Designer Crib Sheet l Beyond the Labels


The three streets leading into the Piazza del Popolo — Via del Corso, Via del Babuino, Via Ripetta — and all the little cross streets in between — Via Condotti, Via Frattina, Via Borgognona — form a section of Rome called the Trident. It's the luxury center of the city, and one of the most exclusive and expensive shopping areas in the world. All the top names you can think of have stores here.
Each of the streets has its own character. Via del Corso, always crowded with tourists and teenagers, is lined with chain stores and cheap boutiques until you get close to Piazza del Popolo, where the prices and quality shift upwards. Via del Babuino, which leads directly out of the Piazzza di Spagna, is the classiest of the three, full of designer labels and exclusive shops. Via Ripetta, the quietest street, is notable for a few ethnic shops, restaurants and wine bars. The side streets, Via Condotti and Via Bocca di Leone are a window shoppers heaven, the pages of Vogue magazine come to life in the displays. Via Frattina is friendly and accessible, with some lower-priced shops, a Swatch store, and a few shops selling fun gift items.

DESIGNER CRIB SHEET

Giorgio Armani The black label line. Via dei Condotti, 77 tel 06 699 1460
Emporio Armani More affordable, younger, but with unmistakable Armani styling. Via del Babuino 140
Armani Jeans The least expensive, most casual of the Armani lines. Just across the street from Emporio Armani. Via del Babuino 70/a
Battistoni A Rome institution for many years. Elegant, conservative tailoring for men and women. Via dei Condotti, 61
Hugo Boss Four floors of contemporary elegance for the man who wants to look both rich and chic. The Frankfurt-based fashion house is better known for its menswear, but also has lines for women. The label includes a Hugo line for young men and women, a Baldessarini line for the older-but-still-very-hip guy, as well as Boss black for the business man or woman Boss Orange and Boss Green casual and activewear. Almost any accessory imaginable is availabe with the Boss signature, from sunglasses to underwear.
Via Frattina, 146-7 tel 06 678 6173
Bottega Veneta The familiar woven leather goods as well as a newer, more contemporary line of leather accessories, handbags, and shoes. Currently designed by German-born Tomas Maier, who recently added a small collection of clothing to the line. Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina, 9
Laura Biagiotti "The Queen of Cashmere," creates a signature line of elegant casual clothing, as well as sunglasses, scarves, handbags and other accesories. Take home a bottle of her "Roma" perfume. Via Borgonona, 43 tel 06 679 1205
Brioni The internationally famed Roman tailor. Classic, impeccably tailored suits for men and women. Worn by top executives, politicians. Via Barberini, 79
Bulgari The ultimate in high-end Italian watch and jewelry design. Also sunglasses, scarves, small leather goods.
Via dei Condotti, 10 tel 06 679 3876
Burberry The English outfitting company, founded in 1856 by a young Thomas Burberry, has in recent years transformed itself from purveyor of classic trenchcoats to a fashion house a la moda, with collections for men and women, accessories and fragrances. Italian-American Roberto Menichetti began the transformation in the '90s, which is continued today by Englishmen Cristopher Bailey, Burberry's current artistic director. The Burberry Prosum (Latin for "forward") label, is the firms's cutting-edge division. Via dei Condotti, 61 tel. 06. 675 0101
Cavalli Roberto Cavalli's splashy prints, and embellished jeans have been "of the moment" for years. Sexy, colorful, coveted by music celebrities. Via Borgognona, 7/a tel 06 693 80130
Just Cavalli A somewhat more affordable line: Piazza di Spagna, 82/83 tel 06 679 2294
Chanel The Roman headquarters for the house of Chanel, and the designs of Karl Lagerfeld. Via del Babuino, 98/101 tel 06 678 4045
Christian Dior The outpost of the house of Dior, now designed by fashion renegade John Galliano. Piazza dei Spagna, 73/74 tel 06 699 24489
Costume National Founded in 1986 by Ennio Capasa, the line features ultra-modern fashion forward looks for men and women.
Via del Babuino, 106 tel 692 00686
Dolce e Gabbana Designer fashions from the Sicilian duo who helped make sexy clothes chic. Via Borgognona 7/D.
D & G, the more affordable line: Piazza di Spagna 82-3 tel 06 679 2294
Etro "Gimmo" Etro's textile house, founded in 1968, produces spectacular paisley shawls, silks and cashmeres for men and women. Scarves, purses, separates, home furnishings. The company is now run by son Kean Etro, who heads up menswear, while daughter Veronica handles the womenswear.
Via del Babuino, 102 tel 06 678 8257
Fendi The company made famous by the Fendi sisters, now owned by the Louis Vuitton group, recently opened a new flagship store in Rome. Karl Lagerfeld continues to design the fur and women's wear lines. Largo Goldoni
Gianfranco Ferré The ready-to-wear line of the legendary maestro of precision cutting. Via Borgognona, 6 tel 06 679 7445
GF Ferré Jeans The younger, less expensive label of the house of Ferré. Piazza di Spagna, 70 tel. 06 679 1451
Alberta Ferretti The Rome store carries both the signature line and the lower-priced and younger Philosophy label. Beautifully detailed, feminine clothing, shoes bags and belts. Via dei Condotti, 34 tel 06 699 1160
Salvatore Ferragamo In addition to the famous shoes and bags, shop for clothing and scarves with wonderful prints.
Via dei Condotti, 73 tel 06 679 5180
Frette Home of the status label for sheets and towels, now also producing table linens, luxury pajamas and robes.
Piazza di Spagna, 11 tel 06 679 0673, also at Via del Corso, 381 and Via Nazionale, 84
Gucci The famous Florentine bags, shoes, clothing and accessories became a must-have for celebrities and climbers when the house designer was Texan Tom Ford. Since Ford left the company, the design reigns have been handed over to three designers who trained under him. Via dei Condotti, 8 tel 06 679 1882
Hermès The legendary silk scarves and ties, handbags and a selection of very exclusive clothing. Founded by a Parisian saddlemaker in 1880, now designed by Madonna-favorite Jean-Paul Gaultier. Via dei Condotti, 67 tel 06 679 1882
Krizia The Rome shop carries a selection of the more than 50 lines produced by the Milanese house founded in 1957 by Mariuccia Mandelli, who still runs the company with her husband Aldo Pinto: menswear, children's wear, knitwear, eyewear, handbags, ties, fragrance, home furnishings. Piazza di Spagna, 87 tel 06 679 3772
Loro Piana Finally woven cashmere shawls, scarves and accessories. Heirloom quality with prices to match. Via Borgogna, 31 tel 06 699 24906
La Perla Luxurious lingerie for trousseaus, love affairs and women who want to treat themselves very well. Via dei Condotti, 78 tel 06 699 41934
Max Mara Classic styles, fine quality, a favorite of chic women for both business and casual wear. Via dei Condotti, 17-19 tel 06 6992 2104
Missoni Signature weaves, patterns and knits in unique color schemes from the house of Tai and Rosita Missoni, now under the design influence of the next generation's Angela Missoni. Piazza di Spagna, 78 tel 06 679 2555
Moschino In the years since the death of Franco Moschino in 1994, the label has continued his tradition of humourous, young and chic styling. Two locations in the Spanish Steps area sell the Moschini ready-to-wear line, the Moschino Cheap and Chic line, Moschino jeans and accessories. Via Borgognona, 32/a tel 06 678 0491 and at Via Belsiana 53/57
tel 06 692 00415
Prada Miuccia Prada, who took over her family's leather goods business in 1978, has transformed the name into a synonym for cutting-edge fashion. Clothes, accessories, the ubiquitous Prada handbags. Via dei Condotti, 91-93
tel 06 679 0897
Sorella Fontana The atelier of the esteemed proponents of Italian haute couture, the Fontana sisters, who opened their doors in Rome in 1937 and continue to design beautifully detailed clothing. Via San Sebastianello, 5-6 tel 06 679 8652
Yves Saint Laurent Currently designed by Stefano Pilati, who took over after Tom Ford's departure. Formerly a designer for Giorgio Armani and Prada's Miu Miu line, Pilati has taken YSL back to it's roots, reflecting the master's signature looks. Ready-to-wear: Via Bocca di Leone, 35 tel 06 679 5577
Accessories for men and women: Piazza di Spagna, 77 tel 06 679 7750
Tod's Chic shoes and handbags designed by Diego della Valle, who made the driving moccasin a fashion statement. Shop for the line's first ready-to-wear collection, designed by Chinese-born Derek Lam.
Via Fontantella di Borghese, 56/57 tel 06 682 10066
Trussardi Founded in 1911 by glove maker Dante Trussardi, the leather goods company with the signature greyhound logo, has grown into an international empire. Currently under the direction of granddaugther Beatrice Trussardi, the label now encompasses everything from ready-to-wear, handbags and luggage, jeans and eyewear to car interiors.
Via dei Condotti, 73 tel 06 679 1565
Ungaro Since Emanuel Ungaro's retirement, the house has gone through several changes. The current designer, Vincent Darme, formerly of Moschino, is designing a new Ungaro Fuschia line for the young and fashion forward and continues the Ungaro tradition of gorgeous prints, lush colors and feminine lines. Via Borgognona, 4/b tel 06 699 23345
Valentino The king of Roman fashion, Valentino Garavani, who has dressed celebrities from Elizabeth Taylor to Julia Roberts, has boutiques three boutiques in the area, as well as his corporate headquarters which adjoin the Spanish Steps.
Miss V Bouqtique, Via Mario dé Fiori, 16.
Boutique Uomo Donna, Via dei Condotti, 13
Valentino Donna Via del Babuino, 60
Versace Founder Gianni Versace was tragically murdered in Miami in 1997, but his sister Donatella has continued to design blatantly sexy clothes for men and women. Celebrities with fabulous bodies have always been associated with the label, and are often photographed with Donatella. Clothing, accessories, home furnishings, perfumes.
Via Bocca di Leone, 26 tel 06 678 0521
Louis Vuitton The LV knockoff purses are all over the streets, but there ain't nothin' like the real thing, and both Romans and tourists alike are willing to pay for it. The shop also sells LV shoes for men and women, watches and accessories.
Via dei Condotti, 15 tel 06 69 94 00 00
Ermenegildo Zegna Everything for the wealthy, well-dressed male — beautifully-cut suits, cufflinks, neckties.
Via Borgognona, 7/e tel 06 678 9143
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BEYOND THE LABELS


Atelier Soledad Twombly
Soledad Twombly told us her designs are influenced by the green hills of Argentina where she grew up, and we can assume another influence must be the work of her artist husband. In her atelier, a fourth-floor walk-up near the Spanish Steps with a spectacular view of the city, she showcases one-of-a-kind garments made with rare fabrics in surprising combinations. A perfectly fitted jacket made of antique Indian fabric might have a contrasting collar, cuffs and appliqué trim. Her linings are often as beautiful as her outer fabrics, and many of her garments are reversible. Each is expertly tailored, finished by hand and elegantly timeless.
Via Gregoriana, 34   tel. 06.699 24512   By appointment only.

Camper
The Spanish company that figured out how to make comfortable shoes fashionable. Fun designs, embroideries and embellshments, boots, sandals. For men and women.
Piazza di Spagna, 72 tel 06 699 25678


Dal Cò
In the late 1930s, shoemaker Alberto Dal Cò began making hand-crafted footwear and handbags to compliment the designs of his famous nieces, couturiers the Sorelle Fontana, who sold custom fashions to an exclusive clientele from their Via Veneto atelier. When the Princess Maria Pia di Savoia purchased a few of his things for her trousseau, Dal Cò’s reputation was made. Soon he began making shoes for his niece's celebrity clients: Ava Gardener, Audrey Hepburn, Gina Lollabrigida. Legendary Vogue Diana Vreeland editor bought her trademark ballet flats from Dal Cò. He created a shoe with a stiletto heel called the “Paparazzo,“ which his famous clients used as both footwear and a weapon to defend themselves against persistent photographers. Today, the tradition is carried on by Dal Cò’s daughter Nives and his granddaughter Silvia, who run their exclusive boutique near the Piazza del Popolo.
Via Vittoria, 65 tel. 06.678 6536

Diesel
The coveted high-fashion Italian jeans, skirts, tops, jackets and all the accessories to complete the outfit.
Via del Corso, 186 tel 06 678 3933
Via del Babuino, 94
Via Cola di Rienzo 245 (Prati)

Estetico
Milan-based Lebanese designer Mona Mohama stocks her boutique with exquisite special occasion items — appliquéd and hand-embroidered silk shantung coats and jackets, full-length skirts in abstract patchwork patterns, unique jewelry, handbags, scarves and sweaters. One-stop shopping for bohemian chic.
Via Vittoria, 67 tel 06 678 2881


Galleria Alberto Sordi
The restored art deco gem, which opened just in time for Christmas 2004, is central Rome’s only shopping mall, with two dozen or so interesting shops, including an outpost of the Spanish Zara chain of well-priced trendy clothing, CK Calvin Klein, Richard Ginori and Sony Gallery. The Feltrinelli bookstore also functions as a cultural center with regular concerts, readings and lectures. The magnificent old halls, which once were the scene of impromptu political gatherings spilling over from the house of deputies across the street, are now the site of comfortable cafés where shoppers can enjoy a coffee, drink or light meal under the soaring stained glass ceiling.
Via del Corso at Piazza Colonna Open daily 10 am- 10 pm

Milagros
Maria Milagos del Drago has put together a collection of fashion without restraint:shirts, skirts. pants, matching ensembles, tops, handbags from Naples. Stylish Roman women with a sense of casual chic shop here.
Piazza della Torretta, 24/25 tel 06 683 3582


Mada Shoes
In Rome, there are as many shoe shops as churches and they, too, have a history. Many orignally founded by artisan families, have evolved over the years into fashion phenomena. Mada, a favorite among chic and fashionable Italian women is discreetly pegged between a fish market and men’s clothing store in the hub of Rome’s shopping district. For forty years they have been producing their own brand of hand-crafted, elegantly designed footwear. Shopping there is like going into a “for member’s only” women’s club. Mada’s own label, Stephen Shoes of Venezia, the French line of Henry Begegnelin shoes, handbags and accessories are among the exclusive selections. 
Via della Croce (intersecting at the via del Corso)

Pure Gold
Leading names in fashion, like Roberto Cavalli are now designing down-sized versions of their own pret-a-porter lines for a booming retail market, ages 5 to 14. Pure Gold Boutique for girls only, is for “girls who wanna have fun” jazzing up their party frocks in lace, satin, sequins and flowing diaphanous glam. The shop’s kitsch design is the perfect foil for their  over-the-top wares.
Via del Babuino, 150/d  tel 06 323 5464

Pinco Pallino
Pinco Pallino's fashionable address next to Tiffany’s in Via del Babuino is notches away from the sneaker and jean culture of the young and restless. Designers and owners, Imelda and Stefano Cavalleri, export their unique line of children’s fashion worldwide, with stores in Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Their whimsical designs, a mix of tyrolean day wear with classic and contemporary cuts, cater to  the young globe trotter with a princely wallet.
Via del Babuino, 115

Off the Wall
An old and well-used surfboard at the entrance sets the tone for the tiny surf and sportswear store, which is at the top of the list for many young Roman shoppers. A wide variety of clothing is piled and stacked against the walls, from snowboarding jackets and accessories to streetwear with international labels. It’s one of the few places in town where you can find swimwear off-season. They also carry their own line of Off the Wall sportswear, which sells for less than the better known labels.
Via Gesù e Maria, 25/a tel 06 320 3932

Only Hearts
New York designer Helena Stuart has added two Rome locations to her international lingerie empire. Pioneering the concept of underwear as outerwear, Stuart makes luxurious, feminine, camisoles, slips and nightgowns you’ll want to show off to the world. Via Vittoria, 7676/a tel. 06.679 3446 Piazza della Chiesa Nuova, 21 tel. 06.686 4647

Tad Concept Store
Sleek, spartan, enticing, more than shopping, it’s a total experience. An acronym for Tendenze e Antiche Debolezze (to embellish oneself is an ancient weakness), the spacious shop is a cluster of discrete areas, individual boutiques selling cutting-edge fashions by Alexander McQueen, Alessandro dell’Acqua, Balenciaga, Alberto Biani and Nuyorica shoes, a beauty counter stocking only the most up-to-the-minute makeup and fragrance lines, a small but enviable selection of CD’s, Roberto D’Antonio’s happening hair salon, and a unique display of ethnically-inspired home furnishings designed by Tad's owner Marina Coffa. If it's all too much, break for coffee, tea or lunch at Tad's Cafe, where you'll select from a menu featuring an inspired fusion of Asian and Meditterranean food. On your way out marvel at the floral and plant selection in the front corridor. These are not your average roses. Via del Babuino, 155/a
tel 06 326 95131

Victory
An exciting, continuously updated selection fo the best of the fashion forward designers including labels like Marithé et François Girbaud. These are terrific shops for discovering what's happening in Rome fashion at the moment.
Via Due Macelli, 103 (women) Via Due Macelli, 32 (men)
Also in Trastevere at Via San Francesco a Ripa, 19


Prince Egon Von Furstenberg
Von Furstenberg made his home in a palazzo near the Pantheon, maintaining his offices in Rome, as well as an atelier in which he showcased his bridal and luxury women’s ready-to-wear collections. The ex-husband of American designer Dianne Von Furstenberg, he was perhaps better known for his menswear line and for his many licenses, including a line for plus-size women (sold in Italy at the Upim department stores), shoes, handbags, leather accessories, and home furnishings. But his signature designs, carried in the Rome boutique, are exquisite. With his death, his design team has undertaken to uphold his vision. Via Belsiana, 5/6 tel 06 699 23720