Destination Luxury We explore four of the go-to Bicester Village Collection destinations you should be putting on your summer vacation map

WORDS & STYLING: AMY SESSIONS

Destination Luxury

The Bicester Collection is the smart shopping choice. Each of the nine Villages in Europe is located within reach of the most important gateway cities: London, Paris, Milan, Dublin, Frankfurt, Munich, Brussels, Madrid and Barcelona. Here we explore four of the go-to destinations you should be putting on your summer vacation map

KILDARE VILLAGE, IRELAND

The Why One of the oldest towns in Ireland dating back to the 5th Century, Kildare is located on the edge of the Curragh plains and just a 40-minute drive from Dublin Airport making it an easy addition to travel plans, as well as a reason to travel. An impressive collection of medieval structures surrounded by a stunning landscape in which Kildare Village is located make the perfect get-away if you’re spending time in Europe and are looking for something different. Kildare Village boasts 100 boutiques from global designers, including Louise Kennedy, Coach, Kate Spade and more.

The Hero Brands Zadig & Voltaire, The Kooples, New Balance, The White Company, Reiss, Gerard Darel, Coach, Kurt Geiger, Lacoste and more.

The Epicurean There are a wealth of F&B options at Kildare Village, from delicious Thai and Vietnamese food at Saba to Crêperie Angélie which has become an icon for delicious traditional crêpes with a modern twist. If you’re looking for something light midshop, Sprout & Co. uses locally sourced ingredients from its own organic farm in Kildare, a short distance from Kildare Village, so guests can enjoy the best of local home-grown seasonal produce.

WHAT TO PACK Double breasted twill blazer Reiss; Madely cotton-blend jogging pants Gerard Darel

990Sneakers New Balance

Soft Tabby shoulder bag Coach

LAS ROZAS VILLAGE, MADRID

– SPAIN The Why Las Rozas Village, very close to the centre of Madrid , has become a unique, safe and outdoor shopping destination, highly valued due to the perfect mix of global brands as well as local Spanish designers all offering discounts of up to 60% the year round. Light-coloured terracotta walls, shaded verandas and tree-lined boulevards make for the most picturesque shopping experience, the large terrace with beautiful views of the mountains is the ideal place to watch the best sunset in Madrid and relax with a drink, tapas and Spanish-style conversation, as a luxurious end to a day’s shopping.

This summer, Las Rozas Village, writes a new episode of Art meets Fashion, an initiative whose mission is to promote dialogue between art and fashion in collaboration with the Museo Nacional ThyssenBornemisza, supporting the exhibition Alex Katz, the first retrospective in Spain of the American artist. A unique sample that can be enjoyed in the museum itself or through a virtual tour. This new collaboration between Las Rozas Village and the Museo Nacionale Thyssen-Bornemisza is part of a partnership designed to develop and amplify content related to fashion, and reinforces the link with Madrid as a destination city.

The Hero Brands Castañer, Havaianas, Samsonite, Zegna, Dyson, Roberto Cavalli, Zadig & Voltaire and more.

The Epicurean The Summer Terrace Las Rozas Village by Arzábal is a mandatory stop while you’re at Las Rozas Village, ideal for a quick snack of re-invented sandwich concepts or a gourmet burger and sundowner. If you’re looking for a local flavour, Mentidero Sal y Brasas showcases local, healthy produce and simple dishes, fresh from the grill. Excitingly, renowned chef Cristina Oria launches one of her most anticipated projects of the year: a food truck in Las Rozas Village, offering a variety of gourmet dishes. Known for her attention to detail in each of her gastronomic ventures, she brings her distinguished savoir-faire – honed during her training at the Cordon Bleu in Paris – to each of the dishes that will be served from this exciting new Village space, with halal friendly dishes like quinoa salad.

WHAT TO PACK Bluma wedge espadrilles Castañer; Tassel-detail lurex trousers Zadig& Voltaire; Oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses Roberto Cavalli

Mini leather bag LIU JO x Leonie Hanne

FIDENZA VILLAGE, MILAN - ITALY

The Why Recognized as a key capital in the fashion and design industry, Milan carries influence on a global scale. Fashion houses, localised shops, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in the Piazza Duomo are the main attractions of the Lombard metropolis, besides a rich cultural heritage and incredible food scene. Fidenza Village, located less than an hour away, in the region known as Food Valley and Motor Valley, allows guests to combine an extraordinary day of shopping with amazing cultural gastronomic weekends, discovering the wonders of a unique territory. With a selection of restaurants, cafes and gastronomic specialties, Fidenza Village has become a “must” for those looking for an unforgettable shopping experience and a pleasant day out. Its gastronomic experience is a journey through the most enticing Italian and international delicacies.

Fidenza Village continuously increases its brand mix, including some of the best names in the industry from Armani and Missoni to Etro and Jimmy Choo. Expect to enjoy enticing brand events and popup boutiques to discover new brands for a fresh shopping feel every time you visit. This summer, Fidenza Village inaugurates a summer of music with Fidenza Village Sound Festival, with over 40 artists, 10 musical events and 3 stages. The sound Festival will run from June 23rd until the end of August, highlights include everything from rap to emerging artists and homegrown talent.

The Hero Brands Etro, Armani, Missoni, Sergio Rossi, Marni, Ermenegildo Zegna, Giuseppe Zanotti, Jimmy Choo and more.

The Epicurean Signorvino is a go-to for all food lovers, and for all those want to discover something special from the best of Italian pro-

duce at great prices. At Signorvino you can enjoy lunch or dinner, and even participate in tastings alongside a masterclass. The evolving menu is made up of dishes inspired by the seasons and, while following culinary traditions, dishes are cooked with a flourish of innovation by the Signorino chefs. Ca’puccino offers you a different taste experience for different times of day, so if you need a caffeine hit at 4pm or a second round of shopping this is your go-to. If you have a sweet tooth, Venchi takes traditional Italian ingredients and prides itself on a natural approach to gourmet sweets.

WHAT TO PACK Vita sunglasses Jimmy Choo; Minea Flats in Raffia Jimmy Choo High-waisted flared knit trousers Missoni

Bon Bon bucket bag Jimmy Choo

INGOLSTADT VILLAGE, MUNICH – GERMANY

The Why Ingolstadt Village is located just one hour north of the Bavarian capital Munich. Architecturally, the Village features historical references to the nearby city and captivates with the beauty of the surrounding Bavarian countryside with a warm, inviting atmosphere. With more than 110 luxury boutiques from national and international fashion and lifestyle brands, Ingolstadt Village offers an exclusive open-air shopping experience all year round.

The Hero Brands Bally, Ba&sh, Aigner, Samsonite, Puma, L’Occitane, Scotch & Soda and more.

The Epicurean Indochine offers Exotic French-cuisine dishes rooted in Vietnamese tradition. At the heart of the New York institution is caramel black cod and tenderloins. For something hearty, Piccola Cucina offers its guests fresh pizza, lasagna, salads, and daily specials. For a caffeine and confectionary pick-me-up, head to Laduree and indulge in the infamous French macaroons.

Peoni Flat Bally

ALL THE BRANDS SHOWCASED ARE AVAILABLE AT THE VILLAGES WHAT TO PACK Leather-effect leggings Patrizia Pepe; Peak-lapel double-breasted blazer Patrizia Pepe

Diadora Dadino Beige mini bag Aigner