Craig Tabor-Raeside’s Milan diary

Travelling to international furniture and design fairs is a large part of my role as owner of Crema. Keeping up with the latest trends is a vital component of Crema’s success, and one of my favourite events is the Salone del Mobile furniture fair in Milan every April. In-between scouring the fair for furniture, lights, and décor accessories to add to our Crema stock, there are also plenty of opportunities to explore the fashionable city of Milan.

A visit to the Prada Foundation (Fondazione Prada), on the corner of Via Orobia and Via Giovanni Lorenzini, is an absolute must. The foundation is dedicated to culture, with a special focus on art and cinema. If you want to up your inspiration quota, then a visit is mandatory. While at the Fondazione Prada, a trip to Bar Luce is not to be missed. The filmmaker Wes Anderson (The Life Aquatic and The Grand Budapest Hotel) has turned his hand to interior design, taking his cues from Milanese landmarks and cafés. The menu, which ranges from cocktails and bar nibbles to coffees and pastries is diverse — if a little pricey — and the whole experience is the epitome of cool.

If you’re missing your pets while on your travels, why not surprise them with an extra-special present. Maison Sibulet is a luxury concept store dedicated to our four-legged friends, situated within an 18th century building at Via Borgospesso 14. You can expect dog (and cat) bowls, collars, beds, and fashion to rival the catwalks of Milan.

When it’s time to eat, make your way to grandma’s house. Risoelatte at Via Camperio 6 will transport you to another time with its retro interiors and home-cooked Milanese dishes with a twist. Its signature dish — Riso e latte, a risotto cooked with milk — is well worth trying.

Do make time to try one of Milan’s most fashionable restaurants and pool bars, Ceresio 7, brought to you by the Dsquared2 fashion label. Ceresio 7 is within walking distance of the central districts of Brera and Corso Coma, and its rooftop location offers some of the best views of Milan. Sophisticated dishes and aperitivo finish off this stylish Milano experience.

When it comes to shopping, Milan’s 10 Corso Coma offers the most sublime retail experience in the city. For the best design-related books, head to its top-floor bookshop. Many distractions await, from the chicest fashion and jewellery, to stationery and kitchenware from all the famous brands, such as Alessi and Issey Miyake.

As well as the design offering at Salone del Mobile, many brands showcase their latest wares within the neighborhoods of Milan that offer a fringe-style experience. Moooi is one such brand, transforming a ballroom in the Tortona district into a design wonderland.

To view Crema’s latest designs direct from Milan, visit Design Joburg, Sandton Convention Centre, May 12 to 14 2017