DK Travel : Milan and the Lakes : Editor's choice

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Design Objects

Italian industrial designers are maestros at turning everyday objects such as kettles, lighting systems and juicers into works of art. The often whimsical, usually beautiful and always ergonomically sound results are on sale throughout Italy, or you can go right to the source on Lake Orta. Here, an artisan tradition gave rise in the late 19th century to firms such as Alessi, Bialetti and Lagostina.
Designer Clothes

Milan, of course, is monumentally important to the world of fashion. Every important fashion label, whether local or based in Paris, New York or Florence, maintains a boutique in Milan. For those whose tastes outstrip their budgets, Milan is also home to some excellent stock shops and discount outlets.
Disco Bar Café Latino, Riva

This disco overlooks the harbour from giant picture windows.
Diving

While this isn’t the tropics, the waters are clearer than you might expect. Subterranean surprises include an underwater Jesus near Riva. Equipment is available in various outlets.
Drinking at the Hemingway Pub, Como

It’s debatable whether “Papa” actually drank atop the plush benches of this curious little bar tucked away near the port, but the cocktails are named after his books.
Enjoying the Lido Giardino, Menaggio

In daytime, enjoy the private beach and pool. On Friday and Saturday nights, the banquet hall turns into a dance club that spills out into lakeside gardens.
Ermenegildo Zegna

Fourth-generation, environmentally-aware firm that uses the finest cashmere, merino and mohair in its fabrics.
Exploring the Roof of Milan’s Duomo

You can wander freely about the forest of Gothic carving adorning the rooftop of Milan’s cathedral. Duck under the buttresses, skirt along the eaves and clamber onto the peaked roof of the nave to drink in a panorama across the city (see Milan’s Duomo).
Ferré

His recent lines are aimed at the youth market (Ferré Jeans) and people of a larger build (Ferré Forma).
Franciacorta

South of Lake Iseo, Italy’s only DOCG sparkling wine; try Saten. Also red (Cabernet-Merlot) and white (Chardonnay-Pinot) DOCs.