Milan's Style, My Story: A Journey of Identity Through Clothing

If you know anything about Milan, it is a city renowned for its fashion. In this chic city, where I knew that the clothes we choose to wear express our personalities and values, I embarked on a quest to find my authentic self, at least sartorially.

The overwhelming choices available to me in my quest nearly overwhelmed me. As we walked through this fashion hub, we saw a range of establishments, from high-end boutiques to vintage shops. We walked along the cobblestone pavement and noticed that even the architecture offered an endless array of styles, ranging from Roman remnants to Gothic, Renaissance, Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Rationalist, and modernist buildings. Even the sweet treats spoiled us for choice. In the gelato shop, we were offered flavors ranging from curry to black pepper.

Almost by chance, we found the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest shopping arcade. The four-story structure, covered by arching glass and a cast-iron roof, ironically reminded me of the shopping malls that mimicked the look back in the United States. As I stared up through the glass dome that united the octagonal space, I reminded myself of my mission - to define myself through clothing.

The trip quickly turned into a series of try-on sessions. Together with my friends, we explored various shops and experimented with a range of outfits, seeking to discover our Milanese style. I tried a bohemian dress adorned by a flowy dress with vibrant patterns and asked if this was my style. The freedom and comfort of the clothes resonated with me, but were they truly me? What about trendy, urban pieces? I was intrigued by the modern, edgy look,but felt it reflected a time in my life that had passed. I chose a classic Italian sit, tailored with sleek lines. The elegance of the suit, combined with its unique color, made me feel like I had found myself - elegant yet offbeat, acknowledging history while striking out on my path.

In the end, my favorite photo of me in Milan is one of me perched atop a pillar before the Duomo di Milano. I’m wearing my clothes from home, but to capture the photo, I had to launch myself to the top of a stone pillar that was half my height. I’m laughing with joy at accomplishing my semi-athletic feat, the thrill of being on this voyage of self-discovery, and bonding with friends in a city where fashion takes center stage.