Letter from an American Who Loves You

2012 February 22

Ken Downing
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Dear Milan!

I look forward to being in your warm embrace and enjoying the gracious hospitality of your people. But I must let you know—for a city famous for cappuccino, I would welcome more bianco lattes. Why can’t there be one on every corner?  Please, don’t make me yearn for a Starbucks.  And I know I look like I don’t eat, but what does it take to see the Last Supper? Your architectural gems that house your great talents’ catwalks are impressive, but is a little modern air conditioning too much to ask for? The stifling heat is a heck of a way to get us to buy new suits! I am convinced you are in cahoots with your tailors. And speaking of wardrobe, is an iron too much to ask for? I promise I will not take down your fair city in flames by leaving it plugged in! Besides, the free-flowing champagne at the Principe could put out any fire. One last request: could you prevent every retailer in the world from booking a table at Bice on the same night? Must the walls have ears? Ciao for now—I’m off to buy a Vespa. I know how your streets hate chauffeured cars!

Yours with love,
Ken Downing, Neiman Marcus