The world doesn’t need another shopping mall. Let’s be honest, endless corridors of fluorescent lights, identical storefronts, and crowds bumping elbows are hardly the stuff of dreams. What the world does need, though, is a place that understands how luxury should feel. That’s where The Bicester Collection comes in, a curated, calm, personalised experience. It’s the kind of shopping hub where you can find the perfect pair of Church’s shoes and collect Emirates miles while doing it.
Each Village within The Bicester Collection’s curated network sits just a short drive away from Europe’s fashion capitals — London, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona — making it the perfect detour for business travellers and vacationers alike.
At Bicester Village in Oxfordshire, you’ll find that particular British blend of tradition and edge. Barbour, with its Royal Warrants and weather-proof jackets; Bremont, precision watchmaking at its most considered; Church’s shoes, the definition of craftsmanship; Hackett tailoring and Paul Smith’s playful classics. Add in Brioni, Moncler, Brunello Cucinelli, and Golden Goose and the lineup is pretty much a greatest-hits album for menswear.
Change course to La Vallée Village near Paris and you’ll find French refinement done right. Boutiques such as Ami Paris, Figaret, FROM FUTURE, and J.M. Weston, line the Village for those who appreciate understated charm. In Spain, things get younger and bolder. La Roca Village brings a fresh, fashion-forward energy through Nude Project and TwoJeys, while Las Rozas Village balances heritage and innovation with Scalpers, Adolfo Domínguez, and Purificación García. And in Italy, Fidenza Village reads like a love letter to craftsmanship, where Etro, Zegna, Loro Piana, and Fratelli Rossetti represent a masterclass in quality.
The service tops it all off. There’s hands-free shopping, which means your bags meet you later, and personal shoppers understand your brief before you say a word. The Apartment, a private suite within each Village, gives you space to pause, perhaps with a cup of coffee or a moment to take a call, while the concierge orchestrates the rest. Additionally, a new personal shopping space is expected to open this autumn at La Vallée Village, further extending the comfort for those who prefer privacy.
Between the boutiques, the dining options complete the picture. The Village is also home to familiar restaurants and cafes such as Cecconi’s, Menu Palais, Ralph’s Coffee, and Ladurée, with halal options available.
Membership adds another layer of exclusivity. It allows visitors to receive special event invitations, tailored offers, additional savings and the satisfaction of earning air miles with Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, or Saudia while you shop. Factor in tax refunds for international visitors and what you’ve got is a destination that respects both your taste and your time.
It seems like Europe’s calling this autumn, but for this trip, skip the obvious spots. Make the short drive to one of the Villages, and give yourself the luxury of an unhurried day (with the added bonus of new clothes).