I travelled to Milan recently to feast on design, as part of my yearly inspiration trip series to a design capital of the world. I had visited the city fifteen years prior, and did not love it as much as i did other Italian cities. But, this time around, I went armed with a new set of eyes and on a quest to rediscover this historic center of art and design: its modern design, architecture, style and innovation.
This time around, the city did not disappoint. I happened to be there during Fashion week, and the level of elegance, style and sophistication I witnessed on every single street, every day of my 8 days there, was unparalleled. The interior design, innovation in urban developement, fashion design, art, history and architecture, from the more modern Prada Foundation to the classic historical grandeur of the Duomo di Milano were jaw droppingly inspiring.
Aside from the more obvious landmarks, we had insider Milanese tips on what to see, where to eat and where to shop, and we discovered (after we were briefed), that the beauty of Milan is hidden behind unassuming façades, doorways and unexpected structures.
This artwork of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuel, was inspired not only by the architectural beauty of the building itself, but by the awe-inspiring feeling you get from the outside - in a sea of tourists and Milanese residents swarming around in this busy tourist area (the Duomo di Milano is right next door), I coudn't help but be amazed at the sheer scale of the building, and couldn't stop looking up at the gorgeous geometric form and graphic shapes of the ceiling. Then, after taking that in, the contrasting scale of architecture and tiny people below. And then, of course, the feeling of delicious anticipation just knowing that you are about to enter something really, really special.
I hope this Milan drawing, in some way, can convey through my pen strokes, something my words can't quite do justice to.