Having loved the show in the afternoon, I headed out into Milano for a bit of a wander. If I can say so myself due to the taxi strike I was becoming a bit of afficionado when it comes to the Milanese transport system (by the way a sign for an ATM is not what you think, it is in fact a ticket office). So with that in mind and knowing I had a few hours to kill before the party I checked out the very gorgeous cathedral. 

Subtle isn’t she? Obviously I love it. But what I love even more are the covered shopping galleries just out of shot to the left. The architecture of Milan is beautiful. From Centrale station (STUNNING & HUGE!!) to the more modern buildings near Garibaldi station and much more in between. 

It’s all quiet expensive here, the teeny hot chocolate I had on the Sunday cost €7 but was totally worth it. A bit more wandering and a delicious plate of pasta later and I headed back to the hotel (this time by tram) to get ready for the party. 

Decked out in a vintage dress jacket, dress shirt and my trusty Nudie jeans I helped myself to the as per norm overpriced mini bar for you know some dutch courage. The lovely lady beside is Marta from Maire Claire in Milan (apparently after several glasses of vino I can network!). Ready to go I braved the cold and somehow managed to grab a cab, arriving at the party moments after Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana themselves, and Anna Dello Russo. Slowly making my way upstairs I enjoyed took in the beautiful surroundings of the store, check out the chandelier above.

The party was to celebrate not just the afternoons show (again bravo!) but the beautiful work of Mariano Vivanco who shot the summer campaign. La Bella Estate of course means the beautiful summer and check out the images. If that isnt a beautiful summer I dont know what is. 

I just love this whole campaign, it’s the essence of Italian family, and used the wonderful cast of Terra Firma a wonderful film. Having the shots blown up and all around the party was a great touch. Seeing everyone interract with them and discuss them was great. My favourite shot is beyond a doubt this one: 

As the evening began to get going I chatted with Jeremy Langmead and the rest of the always delightful Mr Porter crew, before heading downstairs to watch the Swide produced making of film that accompanies the campaign. 

Even the best things come to an end, and we a few of us were lucky enough to jump into a taxi to Gold. Here more cocktails were consumed, nibbles nibbled & Celebs spotted (Mr Gandy, Tinie Tempah), before we, (being the stylish and witty Leroy, Camille & Lisa fellow Londoners), once again jumped in a cab. I had such a great time with these three that we will no doubt be raising the roof in London sometime soon.

This time we were off to Plastic. Basically the most random and phenomenal club I have been to in a long time. My love may be slightly enhanced by the fact we were with Dolce & Gabbana and as such ushered straight through the fifty strong crowd baying to get in. It really does help when Mr Gabbana is with you. 

A couple more drinks were had, there was some dancing to interesting Italian tunes I had never heard before. It was beyond busy, so much so that Stefano even decided to give a quick hand serving behind the bar. 

But all good things come to an end and about 4am it was time to call it a night. The taxi strike now over we all made our way to our beds to get ready for another day on the run around Milan.  A truly great night so thank you very much Dolce & Gabbana! Not to mention an invitation to return in June. I’ll be there without a shadow of a doubt. Oh and London Fashion Week, the gauntlet has been laid down…can you top this?