Milan has an unwritten rule when it comes to throwing parties – Saturday nights are a no-go. The weeknights are when the city comes alive, filled with creative individuals who run the fashion and design industries. However, come the weekend, they escape to the Swiss Alps or the Mediterranean coast. The Milanese’ social life revolves around the aperitivo, a pre-dinner cocktail hour that brings everyone together. Fashion designer Damir Doma, who immigrated to Milan in 2016, embraces this tradition.
Doma recently hosted a celebration at his apartment in Porta Nuova to commemorate the success of his label, Diomene. The event was attended by friends and collaborators, many of whom are part of his “Aperto” group – an established network that meets regularly for early evening events. Doma never envisioned that his social and professional lives would become intertwined when he first moved to Milan from Paris. The move was solely for work purposes, as he believed it would allow him to collaborate more closely with those who produce his clothing.
Today, Milan is not just where Doma works; it’s where he lives with his wife and two sons. Milan is where Doma launched Diomene, a brand that exemplifies a quieter and more thoughtful approach to design. The collection features exquisitely tailored shirting, adorned with hand-stitched flowers inspired by traditional Croatian embroidery, and boxy, padded jackets filled with recycled cashmere. Doma no longer prioritizes avant-garde designs as he did 15 years ago; instead, he focuses on the quality and construction of his garments.
In the past, Doma would forgo the traditional runway show and invite intimate groups of friends and buyers to his living room. There, they could experience the craftsmanship of his clothing up close and appreciate the technical fabrics developed by his team. However, now that the brand is expanding, Doma will present his third collection during Milan men’s fashion week in an ex-industrial building near Fondazione Prada. The presentation will also feature a collaboration with the Venetian footwear brand Marsèll.
Doma’s recent celebration at his apartment was an intimate affair, with close friends attending. The evening was filled with laughter and conversations as guests gathered around the dining table, sampling classic aperitivo delicacies and sipping Negroni Sbagliatos mixed by Maurizio Stochetto, the owner of Bar Basso. The festivities continued throughout the night, with guests moving between the living room, adorned with Doma’s vintage Carlo Scarpa-designed furniture, and the balcony overlooking the cityscape.
An aperitivo is never meant to carry on too late, as guests usually head to dinner around 9 or 10. By 11, only a few friends remained, helping clear the plates. To host a classic Milanese aperitivo, Doma shares his tips:
1. Send a No-Pressure Invite: Doma and Barth simply notify their WhatsApp group for their Aperto series, making it easy for guests to join without any pressure.
2. Enlist the Experts: Doma and Rondeau-Doma have forged a close friendship with Maurizio Stochetto, the owner of Bar Basso. When hosting an aperitivo, Stochetto often brings along a stocked bar for extra fun.
3. Keep the Kids Up: Doma and Rondeau-Doma’s sons made appearances at the party, sneaking out of their beds to join in the festivities.
4. Make Some Merch: Doma likes to have artists create small souvenir items for his Aperto nights, such as collaged key chains or printed t-shirts. These items should be affordable for everyone attending.
By following these tips, anyone can successfully host a classic Milanese aperitivo and enjoy a lively and memorable evening in the city.
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