Buon Giorno. Over the holidays, I had the most unforgettable opportunity to journey through Bella Italia. This was not my first trip to Europe, but it was my first voyage to this romantic region where art, history, culture, and style meet. This country is without doubt in a league of its own. Instead of giving you a detailed account what sights to visit, what works of arts to see, and what local foods to sample, I would rather guide you through the trends and shopping aspects this European fashion mecca has to offer. I will share with you where to find the most interesting shops, what to buy, and when to bargain.
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In Italy, fashion is integrated into the culture. The latest trends can be admired just from taking a stride down the aged cobblestone streets, cafes, plazas, and even the metro. The women are flaunting the most recent runway looks while the men are sophistically put together from head to toe. Marino wool, cashmere, fine leather, and Italian silk seems to be the norm for everyday attire; you can definitely spot a tourist from an Italian. Throughout my journey, I also came across a few surprises… like observing carefree boutique owners open and close their shops at their own leisure and seeing Italy's top fashion houses advertise billboard-size posters on ancient churches to help with renovation expenses.
(Here are some photographs of a few boutiques I encountered during my trip).
In Italy, you will not find shopping malls- it’s just not the custom here due to limited space. What you will find is a wide array of specialty and private label boutiques.
This is favorable for the locals because they are unlikely to find the same style of clothing in another shop. The only downside in Italian shopping is that stores only operate till 7:30 pm and often close for an afternoon “siesta” between 1:00 and 3:30 pm. (It really makes me wonder how they make their lease payments).
In larger cities like Rome and Milan, you’ll find several “Piazzas”, or plazas that consist of little market shops for its locals to purchase and bargain for everything from groceries to little trinkets for the kids. Rome is the best city to purchase exclusive and one of a kind religious artifacts like mosaics that retail from $1200 to $20,000 Euro. Via Condotti is the Rodeo Drive of Rome, where you’ll find the top designers like Valentino,
Ferragamo, Furla, and Versace. From my experience, however, the best prices are here in the states.
Florence, Sienna, and Tuscany are known for its gold jewelry, leather goods, crystal, terra cotta and lace. In Florence, St. Cross Square is where you’ll find a few notable leather wholesalers. I recommend visiting a shop called “Peruzzi” for the latest styles and the best prices. The prestigious shopping street is called Via
Calzaiouli, where you will find high-end retailers like Gucci,
Bulgari, Fendi, and Armani. Check out Via Maggio for great antique shopping.
In Venice, be prepared to do a considerable amount of walking- there are no cars or bikes- just boats. Venice is famous for its “Vecchia Murano” Glass factory. Here you will not only have the opportunity to purchase genuine Morano artistic hand blown vases and dining ware, but unique Venetian chandeliers, sculptures and tiny, glass beaded jewelry.
I hope this information will make your Italian shopping experience enjoyable. Until next time, ciao.
