tolentino – Via Manzoni 39 – Fashion meets Design meets Gourmet – Catered by http://www.eventicatering.it. Gianni your exquisite taste in fashion proves loyal to your palate. My favorite the little lolly-pop sandwich (paté and onion jelly) Amazing!
www.pakerson.it – The most comfortable shoes in the world. Walking their best, Fabiano & Giovanna in perfect form along with Melanie Payge and Hilary Kraft.
http://www.viviennewestwood.com -Vadim and Cesare (my favorite sales assistant) – Was at the VW most amazing party and discovered their “in-store” collection for Bridal — YES! I’ll see you with my next bride … Go “Sex in the City #2” – Let’s do Brides!
I COULDN’T RESIST – a selfie with Jean-Paul Goude – Tod’s is the ever modern image of excellence when it comes to combining the world of design with fashion. Amazing man from my past – spending time with Debra Arman, Keith Haring and Grace Jones! Loved meeting up :). One of my favorites:
Thank you Milan for a very fashionable “Design Week” Love you Melanie Payge
The streets were beautifully decorated with red carpets and butterflies hanging from the lamps.
First stop VERSACE gets my “Best Window Display” award.
Lovely Cristina showed me all the beautiful RED displays and the bar. — This very informed Barman explained the first ever cocktail made with Campari was called the “Milano/Torino” or “MITO” (Campari, red vermouth, orange slice and lemon slice).
“Best Looking Bartender” goes to LARUSMIANI Boutiqe. Offering me a cocktail called the “Americano” – the story goes that in the ’20’s the Italians were tired of drinking from tiny little sherry glasses and decided to create a long drink like the Americans, hence the name (Campari, red vermouth, orange slice and soda.
At Larusmiani Boutique with Giulio.
“Best Public” four girls dressed to the Ts. How did they get their invites. All social network savvy, they managed on FB. Congratulations!! You’ll make it big.
“Most Accommodating” award goes to BREGUET.
Brand Manager, Maurizio Marino, welcomed me and let me take pictures of his beautiful guests, example:
With Nicola and Giuseppe. Emerging models.Thank you to Associazione MonteNapoleone and Campari for a “redly” entertaining evening. Love Melanie Payge
We can all recognize Gucci and Prada, Armani and Valentino, but Via Montenapoleone has a lot more to offer. We are going to discover every secret in the hidden courtyards and distinguished family businesses and showrooms you might not see from the sidewalks.
I’d like to start with one of the most amazing jewelers that “so” deserves to be on Via Montenapoleone. A distinguished Italian family serving Milans’ elite for 100 some years – Buccellati.
I had a brief chat with Luca Buccellati, one for the 4 partners in this family owned business created by Mario Buccellati – Luca’s Great Grandfather.
It is just so amazing in this day and age to walk into a beautiful luxurious boutique and be greeted and served by a handsome and charming gentleman by the name of Buccellati.
Their clients are faithful to the tradition of the Buccellati designs so they are able to continue to grow as a family business and not a multi-national, something quite rare in this day and age.
The jewelry designs are mainly still creations by Gian Maria Buccellati, Luca’s Uncle, who strictly still hand chooses the precious and semi precious stones, although Luca and cousin Andrea do participate on the creative side.
While I was enjoying just being in this luxurious yet classical atmosphere I learned that their signature jewelry contains leaves, all kinds of leaves in all types and colors of gold – my favorite was a pair of earrings with vine leaves and a beautiful batch of red ruby pearls as grapes.
I also learned that Buccellati is known for their silver work and in the back of the store there is a huge display – literally perfect for a gift: wedding, housewarming, anniversary. Tourist? — would be great to take back “Made in Italy” authentic Italian Silver (ps. and it won’t break in your
suitcase).
Look out, Buccellati is expanding — 2 shops going up in China, one in Chicago and a new and exciting PoP-up boutique in South Beach this summer.
Milan fashion week has come to an end while the buyers are busy placing orders, which, by the way, is fantastic news for the recovering fashion economy! Go Milano! Incredible changes have taken place in the famous Golden Quad in the last few months.
Let’s see now! Hermes has moved back home, re-inhibiting their Milan flagstore on the corner of Via Sant’Andrea and Via della Spiga, while leaving the ex-Kenzo space vacant… can not believe that there’s an unoccupied store in Via Sant’Andrea. Now to more interesting news….drum roll…. Corso Venezia has won the “Extreme Make-Over”! Flavio Castellani, (famous Prato, Tuscany, women’s brand) has stepped into ex-Diesel Bimbo on the corner of Via della Spiga. Nero Giardini, (known for their, black, casual, very Italian, look) still has a mini-space for footwear but is opening, at #9, a significantly larger store featuring mens’ and womens’ wear as well as all leather accessories. Next door at #7 Henry Cotton’s is still “opening soon”. D & G re-opened in the same location, very cool organized look, men upstairs, women as you come in and … keep walking … it’s deep… kids in the very back.
Guiness book of world records!!!!! Giorgio Armani has, in fact, succeeded in having his name on every street in the Golden Quad. Via Montenapoleone, the most famous street hosts his mens’ collection and in the Gallery behind Iceberg is the childrens line. His Mega-Store in Via Manzoni is being transformed into a “Fashion Hotel” – The Almighty Armani could not be out-done by any competetor even jewelrey so he set out to do something more GRANDIEUR than Bulgari! Back to the tour… Armani bags is in Via della Spiga and finally with the launch of Armani Collection in Corso Venezia – He Did It!!!! the only designer to be present on all 4 sides of the Golden Quad!
Prada is still innovative and very on top of a new “personalization” trend. Prada Sport disappeared over the summer and magically reopened in as Prada Life-Style in September. The items to be found in the store are to be found only in that store! Wow! unique items and, get this, everthing can be personalized! from desk and office accessories to ski wear. Way to get personal Prada! Accross the street, corner of San Babile, Marlboro classics got smaller and left enough room for Missoni to open a very much needed “young or second” line M Missoni. congratulations M Missoni I like the store. Right next door the ever respectable Neglia went through an important change, New and Improved “Neglia Sartoria”. I am so proud of them, by bringing their workshop to Milan they are able to cut prices up to 50% without changing the quality of the fabrics and workmanship. This is an example other designers should take, instead, many are cutting quality to bring down prices.
Via Bagutta, Touch & Go Temporary Store moved into the Ex- Armani Collection, what a phenomenon a Secret Pom Pom bag for €150 and down the street you may see it for € 600. it is really more of an Outlet, designer cloths at nothing prices thrown all over the place. Over the lunch hour you can not move it this place, maybe this is where we are headed… who cares where you buy it or how you acquire it as long as it has a designer label… How ever you like to buy let www.planmilan.com lead you on your shopping spree.
Melanie Payge's Milan Fashion Blog 