Martina Mondadori launched Cabana, a lifestyle brand and biannual interiors magazine that marries the sober “Made in Italy” aesthetic with flamboyant British flair—her partner, Ashley Hicks, is English—in 2014. Since its debut issue, a collaboration with Pierre Frey, the magazine has become a bible for the design-inclined. As British interior designer Robert Kime noted in the Financial Times last year, “part of Cabana’s charm is that it is rather anti-decorating.”
Mondadori is the daughter of Leonardo Mondadori, the former chairman of the Italian publishing giant Mondadori Editori. She lives in a spectacular apartment in Milan’s city center designed by her family friend Renzo Mongiardino, who has designed homes for Gianni Versace, Gianni Agnelli, and the Onassis family. To celebrate the magazine’s 10th anniversary, and just in time for Milan’s Salone del Mobile design fair, Cabana has opened a boutique on Via Borgospesso, in the Montenapoleone neighborhood, offering a selection of hand-picked vintage items and the brand’s collection of textiles, tableware, and accessories.
When she isn’t working, Mondadori spends considerable time exploring Milan’s restaurants, cafés, shops, and galleries for inspiration. Here, she compiles her favorites. —Elena Clavarino
The cabana store
This is Cabana’s first physical retail space in the heart of Milan, offering a mix of tableware, vintage items, and books. (cabanamagazine.com)
Atelier Stephan Janson
Milan’s best couturier and one of my favorite people. All of his dresses and designs are extremely feminine and timeless. Perfect, too, for bespoke and bridal. (stephanjanson.com)
d’Adda
One of my best friends, Coco Brandolini d’Adda, has opened a “by appointment only” atelier in the heart of Milan. She is one of the most stylish people I know, and it’s reflected in her designs. (instagram.com)
Fondazione Prada
Simply unmissable. (fondazioneprada.org)
Dimorestudio and Dimorecentrale
This is my favorite design destination, with creations by Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran, plus an incredible vintage selection. (dimorestudio.eu)
DA GIACOMO
Still my favorite restaurant in Milan after all of these years.
MILAN’S CHURCHES
In particular: Chiesa Santa Maria della Passione, Chiesa di Sant’Alessandro in Zebedia, and San Bernardino alle Ossa (a small chapel covered entirely in skulls!).
Pennisi
In my opinion, this is the best vintage jeweler in the world. They have an extraordinary selection of fascinating and exquisite pieces from various periods of time and origin … you can’t walk past the windows without being tempted to go inside. (gioielleriapennisi.com)
Le Specialità
The best pizza in town. Unfussy, there’s a warm and inviting atmosphere and great food. (ristorantelespecialita.it)
Galleria Carlo Orsi
One of the finest antique dealers in the world. Be prepared to gaze in stupor at some of the most beautiful works displayed on their walls (pieces by Botticelli and Canova have passed through here). By appointment only. (galleriaorsi.com)
Wait and See Milano
My friend Uberta Zambeletti’s very eclectic store is a great destination for a well-priced, stylish wardrobe addition. (waitandsee.it)
SANT AMBROEUS
The best patisserie in town. Its best-kept secret is the actual workshop in the basement, where all the magic is made! (santambroeus.com)
Pupi Solari
The best kids’ store in Milan and a great interior, too. A compendium of delightful cardigans, rompers, the sweetest liberty cotton dresses—it’s a rite of passage.