Page 332 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Rome

330  TR A VELERS ’ NEEDS

Men’s and Women’s Fashion

Italy is one of the leading lights in high-class fashion, or alta design team produces coolly
moda. Many of the most famous designers are based in Milan, but imaginative, stylish collections.
Rome is home to a cluster of sophisticated and internationally In a league of her own is
distinguished fashion houses. There is also a wonderful selection Soledad Twombly. Make an
appointment to see her original
of alta moda stores. Boutiques displaying an eclectic mix of creations mingling fabrics from
designer goods rub shoulders with showrooms devoted to all over the world.
single collections. But even for those of us unable to splurge If you are looking for clothes
on genuine designer-wear, much fun can be gained from a stroll from more unconventional
down the glittering streets that radiate out from the Piazza di designers, Gente is the place
Spagna, since some of the window displays are truly spectacular. to go – its Roman showrooms
have exclusive rights to the
The “atelier” made-to-measure fashions are beyond original couture collections
most pockets, but the designers also offer ready-to-wear of avant-garde stylists such as
alternatives in their boutiques. These are not cheap, but Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino,
cost far less than a tailor-made garment. and Jean-Paul Gaultier.
MaxMara also has a number
of branches here. Chic suits and
Women’s High Fashion make wonderful presents, and separates are the mainstays of
Rome’s most famous designer are often reduced in price this popular label. The quality
internationally is probably during sales; other items from of fabric and finish is superb and,
Valentino, who retired in 2008 previous collections are available with suits available for around
but whose boutique on Piazza in the store all year at very €500, its prices are much lower
di Spagna is still a mecca for the good discounts. Meanwhile, than other alta moda couture
younger fashionista. A few in nearby Via Condotti, there is designers’ ready-to-wear lines.
steps away is the showroom of the temple to the creations of
Krizia, which showcases the Salvatore Ferragamo.
extravagant alta moda and Other internationally known Men’s Tailors and
Designer Wear
ready-to-wear designs of Rome-based designers include
Mariuccia Mandelli. Renato Balestra, who produces Italian men are every bit as
The equally impressive Fendi tailored suits and glamorous fashion-conscious as the
occupies a 19th-century palazzo evening wear. women, and there is no
in Largo Goldoni. Fendi made Milan’s miraculous fashion shortage of choice in Rome
its name with high-fashion furs, house Prada has an alluring for the well-dressed man. Suits
then branched out into leather branch on Via Condotti, tend to begin at around €620,
goods, accessories, and ready- featuring clothes, shoes, and jackets €415, and pants €155.
to-wear, collaborating with Karl accessories in unmistakable style. Most of the “star” designers
Lagerfeld, who designed the The window display is always of women’s alta moda have a
coveted double-F logo that worth a look. Other luminaries store for men, like Salvatore
emblazons its very collectible of Italian fashion who have Ferragamo, Prada, and Versace.
products. Third-generation stores in Rome include Versace The designs are generally less
family members design the and Trussardi. Top designers dramatic than the women’s,
younger, less expensive Giorgio Armani and Dolce & with the accent on understated
Fendissime line. Gabbana also have stores in sophistication and casual
For well over a decade, Laura the Via Condotti area. sportiness. Valentino’s
Biagiotti has reigned as Rome’s An affirmed star in ready-to- distinctive monogrammed
queen of discreet, conservative wear is Roberto Cavalli, whose accessories are relatively
couture. From her headquarters
in a castle just outside Rome, she
designs a range of timelessly Valentino 50 years. In the 1970s he began
elegant knitwear and silk One of the high priests of designing ready-to-wear lines
separates for women who Italian fashion, Valentino for both men and women
don’t want to sacrifice style for Garavani opened the doors alongside his alta moda
comfort. She is famous for her of his Roman studio in 1959 to collections, and you can now
use of cashmere and white a distinguished clientele that find his very distinctive “V” logo
as well as her creative use of included Sophia Loren, Audrey on a wide range of accessories.
fabrics and quality of finish. Her Hepburn, and Jackie Kennedy. The Valentino brand is still
flagship showroom in Via Mario Before retiring in 2008, based in a huge palazzo in
de’ Fiori stocks her complete Valentino created some of the Piazza Mignanelli, and there
collection, which now includes most dramatic and flattering are separate ready-to-wear
hosiery, perfumes, swimwear, evening dresses of the previous boutiques nearby (see p334).
and leather goods. Her scarves

US_330-331_EW_Rome_US.indd 330 15/03/17 4:22 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Directory Listing template (Source v1) “UK” LAYER
Date 9th August 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm