On a recent trip to Rome, I toured some of the world’s most fashionable high-end stores near and in the Piazza di Spagna and on famous streets like Via dei Condotti (a.k.a. Via Condotti). All of the retailers were highlighting their pre-fall and fall 2016 designs. There were a number of fall fashion trends I noticed while walking around these stores. (I hate to use the word “stores” because most of these are iconic brands and the spaces were more like fashion museums than retailers). Some trends I observed that I hope we all can be inspired by as we plan our fall wardrobes include: rich textures, lace, knits, prints, pearls, bold colors, embellishments, appliqués, patent leather, metallics, and basically anything that sparkles.

World famous shopping around Piazza di Spagna in Rome

The photos below were taken at the Chanel store in Rome. These gorgeous, glamorous, and ultra feminine looks are from the pre-fall 2016 Chanel Métiers d’Art show held at Cinecittà studios last year. Karl Lagerfeld titled the collection Paris in Rome. The collection is full of metallic knits, tweed dresses and capes, and lace detailing on dresses as well as black lace tights. Chanel signature pearls adorn accessories like long necklaces, cuff bracelets and shoes.

“Paris in Rome” – Metallic knits, tweeds, lace detailing, black lace tights and pearls are some of the pre-fall 2016 trends at Chanel.

Chanel serpent pumps – Chanel Rome -Piazza di Spagna

The metallic trend was also evident at Miu Miu on Via Condotti. Metallic matelassé leather bags decorated with bejeweled chains are very popular. Miu Miu’s patent leather shoes are on trend for fall. Miu Miu has updated the classic black patent pump by adding different ankle ribbon ties in black and gingham making the shoes very interesting. Red is another color shoe option instead of black for fall. The red crystal-embellished patent leather ballerina flat below is so princess-like.

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Patent leather crystal embellished pumps were also on display at the Dolce & Gabbana store. In addition to black, these shoes were available in green. Many dresses including the long sleeve chiffon gown in the photos below were designed in a green and white print inspired by a botanical garden in Palermo. Another fashion trend I observed at Dolce & Gabbana, was lace designed accessories. The winter 2017 Rainbow Lace Collection was exhibited in the store. The variety of lace shoe colors and plexiglass material on the clutches give this collection a touch of ‘80s glam. The pumps are adorned with crystal brooches and range in price depending on the heel height ($845-$1195).

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Fancy embellished shoes are not only for adults, they are for children too. Giuseppe Zanotti even sells fancy shoes for children like the pink and crystal sneakers in the photo below. Many of the Giuseppe Zanotti stilettos for fall are red.

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At Gucci, bags for fall are bejeweled and embellished. Colorful stones and rhinestone appliqués decorate the latest Gucci Dionysus shoulder bags. Other Dionysus style bags are decorated with pink flower prints, embroidery, and lace designs. Golden hardware on top of handle bags is also a trend at Gucci.

Gucci embellished Dionysus bag with colored stones and rhinestone appliqués

Gucci pre-fall and fall 2016 bags -Gucci Rome

Another classic Italian luxury brand on Via Condotti is Max Mara. Although the colors at Max Mara were a little more subdued (beige, neutrals, black) than the bold bright colors at other brands, metallics were incorporated into many of their clothing looks. For example, a long pleated metallic skirt was on display in the store window. Fur collars were used at Max Mara to accessorize sweaters. One of Max Mara’s most well known pieces is the 101801 Icon Coat designed in 1981 that is still chic today.

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Falconeri, a sophisticated well known brand throughout Italy opened a store on Via Condotti in May 2016. Their clothing is easy to wear and is made with all natural fabrics. Metallic knit shift dresses, skirts, tops, and cardigans make up Falconeri’s pre-fall and fall lines.

Shimmery knits at Falconeri – Via Condotti, Rome

I visited the Valentino flagship store which was re-opened in 2015. It is one of the largest stores in Piazza di Spagna. The interior of this two story space is very museum-like. The walls are gray marble and it is a bit stark, but each piece of clothing and accessory is displayed as a piece of art. This season’s lobby exhibition featured looks from Valentino’s pre-fall 2016 collection. Bags and totes from this collection are ornamented with signature Valentino rockstud accents and gold or silver hardware. Some of the bluish gray leather bags are decorated with large turquoise colored studs. Many of the fall dresses at Valentino are bluish gray or have that color in the print. The Japanese Butterfly embroidered lace dress on the mannequin in the photos below is one example. It also displays the lace and embroidery trends. Next to the lace dress, is Valentino’s famous butterfly print in a midi dress. Also exhibited in the store was a long sleeve tulle gown that costs nearly $25,000. The gown was embellished with tiny glass beads that were sewn onto the tulle.

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I had an amazing time visiting all these stores and discovering what’s new in fashion. I hope you will incorporate some of these stylish fashion trends into your own look for fall. Remember to shop for clothing in luxurious textures and fabrics. Choose shoes and bags that are decorated with embellishment. Fall’s fashion sneakers are super glam too- the more jewels the better. Lastly, the main fashion statement I observed while in Italy is to wear red lipstick – always a classic beauty staple.