The Quadrilatero in Milan is a fashion maze that includes high fashion designer shops and decadent caffes. It is also where Il Museo Alla Moda is located, on the street of Sant’Andrea, and is one of Milan’s greatest treasures. Il Museo Alla Moda is home to an impressive collection of fashion and costumes from designers like Armani, Missoni, and Alberta Ferretti.

The collection of fantastic costumes was compiled by Franca Meo and includes over 5,000 pieces from gowns to hats and lingerie. Along the walls of the museum are corresponding sketches for each piece, and other forms of illustrations such as postcards and old photographs. The collection traces the origin of haute couture, and demonstrates the importance of such a craft. In today’s world of fast fashion and pret-a-porter, the age of haute couture is quickly fading. In contrast, this museum celebrates haute couture as a form of art that will forever hold bearing in fashion.

Spending a day in Milan’s fashion district should include three things: A visit to this extraordinary museum, a bite at Sant Ambroeus (the coffee and gelato are amazing), and a stroll through the many retail stores throughout the area.

Enjoy the pictures I took of some of the most impressive pieces:

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