TAKING A FASHION TOUR IN ROME
Taking a fashion tour of Rome. Italy’s second city of fashion. Rome is ancient but is relatively new as a centre of contemporary fashion whereas Milan has always had the spotlight as one of the ‘big four’ fashion capitals.
Designer dresses are not the first thing that springs to mind when a traveller thinks of Rome. Monuments such as St Peter’s Square and the Coliseum will always be Rome’s primary attractions but her fashionable side is worth attention.
The Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are iconic. Pastel hued and rising elegantly from the Piazza di Spagna up to the Trinita Dei Monti church. It’s a gorgeous part of the city.
The area around the steps is home to perhaps the highest concentration of luxury and designer shops in the world. Think of a designer and you will no doubt find them here. Alberta Ferretti, Etro and Versace are among the many.
It’s an incredibly rich part of Italy and opulence is key. Shop till you drop or people watch…it’s entirely up to you (and your bank balance!).
Accademia di Costume e di Moda
Rome is home to this world-renowned fashion school. Established in 1964, it has a strong reputation for costume design making it beloved of both the fashion and film industries. Devotees of both worlds will find a visit to this building fascinating.
Castel Romano Designer Outlet and Shopping Park
Situated 25km from the centre of Rome in Agro Pontino, this tastefully designed shopping park is worth a day out when visiting the city. It is part of the worldwide MacArthur Glen chain and you will find high street brands and designer labels, as well as wedding dresses, selling at up to 70% off RRP.
There’s a luxury shopping plaza with brands such as Burberry and Moschino. It is Italy after all!
Gucci, Valentino, Fendi
Rome is the founding city of these quintessential Italian haute couture brands.
Visit the flagship stores in their home town after soaking up the delights of the city that inspired and shaped these power houses of fashion.
Via Del Corso
In a city of piazzas and alleyways this long, completely straight street is remarkable. In ancient times, it was a race track for riderless horses during one of the many Roman carnivals. Today it is a promenade where locals and tourists alike come to people watch and be seen in turn.
Lively with bars and cafes in the evening but during the day it is a place where the ordinary Roman comes to shop. There are bargain, high street and local shops and also designer outlets for wedding dresses that line one of the widest and therefore, easiest to shop, streets in Rome.
Trastevere
Just across the River Tiber lies the lovely neighbourhood of Trastevere. There’s a bohemian, laid back vibe in this part of the city. Lose yourself down winding streets full of flea markets, street vendors and quirky local shops.
There may not be many ‘fashion hot spots’ or designer dresses in this part of the city but it’s the perfect place to soak up an authentic Roman lifestyle and use that to inform your own way of dressing.
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