Universal Women. Due Milano.

Today is International Women’s Day, so we thought it would be a great opportunity to highlight one of the newest additions to the growing list of womenswear stockists that sell Universal Works around the world.

Due Milano is a neighbourhood womenswear store based in Milan, opened in 2017 by founders and friends Simona and Francesca from a need for something different in their city. “We wanted to offer a different concept, as nothing in Milan represented the way we view femininity and beauty.” They stumbled across UW by chance last year at our Italian agent’s showroom, while buying some of their favourite womenswear brands, and according to them, “It was love at first sight!”

Their approach to what they stock is, simply, what resonates with their own style, with their regulars and hopefully their new customers too; what they wear, and what they might like. Simona and Francesca told us, “Our customers love a menswear aesthetic worn with feminine pride; Universal Works is the perfect look for it. It fits everyone!” adding, “We also see a lot of couples having a shared wardrobe, one thing fits two people—regardless of their gender.”

On our recent sales trip to Milan, we took a detour to Due to say hello. When we arrived, they were hand-painting carrier bags and making felt accessories, their dogs curled up in the corner, and customers were constantly popping in to hang out and see their new arrivals. It is clear they have created such a welcoming little community in their shop.

“We are proud of the community we have built. We often organise events and workshops, and everyone participates, including customers with their kids and their dogs. There is something to entertain everyone!”

To mark International Women’s Day, we spoke to the pair about being a women-owned business in this industry. Their thoughts echo their approach to clothes, and how they work as a team; “We absolutely can make positive progress [towards gender equality] if we free ourselves of gender stereotypes. If you create a team where everyone’s work is important to reach a common goal, everyone can feel valued and supported.”