If Milan is the fashion capital of the world, then the Quadrilatero d’Oro district is the beating heart of this vibrant and stylish town. Long considered to be one of the world’s most important centres of fashion and home to Milan’s most exclusive stores and workshops, the Quadrilatero d’Oro - unromantically translated as ‘The Golden Rectangle’ - is the name given to a tangle of streets located just north of the Duomo. The district takes its geometrical moniker from the four main thoroughfares that surround it - via Monte Napoleone, via Manzoni, via della Spiga and corso Venezia. Every inch of this area is tightly packed with the best of haute couture, and is a veritable roll call of all the instantly recognisable high-end names including Armani, Salvatore Ferragamo, Prada, Versace and Valentino.

Often classed as one of the chicest and most expensive streets in the world, take a trip down via Monte Napoleone and it’s easy to see why. On this bustling street you’ll find several Prada stores, the flagship Gucci store, Pucci, Cartier and Fendi to name but a few. Take a pit stop halfway down the street at Cova café and watch Milan’s well-to-do enjoy a coffee between purchases.

On via Sant’Andrea, look out for Hermès, Chanel and Armani. Bonus points if you manage to tear yourself away from the shops to check out the Museo di Milano housed in the 17th century Palazzo Bolognini.
Pretty and pedestrianised via della Spiga is the kind of street that tourists expect to see when they visit Italy. Stroll along the cobbled streets and discover two Dolce and Gabbana stores, Roberto Cavalli, Tiffany & Co. and ever more Prada. If you only have time to squeeze in one store during your stay in Milan, don’t miss the Armani Megastore on via Manzoni - it even has it’s own Nobu restaurant.

Like big-name brands but don’t have the big-name budget? Not a problem! The ornately decorated storefronts of the Quadrilatero d’Oro make for a window shoppers paradise and provide the perfect inspiration to create the latest looks on your own budget.