Italy has been my dream travel destination for a while now so I was really excited when my job gave me the opportunity to attend Milano Unica, the biggest textile and fashion fair in Italy! Yassss!
I spent 4 days in Milan but the 3-day event was definitely the highlight of my trip. Over 6,000 Italian and European textile factories and manufacturers displayed the latest trends in textile and new innovative fabrics for the Spring/Summer 2021 season.
I was part of a delegation with over 30 Africans flown from the continent to attend this 30th edition, it was truly phenomenal. Interacting with other Africans, discovering more about fabrics – trust me, the market is huge in Europe, listening to the panel discusssions, interviewing key persons from the Italian Trade Embassy and learning about sustainable textile production gave me a whole new outlook on industry. Read the highlights of the exhibition on www.bellanaija.com.
There’s something about Milan, so much fashion – I really didn’t want to leave and hopefully I get another opportunity to return soon! Needless to say, I had a blast and I wanted to document what I did, where I visited and especially what I wore in the fashion capital.
My first destination was the Duomo di Milano, the cathedral of Milan that took nearly six centuries to complete. Before I got to Milan my mood board was filled with pictures of the Duomo but nothing can compare to the magnificence of actually looking at the building upclose!
Luckily, it was 12 minute walk from our hotel, UNAHOTELS Cusani. From there I walked to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele (another very touristy location but truly beautiful) for late lunch at the Motta Caffè Bar Milano 1928.
What I wore:
Zara bodysuit
Emmy Kasbit Pants
Saint Salem Pouch Bag
View this post on Instagram
The Milano Unica fair began on Tuesday and I was not only excited to see what the next 3 days had to offer but also to show off the Nigerian designs I came along with.
My best moments were spent in the company of other Africans, I enjoyed learning about their fashion industries – what works and what doesn’t as well as discussing how best we can all work together collectively to move the fashion industry in Africa to greater heights.
I loved interacting and making connections with European manufacturers and also key Africans in the fashion industry. So grateful to the Italian Trade Embassy for the opportunity.
Keep scrolling to see all the Nigerian designs I wore on my trip to Milan.
***
In case you missed it, check out my first style guide to Accra here plus another stylish Ghana diary as well as a guide for where to sleep and eat in Moscow and Abuja!
Connect with me on Instagram: @themaryedoro
