TRAVEL ACCESSORIES

Felisi

Felsi is a label in the great tradition of makers of leather goods. Grounded in  traditional quality, to meet customer demand, the company in the last few years has brought out a selection of items in a top quality line combining nylon and leather. Much lighter than an all leather piece, the illustration (left) is an ideal piece for toady’s busy female executive. Light, functional, with easy access to the mobile phone. An impressive gift for that special executive in your life. Limited supply because of the hand made quality of the merchandise.

EXCLUSIVELY HANDMADE

Zohar

Zohar, as the beautifully illustrated brochure proclaims means magnificence.  And it not hype. This shop and the merchandise  is  without a doubt the essence of luxury. All the items embody the` transformation of a simple objects into works of art. The  handmade objects of refined and exclusive materials, render a dynamic streamlined style, capturing the style and harmony of the past, embracing the quality of the future, offering a tradition of elegance. Finally  the richness of the material gives way to the pleasure of private fulfillment. The collection of handmade ties, boxes, and luggage made from shagreen, parchment, silk, and zebra is exquisite.  A specialty is a minute collection of individual cashmere ties, beautifully crafted from one continuous woven piece, finished by a silver seal that hold the ends of the threads.  Ladies a perfect way to score a million brownie points with your favorite man, each tie is guaranteed to be unique. When you visit ask Giacomo to show you the splendid example of 1930’s deco wardrobe that is part of the shops décor. Across the street from American Express.  Tel 39 02 890 13 966

FOR THE HOME OR OFFICE

Viabrera, Arte & Cuoio

Viabrera, Arte & Cuoio specializes in quality leather goods for the office and home, leather boxes, penholders, everything you need for the office in a wide variety of colors. One of t the company’s trademark items is its leather woven baskets, which are  available in varying sizes and suitable  for magazines or firewood. They are particularly attractive because they combine practicality, and funtuality, in leather, which is hard wearing and adds a modern look to any home or office. Another specialty is the collection of furniture with cupboard fronts that are unusual in the combination of materials and look. If you are looking for quality unusual fitting for the home or office, Arte & Cuioi should be on your list. The company has agents in a number of countries.

Floris

Floris tucked away in one of the archways just off the Duomo, is a little difficult to find but worth the search. This tiny boutique stocks quaint Victorian stationary, gifts, and tapestries, and much more. If you are looking for ‘cute’ object, such as the picture to go on a  baby bedroom, where each initial is decorated with an angel, and then framed on the spot for you. its that kind of boutique.  It also has a collection of Paddington Bear items, and Winnie the Pooh. If you have young children to shop for, it’s a little treasure trove of ‘special’ things for very special people. 21 Galleria Mercanti.
Tel & Fax (39) 02 804 812.

TABACHI

Smoking

Not to be missed a few doors from the Four Seasons in Milan, is SMOKING, a Tabachi in true Italian style.  This little shop sells a collection of unexpected items, which make the greatest gifts at a very reasonable price. The owner of the shop was previously a department store buyer, and this is reflected in the small selection of varied quality items. For example, the beautifully adorned bag made out of roses, with a bead handle, sold for upwards of $200 in Los Angeles, New York, and Germany, this item retails for a quarter of that price. Ladies, if you need a special little number to go to an event, try SMOKING on Via Gesu in Milan. Tel. 3902 76002211. Stock is naturally limited, however you will always find an unusual item for any occasion.

FASHION ACCESSORIES

Sermoneta

Gloves, the trend to wear gloves is again highly fashionable. Sermoneta, first established on the Piazza di Spagna in Rome and with a shop in Milan, has the largest collection of quality gloves in a variety of materials for both men and women. I particularly like the extensive selection of leather gloves in a huge range of vibrant colors. When you want any color of gloves, it comes from the palest to the deepest. . As busy as the shop gets, and sometimes the tiny space is full, the staff are always attentive and polite. Rumored to be opening a shop in Paris in 2002. Watch this space or if you are in Paris before I next get there, let me know.

BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Profumo

You are in Milan and you have run out of your particular brand of hair care, or particular brand of beauty products. Head for Profumo on Via Brera,on the street where you will find American Express. The boutique stocks brands such as Annick Goutal, Creed, Czech & Speake. Erbe. Geo F. Trumper, (the shop of Geo F. Trumpers on Jermyn street is wonderful experience in itself worth a visit for its lovely exotic collection of cosmetics and toiletries for gentlemen) Kiehls and Comptoir Sud Pacifique to name a few. The service is stuffy but pleasant, its the only shop in Milan that stocks these brands.