MILAN. THE FIRST TIME.

September is always a month of new beginnings, and in 2024 it was for us too, with our very first international pop up in Milan.

That same summer we decided to launch a collection that captured the spirit of summer, bold colors and the Tika design taking the lead. And, with little planning, we were lucky enough to bring it to our first pop up in a European city.

The pop up took place inside a vintage store, full of unique pieces and retro charm. Among them, a pair of Moschino sandals that Andrea couldn’t resist; we always say that sometimes we don’t know if we come to sell or to shop. That same day it all kicked off with an Opening Party, where we shared space with other brands, listened to live music, and drank wine. We truly felt like we were exactly where we needed to be.

For three days we stayed in a small Airbnb apartment; we shared one bed but, at least, it was very cute. The only thing we missed was a proper breakfast: in Italy we learned that tomato and ham toast is almost impossible to find. But as true food lovers, we enjoyed gnocchi, had vitello tonnato for dinner, and ended with homemade tiramisu. We toasted with good wine and tried some of the best pizzas in the city.

Every day before the pop up, we would wander through vintage shops, try plenty of specialty coffees, and pedal over cobblestone streets, never a good idea. We took the metro to have dinner with friends and, of course, dressed to the nines, we also took the chance to shoot some photos. In the end, any moment can become content, and that’s something we’re learning along the way.

Before leaving, over coffee, we came across a sticker that read vita lenta. It reminded us of what we often forget: to pause, to be grateful, and to enjoy ourselves; in that city, and with our brand.

Milan was without a doubt our starting point, a city that taught us that what matters is not doing it perfectly, but making it yours.