Salone del Mobile preview: The Retailers

Rosy Biffi's boutiques - Biffi and Banner - keep Milan's well-heeled locals looking their absolute best.

Why do you live in Milan?

It’s my city and my home. It’s represents my roots and I take a lot of inspiration from the city.

What do you like most about the city?

The people. There’s an interesting atmosphere here, it’s familiar but at the same time it’s cosmopolitan and stimulating.

Where do you go when you leave?

I am often gone throughout the year, usually for work, visiting fashion capitals around the world. I like this because it enriches you to be away seeing new things and then when you come back you are very appreciative of what Milan has to offer.

Do you stay in Milan during the salone?

Yes, with great pleasure! It’s a great opportunity to gather ideas.

Three pieces of advice?

Go out on the streets, and walk around the people. observe the way of life, and all of the small unexpected things that reveal themselves slowly to you.

Three favourite places?

The Basilica di Sant Ambrogio which is in the most ancient and authentic part of the city. I also like the Navigli, Via Tortona and the colonne di San Lorenzo. I recommend visiting Palazzo Reale with its incredible Sala delle Cariatidi.

Rossana Orlandi's eponymous store is a sprawling, paradise-like compound tucked behind Milan's prison.

Why do you live in Milan?

Why not?

What do you like most about the city?

The week of the Salone del mobile.

What drives you out? Where do you go when you leave?

Wherever the blue skies and fresh air take me.

Three pieces of advise?

Firstly, make a list of the events not to miss. Secondly, plan your transportation well to maximize time and

to see more places. Thirdly, make sure you check all the closing times.

Three favourite places?

The Studio-Museum of Achille Castiglioni in Piazza Castello. A Birds-eye view of the old fiera. The Kitchen of Four Season's restaurant, where you can have a private dinner with a view of chef's work. Superluxiourous!

Design Gallery Milano is run by Mario Godani and Brunella Scolari.

Do you stay in Milan during the Salone?

Yes because we present our new collection and it’s an opportunity to meet with every person in the sector.

Three pieces of advice?

See everything! The Fiera, Tortona, and Fuori Salone in the galleries

Three favorite places?

The Triennale, Villa Necchi, Studio Achille Castiglioni and Terrazza Pirellone.

Nina Yashar owns one of Milan's most important design boutiques, Nilafur

What do you like about Milan?

I like the dimensions of the city. It’s not too big. And the provincial aspect which used to disturb me is now something that I actually like.

Where do you go when you leave the city?

I am always traveling for work but for fun, I often go to Engadina (the mountain region of St. Moritz)

Do you stay in Milan during the Salone?

Yes! I will be in Milan to present my new catalogue on April 20 and I will also present the work of a few artists and their workshops.

Three pieces of advice?

Visit the Triennale. The pinacoteca Ambrosiana (to see the Codice Atlantico by Leonardo da Vinci, and the Cesto di Frutta by Caravaggio). The San Maurizio Church in Corso Magenta that has frescoes by Bernardino Luini.

Three favorite places?

I like to eat at Giacomo Bistrot, Trattoria Milanese in Via San Marta and Bebel’s

Luisella Valtorta from Dilmos

Why do you live in Milan?

it's my town!

What do you like most about the city?

The Triennale and its park with the De Chirico fountain which has finally been restored. It makes me feel as thought I am in a metaphysical painting


Where do you go when you leave?


It depends by my frame of mind. If I need perfumes, sun and sea I use to go to Filicudi  in Aeolian islands while if I need nature and mountains I use to go to Cervinia and I make long walk with my big Terranova dog.

Do you stay in Milan during the Salone?

Yes it's my job I have to stay.

Three pieces of advice?


During Salone Milan become more alive than  ever and I suggest that you walk everywhere.

Brunella Godani of Design Gallery Milano

Retail entrepreneur Daniele Lorenzon

Why do you live in Milan?

I love this city. I came from a tiny town ten years ago and I still find Milan each day a bit more surprising.

What do you like most about the city?

I've been living here since 1999 and still can crash into something new every day. Also the variety of people is enriching and somehow astonishing

Where do you go when you leave?

I like to visit country towns and finding architectural treasures hidden here and there. Milan is surrounded by them.

Do you stay in Milan during the Salone?

Every year I promise to visit 40 places in the Salone, but then I loose myself working and seeing people, and only manage to see 10.

Three pieces of advice?

Rent a bicycle and forget your luggage. Try to move without trying to see everything (it's simply impossible). Don't start immediately with heavy nights out - it will kill you in a few days

Three favourite places?

Take a ride to the Quartiere dei Giornalisti - Maggiolina. Have a Negroni at bar Basso and see the relaxing face of the Salone. Walk around, ignore the doorkeepers and see the courtyards – they will leave you smiling.