Sibylle and I have always shared an enthusiasm for the world of fashion. And Milan is the perfect place to discover the creativity of this profession.

So in between shopping sprees at Italy’s renowned designer brand flagships and independent boutiques, what could be more fitting and refreshing than indulging in a caffè and dolce at Prada’s new “flagship” pastry shop?

Prestigiously positioned on Milan’s most luxe shopping street, Via Monte Napoleone, the Prada-owned Pasticceria Marchesi is, in fact, a fashionable overhaul of an already iconic Milanese establishment. The first Pasticceria Marchesi opened in 1824 (making it older than Prada, which was founded in 1913) at Via Santa Maria alla Porta 11/a, where the original shop still exists today.

Nearly 200 years later in 2014, Prada acquired an 80% stake in Marchesi, and in 2015 opened the Marchesi flagship—with perfect timing to coincide with the Milan Fashion Week showcasing the collections for Spring/Summer 2016.

For the Prada family, whose history has been intertwined with that of this northern Italian metropole for generations, preserving the heritage of this increasingly international fashion mecca is a top priority. And like French-owned LVMH did in 2013 with another famous Milanese coffee house, Caffè Cova, Prada has expanded its portfolio to include an edible form of luxury, one that has its own rich history to contribute. Similarly, Prada is also widening its culinary reach with a planned Marchesi restaurant at the new five-level Prada quadrant in the extravagant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade, and there is talk of further Marchesi outposts in Istanbul, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Dubai.

Back on the Montenapo, as the Milanese fondly refer to this glamourous street, Prada has crafted a veritable dream in pistachio green that will whet the appetite of the many style-savvy customers (native and foreign), hungry for a taste of this new marriage of fashion and food.

Architect, Roberto Baciocchi, who already has several Prada stores under his belt, was responsible for the stunning interior, drawing inspiration from Italian mid-century design and characteristically Milanese building materials. Marble abounds, with walls in mint green and floors in chocolate brown. Matching jacquard silk wallpaper and velvet-upholstered chairs, along with the marble-topped cherry wood bar and shelving, underpin the sense of tradition without feeling outdated.

Glass vitrines and recessed cabinets throughout the space display tantalizing artisanal candies, chocolates, cakes, and more, embellished with the historic Marchesi logo. The treats come in elegant, new pastel packaging, specially designed for the launch of the new flagship. Guests can linger at the more formal seating in the back, or take in the atmosphere while standing at the bar for a quick bite or aperitif.

It’s the perfect place for contemplating la dolce vita. And if this trip’s budget doesn’t quite cover another Prada bag, well, there’s always Marchesi’s classic panettone or a bespoke chocolate Easter egg. Life is beautiful—especially in Italy.