Getting there, enjoying a coffee or cornetto on the way in a buzzing or relaxing cafe.Being there in the store, touching the fabrics, seeing the fit, checking the options. And going home with a bag of treasures after an aperitivo or snack with friends on the square. Since Italians vary outfits for different times of day, the more options when shopping, the better.Add a scarf, change the bag, check the dress length … the devil is in the detail. Outlets are a go-to for the variety of choices they provide, and the services that make purchases easy and pleasurable. Check out our five favorites in Italy — McArthurGlen Designer Outlets. Located near Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome and Naples, shopping is a 360-degree experience — a perfect way to appreciate Italy’s mosaic of regions, their signature styles and take a piece of it back home for timeless memories.
All under one roof
Getting to know Italy means being bold enough to wade through a mishmash of regional differences, and fashion expressions. While from the outside, the peninsula may seem homogenous, each region, each province, holds treasures and artisanship that span back centuries. Sumptuous fabrics, skilled tailors and seamstresses, leather workers, and crafted glass jewelry have geographical origins.
And many crafted items can be pinpointed to workshops, some of which have existed way before Italy became a political reality in 1861.
Exploring each region means getting a first- hand feel for what goes into that unique, Italian fashion sense. And how the over 59 million inhabitants inherited their specific, vibrant fashion taste.
For example, Lucia from Venice, grew up surrounded by Murano glass — art from the nearby island in the Venetian lagoon. As a 45-year old architect now, she says she feels “underdressed” if her outfit is not embellished with a necklace or earrings that sparkle like the waters where she grew up. “It brings out the Venetian in me and gives me a sense of home magic,” she says. Her partner, Zeno, is from a town near Florence. His fashion go-to must include leather.It must. Without a soft, locally-tanned leather jacket, “my back starts to ache,” he says. There is no other leather for me. The Arte dei Cuoiai (Leather Workers Guild) was born in 1282, and the city’s leather industry remains highly competitive and internationally esteemed, sourced by brand names like Prada and Ferragamo. Milan-born Donatella never misses a Fashion Week — an iconic, annual event that rolls out designers’ latest creations on Milan’s catwalks and in galleries. Though she lives in New York City now, she says, “there is no look like the Milanese style.” From casual to formal, Milanese have the knowhow for putting outfits together for any occasion. Locals love to people watch. They keep their fingers on the fashion pulse. When she dashes in from New York City to Milan, she heads to a place where she can get it all. Exclusive stores that elbow up to each other — convenience and exclusivity all tied up in one. “I don’t always have acar available when I come in town, and I don’t want to spend all day shopping on crowded streets. So, I can jump on the shuttle, check my emails in transit on my device, get there, be perfectly served, and get out with my new outfit(s) for my evening meal with friends. It is usually easier than going to the center. As a bonus, I can absorb the countryside around me as I go, without worrying about driving. I just soak it in.”
Back to shopping
The high-street experience is about shopping like a local. Having a veritable smorgasbord of divine choices steps away, one from the other. Coddled under one roof, all of the most scintillating labels run their own shops in McArthurGlen outlets. The cost is stunningly less, and the experience priceless. Smart shopping inspires.
WHERE TO BUY IN ITALY
Designer Outlet Serravalle set in the UNESCO region of Monferrato, where Gavi wine is produced, and only an hour from the design-capital of Milan, and 45 minutes from the sweeping port city of Genoa and Portofino, Serravalle is the largest designer outlet in Europe. It boasts over 230 stores featuring over 300 labels from Luxury and Premium brands. The style of the center was conceived as a natural extension of Ligurian architecture, with fountains and sculptures by important contemporary artists. The selection of brands includes Salvatore Ferragamo, Celine, Emilio Pucci, Versace, Givenchy, Tod’s, Ermenegildo Zegna, Saint Laurent, and many local Italian favorites.
Designer Outlet Noventa di Piave, with over 160 stores, is easily accessed from Venice (45 minutes), Treviso (30 minutes) and the beaches of the Adriatic Coast (40 minutes). Mosaics and frescoes inspired by Venetian palaces grace the center that exudes the very essence of Veneto. Designer Outlet Noventa di Piave offers the best luxury labels among international and Italian lifestyle brands including Fendi, Loro Piana, Marni, and Salvatore Ferragamo.
Designer Outlet Barberino has over 120 stores and is only 30 minutes from the Renaissance capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, Florence, and 45 minutes from the culinary capital of the Emilia region, Bologna. Nestled amongst the Tuscan hills of Mugello and easily accessible from the highway connecting Florence and Bologna, Designer Outlet Barberino’s architecture is reminiscent of the Renaissance vibe and offers a relaxing shopping experience. Check out the many brands, including Blumarine, Boss, Furla, Peserico, and Twinset.
Designer Outlet Castel Romano is just a 30-minute jaunt from Rome near the main airports of Fuimicino (Leonardo da Vinci). Castel Romano’s venue is a unique designer outlet for the country’s capital city, and a go-to where the locals shop. With its wide array of Italian and international brands, over 150, it is a label-lovers’ destination. Find everything from Moschino, Valentino, Etro, Missoni, Philipp Plein, Versace, and others.
Designer Outlet La Reggia boasts over 150 stores, and as with the other compatriot outlets, shines with year-round discounts of up to 70%. La Reggia is only 30 minutes from the glorious port city of Naples. Italian brands and men’s tailoring are meticulously presented and readily available. While visiting Naples add a trip to this must-visit shopping destination when in southern Italy. Labels like Alberta Ferretti, Armani, Falconeri, Elisabetta Franchi, and Roberto Cavalli are just a taste of the supreme offers.
Each Outlet is easily accessible by shuttle bus, public transportation or car from the nearby main tourist cities.