Crammed escalators, fighting families, and the overpowering whiff of an Auntie Anne’s pretzel. It’s not exactly a recipe for retail heaven. What is? What has always been… The historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II gallery in central Milan. So, naturally, that’s where Bottega Veneta has opened its newest store–and it’s worth a pilgrimage. Shopping within a neoclassical palace finished with a glass dome named after a former Italian king, transforms the shopper into royalty for the day. 

Creative Director Matthieu Blazy has created a wonder: a two-story store of glass, Italian walnut wood, and green Verde Saint Denis marble, fusing the traditional roots of Italy with a modernist touch, one part ancient promenade, one part rocket ship. The store centers on square glass blocks built into the ceiling and walls with wood panels. The tables, display cases, shelves, and stairwells are a nutty walnut color too. To contrast, a multitude of textures and geometries are everywhere - in the seating, carpets, and modular shelving units. The creatives that brought us the original Intrecciato are showing us precisely how design is done.

This is shopping as charm, not chore. And, to commemorate the grand opening, the store will exclusively pre-launch its Kalimero Cha Cha and Cittáa bags in signature Intrecciato as well as the Cha Cha shoe from its Summer ‘24 collection. It will also open with five distinct Kalimero Cittá bags in python and 15 ceramic handle Sardine bags each with a unique interior brass plate. 

Although logistically only slightly complex, it appears as though the best way to transform your shopping mall experience is to buy a one-way ticket to Milan, Italy. Andiamo!

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