Sourcing Shoes, Espresso Stops & Unexpected Inspiration

Five days in Milan. Three at the world’s biggest footwear fair. Two packed with back-to-back meetings. It wasn’t exactly a leisurely city break, but Greta and Merle from Head over Heels made sure to squeeze in just enough time to eat, explore, and be inspired while handpicking the best styles in footwear for the stores winter 2026 collection.

Diving Into MICAM – The Heart of Footwear Fashion

Most of the trip was spent navigating MICAM, the biggest shoe fair in the world, where over 850 brands gathered to showcase their latest designs. It was a whirlwind of Italian craftsmanship, trendspotting, and discovering what’s next in footwear. With 41,000 visitors from 140 countries, the atmosphere was electric—buyers, designers, and fashion insiders all moving through the halls of Fiera Milano, searching for the perfect pieces to take home.

Between appointments with some of our favourite Italian brands like Vics Matie and AGL, we took in a sea of new textures, silhouettes, and finishes—everything from bold sculptural heels to perfectly refined everyday staples. The challenge? Narrowing it all down to what felt right for our store.

Gluten-Free Heaven & A Jetlag-Induced Food Coma

Milan might be known for its high fashion, but its food scene is just as showstopping. After hours of walking through showroom after showroom, we did what any sensible person in Italy would do: we sought out the best pizza we could find.

We landed at Mama Eat, a dream for gluten-free diners, where the menu was rich with options it almost made decisions difficult. In the end, we stuck to the classics—pizza (because, obviously) and stuffed croquettes, complimented with a well-earned glass of wine. Greta declared it the best gluten-free pizza she’s ever had, and we stand by that statement. Unfortunately, jetlag hit like a freight train shortly after, and we crashed into bed before 10 p.m.

Hunting for the Perfect Flat White

Italian coffee culture is legendary, but as two New Zealanders, sometimes a tiny shot of espresso just doesn’t cut it. Determined to find a proper flat white, we stumbled upon Academy Café—a small but beautifully designed spot that felt like the perfect blend of Milanese chic and home comfort. The coffee was so good we filmed the entire experience (watch the reel here).

Shoes, Art & A Wes Anderson Moment

On our final day, with most of the work done, we carved out time for a little cultural reset. Fondazione Prada was at the top of our list—a stunning art complex that mixes industrial, historic, and ultra-modern architecture. And the cherry on top? Bar Luce, the café designed by Wes Anderson, where every detail feels like a movie set.

After a quick drink and a snack, we wandered through the exhibition spaces and, in the most unexpected twist of the trip, found ourselves in front of an interactive art installation featuring shoes—except these weren’t just any shoes. They were part of a rhythmic, mechanical construction that played a beat as they moved. Naturally, we started dancing. Another reel-worthy moment (watch it here).

Leaving Milan Inspired

Beyond the buying, beyond the meetings, Milan left us buzzing with ideas. From beautifully curated shops and stunning retail fit-outs to the sheer effortless style of its people, every corner of the city had something to offer. And of course, the biggest highlight—securing an incredible collection of shoes to bring back to New Zealand.

Fashion, food, coffee, and a little bit of dancing. Not bad for five days.