In My Shoes | Maria Milano
Maria Milano’s career in the fashion industry has spanned over 20 years. Starting out as an editor for the likes of British Vogue and GQ, she moved on to Head of Womenswear and Childrenswear Buying at Harrods. Now the Chief Merchant at Olivela, a US-based designer retailer that donates a portion of proceeds to non-profit organisations, including Save The Children, The Girl's Opportunity Alliance and Equality Now, which have given Maria the opportunity to participate in delegations such as travelling to Cape Town with Michelle Obama to raise awarness of the importance of educating girls worldwide and ending child marriage.
With a Masters in Journalism from City University and a Fashion Marketing Degree from Central St Martins, Maria has won several publishing and retail industry awards and was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in Digital Fashion by The Independent Newspaper.
Maria has lived and studied in the US, Canada, Singapore, Italy and the UK and now resides in Hampstead, London, with her husband and two children. She is currently working on her first novel. Follow @mariamilano.
Tell us a little about you.
I’m an Italian / Canadian / American living her best life in London with her husband and two kids. I have worked in fashion my whole life, first as an editor at Vogue, GQ and InStyle and then in buying at Harrods and Olivela. I’m a passionate traveller, keen cook and wannabe author.
How do you start your day?
A hot shower, strong coffee and Wordle, religiously. Then I walk my son to school and get on to my emails and to-do list. Exercise-wise, I try to fit in a yoga or pilates session or a long walk where I can.
What is your fashion philosophy?
Don’t try too hard.
Can you share a styling trick with us?
I often have the pockets taken out of trousers to avoid bulk on the hips. Obviously, it depends on the style of trouser (and I love a dress with pockets) but I tend to prefer a neater silhouette even when the trousers are oversized.
Who inspires you?
My kids - they are so much more confident and emotionally intelligent than I was at their age - and they are teenagers!
How do you unwind?
Reading fiction is my ultimate form of escapism. Bonus points if it’s in a bath or on a beach.
If you could visit anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would it be?
It changes all the time as I definitely have the travel bug, but recently, I’ve been longing to visit Iceland.
Can you tell us something you discovered recently?
I recently discovered a couple of tips for making the perfect pavlova every time. I love to cook but am a less confident baker so this technique has taken the stress out of dinner party planning. The secret is to allow the meringue to cool completely in the oven overnight, then transfer to the fridge and only assemble at the last minute.
What is the best part of your job?
I love that I get to be creative every day, even though the balance is sometimes tipped more towards strategy and operations. Creativity feeds me, whether it’s seeing product in a showroom, looking at imagery with my creative director or brainstorming campaign ideas with the marketing team.
Which shoes do you love this season?
I wore Rupert Sanderson shoes on my wedding day so I am well-acquainted with the comfort level of the heels, but lately I have been living in flats 95% of the time. I especially love the Doublet in gold eel (swoon!) and the Traboe in kelly green.
