Milan is often reduced to luxury retail or tourist-heavy fashion districts. But for Kulsum Shadab Wahab, stylist, fashion consultant, and founder of Ara Lumiere. The brand that empowers acid attack survivors by providing them a platform to showcase their talent has won multiple awards at the Milan Fashion Week.
Kulsum, the Women's Empowerment Ambassador for Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana and a regular at Milan, shares her map of essential addresses, spaces where retail is only part of the experience. This selection spans 13 destinations, from rooftop pauses at La Rinascente to by-appointment ateliers like Cristina Ferrari.
La Rinascente Milano Duomo
Kulsum recommends La Rinascente for starting the day. With Italian designers housed under one roof, it allows for focused fashion, beauty, and accessories shopping. She mentions the rooftop as a natural pause point, ideal for a quick bite while taking in views of the Duomo between shopping stops.
L’Eclaireur Milano
L’Eclaireur Milano is where Kulsum looks for statement pieces. Known for its avant-garde edit, the store caters to shoppers who prefer bold fashion.
Cristina Ferrari
Cristina Ferrari is known for bold silhouettes, glamorous jumpsuits, and statement resort wear. Kulsum mentions this as a by-appointment stop for women looking for confident, high-impact pieces.
Modes
Modes focuses on curated contemporary luxury and emerging designers. Kulsum recommends it for its balance of established names and newer voices, offering a thoughtful mix rather than an overwhelming selection.
Antonia Milano
Antonia Milano is one of Kulsum’s editor-style stops. She describes it as a space for fashion-forward picks, where curation feels sharp and intentional. It is a store she recommends for discovering pieces before they become widely visible.
Chantecler, Milan
Known for playful luxury and fine craftsmanship, Chantecler brings its Capri heritage to Milan. Kulsum points to it for jewellery that feels joyful yet refined.
10 Corso Como
An icon in Milan’s retail landscape, 10 Corso Como brings together fashion, art, and books. Kulsum mentions it as a place to slow down, browse, and absorb, making it as much about atmosphere as it is about shopping.
SO-LE Studio
SO-LE Studio offers contemporary fine jewellery defined by minimal, sculptural design. Kulsum says it suits those who prefer understated pieces with architectural clarity.
Excelsior Milano
Excelsior Milano offers luxury across fashion, beauty, and technology. Kulsum notes its contemporary energy and breadth, making it a convenient stop for those who like variety without compromising on quality.
Andrea Brocca
Andrea Brocca’s work is defined by dramatic couture silhouettes and red-carpet presence, with worldwide recognition. Kulsum recommends visiting the atelier for bespoke evening wear.
Antonioli
Kulsum highlights Antonioli for its cutting-edge approach to luxury. The store is known for avant-garde designers and directional silhouettes. She says it appeals to those who enjoy fashion that challenges convention rather than following it.
Galib Gassanoff
Galib Gassanoff is known for sculptural silhouettes and dramatic tailoring. Kulsum shares that the designer's work is for those interested in fashion as form and structure.
