Milan has a way of making even the ordinary feel cinematic. A tram ride through the city, dinner under warm Italian lights or an afternoon overlooking Lake Como can quickly become a memory worth holding onto.
For Brutal Fruit, Milan became the latest setting for The Pink Table, bringing together fashion, beauty, food, culture and, most importantly, the kind of connection that happens when women are given the space to simply enjoy themselves.
The experience unfolded during Milan Fashion Week, with South African influencers joining African and Brazilian creatives for a few days that moved between the city’s fashion scene, its historic spaces and the Italian countryside. At every stop, Brutal Fruit remained at the centre, creating moments designed around conversation, celebration and choosing joy.
The experience began at ME Milan Il Duca, where Brutal Fruit welcomed guests into a stay that immediately felt considered. Rooms were stocked with brutal fruit, setting the tone for what was to come: an experience where details were part of the celebration.
The first evening offered an introduction to Milan beyond the runway. A ride through the city’s streets by tram led into dinner at Nonnas, where Italian food, Brutal Fruit and easy conversation filled the table which felt like an extention of The Pink Table.
It was the kind of evening that didn't need to be rushed, plates were shared, stories unfolded and the night stretched naturally into laughter.
Then, Milan Fashion Week took centre stage.
Brutal Fruit stepped into the fashion world as the official drinks partner for Barbara Rizzi’s showcase, bringing its celebration of individuality and self-expression into one of the city's most anticipated fashion moments.
South African influencers Sni Mhlongo, Siphesihle Ndaba and Happy Lethabo were among those dressed by the Italian designer, each bringing her own interpretation of the city’s effortless approach to fashion.
On the runway, Rizzi's Spring/Summer 2027 collection explored craftsmanship, contemporary design, identity and heritage.
Speaking after the show, the designer reflected on the personal story behind the collection, saying, “With this collection, it was not just about clothes but identity and heritage,” while also paying tribute to her father and the influence he has had on her creative journey.
The fashion experience continued at Museo Bagatti Valsecchi, where Milan's relationship with beauty took on a different form. Inside the historic home-turned-museum, Renaissance art, antiques and Italian design offered a glimpse into the craftsmanship that has long shaped the city's visual language.
By night, the mood shifted again. Dinner overlooking the iconic Duomo brought the day together, with Brutal Fruit on the table and Milan glowing beyond it.
But the most striking expression of The Pink Table came just outside the city.
Around 40 minutes from Milan, Lake Como offered a slower rhythm. At Villa Regina Teodolinda in Laglio, the landscape became the backdrop for an intimate celebration that brought around 75 guests together around The Pink Table.
Hosted by global MC and moderator Crystal Kwame-Aryee, the occasion brought food, music and conversation to the water's edge, with Brutal Fruit woven through the experience.
The setting was undeniably beautiful, but it was the atmosphere around the table that made it memorable. South African women, African besties and Brazilian creators shared stories, compliments, photographs, food and plenty of laughter.
New connections happened naturally — over dinner, while getting ready, during conversations between moments and on the dance floor.
For Candice van den Bosch, Brand Director at Brutal Fruit, creating that kind of space is at the heart of the brand.
“Brutal Fruit is at the core of many friendships. As women, it feels like we have many roles and responsibilities and we juggle a lot of roles, and sometimes you just need that permission to pause and choose joy and sisterhood.”
At Lake Como, that idea felt particularly tangible. The Pink Table wasn't simply a beautiful setting; it became a reason to slow down and be present. To put the phone down for a moment, pour another drink, start a conversation and enjoy the women sitting beside you.
And that is what made Brutal Fruit's Milan experience feel bigger than fashion week.
The clothes were beautiful. The locations were spectacular. The Italian food, architecture and fashion provided plenty to admire. But beneath the glamour was something much simpler: creating space for women to connect.
From South Africa to Paris and now Milan, The Pink Table continues to evolve with every destination while holding onto its original spirit. The setting changes, but the feeling remains, friendship, individuality, confidence and the freedom to choose joy.
Because sometimes the best part of experiencing a new city isn't seeing everything on the itinerary. It's having a moment to stop, raise a glass and enjoy where you are.
Brutal Fruit is not served for people under the age of 18
