Shopping in Italy – from leather to designer wear

Italy is the home of designer fashion – just think Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Armani and Prada – and with flights to Rome and other Italian cities at reasonable prices there are plenty of reasons to book a European holiday this year.

If name-brand clothes are a bit out of your league (and let’s be honest, they’re designed to be), there is plenty of beautiful clothing in local shops, while brand enthusiasts can find discount deals in factory outlets.

Don’t forget that Italy is the home of accessories like sunglasses, handbags and shoes, particularly leatherwear. Tuscany is well known for its traditional leatherworks which produce purses and wallets, belts and jackets, while shoes are especially enviable items to bring home from Italy’s leather masters.

Rome is the capital and alongside its iconic architecture you will find a host of exciting shops. Venture into the area surrounding Piazza di Spagna to discover boutiques selling suits, shoes and jewellery, or for a spot of designer retail therapy try Via Borgognona.

In Florence, many items are manufactured in local factories and sold in factory shops and showrooms, outlets, high-end boutiques and markets. San Lorenzo Market and Mercato del Porcellino are exciting places to visit but they’re best for those who know leather and can price it accordingly.

Milan is on most shopaholic’s list as it’s the home of Settimana della moda (Milan Fashion Week) and shopping in the city ranks among one of the most elegant fashion experiences in the world. A great place to visit, even if it’s just to window shop, is Il Quadrilatero della Moda or the square of fashion where style giants Valentino, Fendi, Sergio Rossi and Moschino (among many others) have stores in architecturally beautiful buildings.

But shopping in stores is not the only place to get great fashion ideas as the people in Milan make being fashionable a part of everyday life, whether they’re riding a scooter through cobbled streets or drinking a quick cup of coffee at a café before work. In Milan, shopping is a unique and elegant experience, particularly because Italians amano la moda (Italians love fashion)!