Italy is synonymous with some of the world’s best exports—namely, wine, pasta, and Prada. Italian fashion of course brings a lot of global attention to Milan for Fashion Week each year. And while Milan is still the epicenter of Italian fashion, each area of this country now contributes to the luxury fashion energy Italy exudes. From the laid back elegance of Positano fashion to the high-end Milan boutiques on Corso Genova, these are the best luxury shops to visit for enviable Italian fashion.
Wonderland, Capri
Nestled right between Chanel and Gucci on the must-visit shopping street of Capri, Via Camerelle, you’ll find a charming boutique aptly named Wonderland. Wonderland is really your one-stop-shop in Capri, because it brings together the best of global and Italian fashion. A staple for the ultra-trendy in Capri since 2012, Wonderland brings in luxe pieces from up-and-coming designers and also curates a terrific selection of vintage clothing.
10 Corso Como, Milan
The brainchild of fashion editor Carla Sozzani, 10 Corso Como is a high-concept, impeccably designed lifestyle enclave. It of course has a selection of chic Italian fashion, but the space also touches art, food, literature, and more. Enter 10 Corso Como’s cafe through their vine-framed, factory window-style facade, where you can sip an espresso to properly caffeinate before browsing pieces by up-and-coming designers, exploring the book store, or wandering the latest art exhibition at 10 Corso Como.
L'Archivio di Monserrato, Rome
L'Archivio di Monserrato is perhaps not what you’d expect when scouting the best Italian fashion—but it’s brilliant. The store is best known for featuring the unique and stunning work of Soledad Twombly, who plays with textures and fabrics to create custom dresses and coats, but also curates pieces (from antique tea sets to coveted textiles) from the Middle East and Asia. And just like Oprah has her favorite things, so does Twombly, which you can specifically request to see in the store.
Emporio Sirenuse, Positano
On Via Cristoforo Colombo is the five-star Le Sirenuse hotel which is affiliated with the mecca of Italian fashion, Emporio Sirenuse. This is much more than your average hotel boutique—Emporio Sirenuse is a lifestyle shop carrying a selection of women’s wear, menswear, and lifestyle products. Be sure to scout pieces from the Le Sirenuse Positano collection, which was launched in 2013 and “embodies the colors of Positano and the chic, understated elegance of Le Sirenuse hotel.”
Santo Spirito 9, Florence
Florence is chock-full of inviting boutiques, but venturing to their hip Santo Spirito area is a perfect excuse to visit Santo Spirito 9. Santo Spirito 9 is high-fashion men’s wear by local Federico Curradi, who makes distinctive pieces from his signature cashmere sweaters to cutting-edge outerwear. While in Santo Spirito, stop into Bjørk for your dose of Scandi-chic shopping. Bjørk is curated by Filippo Anzalone, who brings in men’s and women’s wear by up-and-coming, independent brands.
Borsalino, Rome
The hat store to trump all hat stores, Borsalino chapeaus have been spotted on the likes of Audrey Hepburn and James Dean. Borsalino has been a Rome institution since 1857, selling wide-brimmed velour hats, Panama hats, fedoras, and even cashmere beanies. Borsalino has four Rome locations, one near the Borghese Gardens, one in the beautiful neighborhood of Trastevere, one right by the Trevi Foundation, and one adjacent to the Spanish Steps.
Biffi Boutique, Milan
On the classic Milanese shopping street, Corso Genova, you’ll find Biffi Boutique, which is the perfect place to spend an afternoon trying on luxurious men’s and women’s pieces from Alexander McQueen, Junya Watanabe, and Givenchy, among other haute-couture brands. Biffi Boutique now has several stores throughout Italy, but their Corso Genova store in Milan is the original.
