The Blue Memo #33
Rome, retail wonders, the Zara & Bottega Venetta stores, staying at Hotel Dei Barbieri
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and when I returned to the Eternal City this year after 27 years, that phrase resonated with me profoundly. The saying has French origins: "Rome ne s'est pas faite en un jour", a phrase that appeared in French literature as early as 12th century. It reflects gradual progress, patience, and time combined with perseverance.
In a world where getting what you want can be instantaneous, the idea of slowing down, taking your time to execute an idea and going through all the motions is a welcome change.
When I was in Rome, I felt like I was constantly in a museum. Indoors or outdoors, I was continuously tilting my head towards the building facades, the grand doors, the palazzos, the foyers, even the retail stores!
One store worth mentioning is Zara. The retail giant has recently moved into Palazzo Bocconi, the recently restored building on Via del Corso once occupied by La Rinascente. This is a great example of how modern retail can blend with historical architecture. The Roman Zara is spread over five floors with balconies adorned with ornate wrought-iron railings.
The store interior is minimalistic, blending a sleek aesthetic with the Palazzo’s historical details. If you get bored shopping, you can take a seat and cast your eyes on your surroundings for a little while. On the day we visited, it was the perfect refuge from the rain that thankfully didn’t last too long. Rome in April can be unpredictable & inconsistent.
In my view, one of the most striking examples of retail interior design and architectural elegance is the Bottega Veneta boutique on Via dei Condotti.
Once we stepped inside, we were welcomed by the most gracious and elegant sales consultant, a middle aged Italian woman exuding effortless style. Dressed in the store's "uniform," she wore a stunning pistachio-coloured fine wool turtleneck paired with matching tailored pants, cinched perfectly with a slim black leather belt. Her short blonde bob was neatly tucked behind her ears, complemented by minimal jewellery and understated makeup.
With a big smile, she offered to show us around this stunning flagship store, a boutique that embodies the brand's philosophy of craftsmanship and quality. The interior which is spread over two levels is designed with natural materials like wood, terrazzo flooring, travertine, and plush leather. The space is adorned with custom furniture, including a standout piece: a luxurious maroon leather couch showcasing Bottega Veneta's iconic Intrecciato weaving technique.
We had the privilege of a sneak peek into the private dressing rooms for VIP customers, which felt like miniature palazzos. Their meticulously restored alfresco ceilings exuded timeless elegance, while the dramatic floor-to-ceiling drapes added warmth and a touch of grandeur to the space.
Beyond the stunning interiors, what truly stood out was the warm enthusiasm of the sales consultant, whose pride and respect for her workplace were undeniable.
She exuded warmth and grace as she was doing the walk through with us, even introducing us to other team members, including one extraordinary individual who had dedicated an impressive 30 years to the brand.
Visiting the Bottega Veneta store was an unparalleled masterclass in brand identity.
While in Rome we stayed at Hotel dei Barbieri, a refined boutique hotel located in the heart of the city, near the vibrant Campo de' Fiori and within walking distance of the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. The hotel is housed in a 17th-century palazzo where local artisans were employed to restore the original features and architectural elements of the building.
We chose this hotel mainly because of its location, the room size and cleanliness. But I didn’t expect to be so pleasantly surprised when I lay back on the bed and looked up. A retractable blind along the five-meter-high ceiling slowly revealed an exquisite fresco mural from the 1600s. The sight took our breath away, leaving us completely in awe of the stunning artwork above us, a reminder of the historical significance of our surroundings.
Hotel dei Barbieri is also a 5 minute walk from a Rome foodie institution - Roscioli Salumeria, a bustling eatery with a focus on high-quality meats, cheeses and pasta dishes. A celebration of Italian gastronomy.
More on this and my Rome food adventures in my next despatch!