You might find me on the other side ... that's likeitis
You might find me on the other side ... that's likeitis
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Bargain hunting on Via Condotti? Surely that's a near impossibility. Why this is one of the most expen...oh, wait a minute, That should read BAR hunting. Much more sensible.
The most famous fashion streets in Rome are the three parallel streets that all run into Via del Corso - Via Condotti, Via Borgognona and Via Frattina. And the most famous of these is Via Condotti, named after the channels that carried water to the nearby Agrippa thermal spa baths. But that's all water under the bridge now...as it were. These days, it's more about channelling hard cash into the fashion houses. It all started back in 1905 when Bulgari (who never learned to spell apparently) was first to spot the trend of people who had almost as much money as they had fashion sense but considerably more than common sense. Bulgari can, I suppose, be considered the jewel in the crown of Via Condotti.
Now why would a sartorially challenged scruff like myself wander down Via Condotti, perhaps one of the most fashionable streets (clothing-wise) in Europe? Was it perhaps to browse the creations of such giants (fashion-wise) as Yves St. Laurent, Giorgio Armani or Christian Dior? Perhaps I had the uncontrollable urge to splash out big time on a Cartier watch...or Swatch, if time allowed. Thankfully, it didn't. To answer my question - why would I blah blah blah? Well certainly not to shop here, that's for doubledamnsure. Two reasons for this: firstly, I can't afford to. Secondly, my head doesn't zip up the back. And thirdly, I can't count. No, it was simple really. We had been at the Vatican and were heading for The Spanish Steps and this is the best route. In fact, you might say it's also the quickest route as there's not much danger of lingering in the shops.
It's a very pleasant stroll all the same. Like a lot of central Rome, the streets around here are in a vague grid pattern and are pretty narrow with not a lot of sunlight reaching down to street level. This keeps it relatively cool and the prospect of the Spanish Steps at the end of the streets is an appealing vista. Most of the street is pedestrianised although there are other streets crossing it that are open to vehicles so it's best to keep your wits about you as most Italian drivers don't.
We stopped here for lunch at a little place just off Via Condotti on Via Borgognona, and although it wasn't particularly cheap, I was surprised that it wasn't a total rip off being situated in this locale. To be fair, there are reasonably priced shops around, but I suppose the whole point of shopping here is to splash the cash.
Still, it's an interesting experience wandering past these temples of consumerism and I suppose if fashion is your bag (Loius Vuitton-wise) then great, but I'm afraid the only shopping I could do there would be limited to Everest...that's right, window shopping. Just like most other people I guess.
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Advantages: Plenty of variety, not all designer, lots of affordable places, food and cinema. Disadvantages: You might fall in love with designer clothes in the windows!
Ottavia 08.09.2008 (29.08.2008)
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