A Weekend in Milan with Tina Bhojwani
This week on Wynne's World, we spend a weekend in Milan, Italy with my friend Tina Bhojwani, the founder of AERA New York, a sustainable footwear brand with offices in Milan and New York. AERA is handcrafted in Veneto, Italy and is the first B Corp in luxury footwear. AERA has been awarded the Butterfly Mark by Positive Luxury, a unique trust mark presented to luxury lifestyle brands as a guarantee of their commitment to creating a positive impact.
Tina has more energy than anyone I know, and splits her time between the West Village and Milan. Her husband is also a fashion executive, and they have a dream lifestyle enjoying two of the world's greatest cities. I asked Tina if she would please share a typical weekend in Milan with us.
Heidi: How do you start your weekend days?
Tina: I like to visit a cafe, Pasticceria Marchesi 1824 (pictured below) on Montenapoleone in the historic center of Milan for a coffee and a light breakfast. It is one of the oldest and finest pastry shops in the city. From there I will pick up fresh flowers from a local flower cart, Giovanni Borgonova next to via Bagutta. They have the most beautiful selection of flowers to brighten up my home or office.
For a Saturday or Sunday lunch, I enjoy Il Salumaio or Bacaro. The terrace of Il Salumaio, pictured below, is a perfect place enjoy fresh air and unwind after a long week. Their fresh pastas are amazing as well as the artichoke salad or porcini salad. The Risotta Milanese is a favorite dish or I might order their trofie pasta with pesto.
Heidi: What do you typically wear for a weekend in Milan?
Tina: A go-to outfit would be my Wandler jeans with a Khaite Cashmere Sweater, a Heidi Wynne Cashmere Wrap like the Leopard Claudia and either my AERA New York Silvana Kitten Heels or the Jackie Flat (pictured below in brown satin). If I plan to visit a museum I might decide to wear my Black Carla Ballet Flats, which are made from soft buttery Napa-Effect Vegan Leather. I keep my makeup simple on the weekend and just add an Hermes Lip Color like the Rosy Lip Enhancer in Rose Tan and a light pink Hermes Nail Polish. My favorite is Rose Porcelaine.
Heidi: Speaking of museums, could you please share a few suggestions?
Tina: I find that art is a source of inspiration for our collections, so I this a priority. I enjoy visiting the Gucci Art Walls, Pinacoteca Brera, Fondazione Prada, Museo del Novecento and Villa Necchi, which is pictured below. (Editor's note: I Am Love, which is one of my favorite films, was filmed here and I have always wanted to visit.)
Heidi: Do you have any favorite spots to pop in for an afternoon drink?
Tina: At the top of my list is Bar Luce at Fondazione Prada (pictured below).
I might also stop in for a drink at the Ferragamo owned Portrait Hotel (their gelato cart is pictured below).
Heidi: We can't forget to shop! Do you have a few favorite shops in Milan? And I have to mention that AERA New York is open 24/7 to shop for footwear and they ship worldwide.
Tina: Three of my favorite shops are 10 Corso Como, Antonia, and Lorenzi. Milan is such a great destination for shopping.
Heidi: I know that you and your husband enjoy a late dinner on a weekend evening. Could you please share with us a few of your go-to restaurants?
Tina: There are so many amazing restaurants in Milan. I would say that Le Specialita is a favorite as well as Langosteria, which is one of the best for seafood. Bice is a great classic that has stood the test of time. I enjoy the artichoke salad and the taglioni freschi con funghi porcinio trifolati.
Heidi: As I mentioned earlier, you have more energy than anyone I have ever met. I know that you enjoy going for runs. During the weekend, do you ever take casual strolls around the city? My favorite thing to do in Milan is to wander around the city and discover interesting neighborhoods. Do you have any suggestions for walking in Milan?
Tina: I love to walk throughout the city during the weekend. I would suggest walking in Parco Sempione, pictured below, which is a fairly large park in the historic center of Milan.
Another option is to be inspired by architecture with a walk through Brera to Bosco Verticale (both pictured below).
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