One needs only to wander the piazzas of any major Italian city, or even small town, to realize that Italians are forerunners of sophistication and style. Since the 1950s Italy has rivaled France in terms of European style and sophistication, and Rome is now beginning to overtake Milan as Italy´s hotbed of cutting edge fashion.

There are people behind the scenes bringing about this change however. The open-air fashion extravaganza “Donna Sotto le Stelle” takes place on the Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) each year in July, was established by the “AltaRoma” organization, perhaps the most prominent player in establishing Rome as a top contender on the international fashion stage and each year it presents AltaRomAltaModa, a marvelous showcase of haute couture collections from both well-established and burgeoning new global designers.

To get your hands on some of the alta moda fashion like that of the “Donna Sotto le Stelle” extravaganza, you need to head straight to “Via Dei Condotti,” close by the “Piazza Di Spagna”. Here you will find some of the most cutting edge fashion in classy shops and boutiques that ooze sophistication. Other top shopping streets in the area include Via Frattina, Via della Croce, Via delle Carrozze and Via del Babuino. Pretty Via Margutta, parallel to Via del Babuino, is lined with pretty art galleries and antique shops, buzzing with people all through the day and evening. Close by the shopping district you will find some of the most sophisticated Hotels in Rome and Apartments Rome, the perfect way to enjoy your shopping trip to Rome in style!

From the flea market to the elegant boutiques of Piazza di Spagna, the influence of fashion on Roman culture is both unmistakable and undeniable. Rome visitors are struck by the style and poise of the Roman people, and by the omnipresence of boutiques, fashion schools, fashion organizations, and fashion shows. The prominence of the fashion industry is not lost on the locals either. Romans are incredibly well-dressed and impeccably put-together. From the pubs of Campo de’ Fiori, to the restaurants of Piazza Navona, to the bars of Trastevere, Rome itself is an eternal parade.

Below you will find the list of the most important boutiques and fashion labels which can be found in this area:

Valentino
Via Bocca di Leone 15.
(tel. 066795862)
Open 3-7.30pm Mon;
10am-7.30pm Tue-Sat.

Prada
Via Condotti, 92-5
(tel. 066790897)
Open 3-7pm Mon;
10am-7pm Tue-Sat;
1.30-7.30pm Sun.

Giorgio Armani
Via Condotti 77
(tel. 066991460)
Open 3-7pm Mon;
10am-7pm Tue-Sat.
Branches:
Emporio Armani
Via del Babuino, 140
(tel. 0636002197);
Armani Jeans
Via del Babuino, 70a
(tel. 0636001848)

Fendi
Via Borgognona 4e, 4l, 36°-b, 39-40
(tel. 066797641/2/3/4).
Open 2-7.30 Mon;
10am-7.30pm Tue-Sat.

Dolce e Gabbana (D&G)
Via Borgognona, 7d
(tel. 066782990).
Open 1-7pm Mon;
10am-7.30pm Tue-Sat.
Branch, Piazza di Spagna, 82/83 (066792294).

Chanel
Via Babuino, 98/101.
(tel. 066922070).
Open 3.30-7.30pm Mon; 10am-7.30pm Tue-Sat.