Maria Sole Ferragamo, the creative force behind SO-LE STUDIO, transforming leftover materials like leather and brass into stunning, sculptural jewelry. Designed in Milan and crafted in Tuscany, each piece reflects her talent for finding beauty in the unexpected—transforming scarcity into striking wearable art. Sole shares with us the places in Milan that inspire her boundless creativity.
It's not easy for me to say what I love about Milan; it's simply a feeling deep inside that leads me to love this city. Milan has all the elements - the energy, the people, the events, the traffic - of a typical big metropolis, but on a smaller scale, which manages to remain very warm and welcoming. Milan is compact yet comprehensive, which is why it meets my needs.
It's a city with various stimuli. As an architect, I'm fascinated by the diversity it offers, not just among neighborhoods but also within the same street, where historic buildings stand next to modern skyscrapers, all perfectly blended. In fact, I live in the Isola area, which was once Milan's countryside, with old houses and artisan workshops, but has now become a new hub of development for the city.
One of my favorite spots for people-watching and style inspiration is the Portrait complex in Milan. It’s a beautiful reflection of Milan’s fashion scene, elegant, refined, and close to the famed Via Monte Napoleone, yet more intimate and peaceful.
At the 10_11 restaurant, you can enjoy a cappuccino while watching the stylish crowd go by. They often host exhibitions in the nearby piazza, which adds another layer of cultural inspiration to the experience. I’m especially fond of this area because it’s where my first flagship store is located. The store’s interior design, crafted by the FONDAMENTA architecture studio, creates a space that mirrors the sophisticated charm of the surrounding area.
@portraitmilano
As an architecture lover, one of my must-see spots in Milan is the Triennale and the Palazzo dell’Arte, a stunning example of rationalist architecture designed by Giovanni Muzio. What I find particularly captivating is the way the building welcomes you. Muzio’s design feels like a dialogue between the structure and the green expanse of Parco Sempione, creating a perfect balance between urban architecture and nature.
Besides its architectural beauty, the Bookstore inside is always a source of inspiration, with its beautifully curated selection of design and architecture books.
In short, the Triennale is not only an architectural marvel but also a cultural hub that represents Milan's deep connection with design and modernity.
@triennalemilano
I love Milanese cuisine and its iconic dishes, which can be found in so many wonderful restaurants throughout the city. One of the most authentic places was Latteria, a small, unassuming spot frequented by true Milanese, but unfortunately, it’s been closed for some time now, though I hold out hope it will reopen.
In the meantime, I love going to Trattoria Milanese: the name says it all! It’s a guarantee of traditional flavors. If you’re on the hunt for the best risotto giallo, it’s a tough competition, but I’m almost certain that Trattoria Milanese serves the best risotto al salto in town. It’s a must-try dish that I often order as a starter to share. It’s the perfect crispy, golden version of the classic saffron risotto, and a real treat for anyone wanting to experience the true taste of Milan.
@trattoriamilanese1933
Shop Sole's Look:
ODP Dallas Belt - Black/Silver