The Bicester Collection’s Summer of Celebration Across Their Villages In Germany, Italy, the UK And Ireland
This is how sculptural pâtisserie, new boutiques, and art installations are shaping this season’s hottest shopping destinations across Europe
This year, The Bicester Collection celebrates three decades of bringing guests redefining luxury retail. To mark its 30th anniversary, the Collection’s Villages across Europe are unveiling a host of new boutiques, immersive experiences and collaborations, beginning with festivities at the Ingolstadt Village in Germany.
Located just outside Munich, the Village has two reasons to rejoice as its also marking its 20th birthday. Its opening act is cake transformed into contemporary art, naturally. Under the theme ‘Out of Grandma’s Kitchen, Into Modern Life’, pâtissiers such as Ladurée’s Christopher Glees and Berlin’s Süsse Flora have created desserts that double sculptures. Guests gathered earlier this summer for a ceremonial cutting marking the start of a season filled with surprises.
Art and design are also the focus of the festivities at Ingolstadt Village. Illustrator Jasmin Khezri’s character Irma pops up throughout the Village, one sketch even shows her in a traditional dirndl, a playful nod to Bavarian heritage. Meanwhile, façades are adorned with bold balloon clusters, giving the visitors a theatrical experience as they shop.
Across the continent at Kildare Village in Ireland, the spotlight is on home-grown talent. This spring saw the launch of the Irish ‘Designer in Residence’ series, inviting designers such as Aoife McNamara and Chupi to showcase their sustainably minded collections in bespoke pop-up suites. At the same time, Kildare Village has been transformed into an open-air gallery, in partnership with The Kildare Gallery, over 30 monumental sculptures now line the streets, in between the sea of boutiques.
And as for Bicester Village, the flagship Village of the Collection, located less than an hour away from London, fashion, style enthusiasts also have plenty to discover. This summer, Bicester Village is set to welcome Kiton, the Neapolitan tailoring house, Aesop, the cult-favorite skincare ritual brand, Frame, the Los Angeles denim edit, Dinny Hall’s London-crafted jewels, Kurt Geiger’s show-stopping footwear and bags, and Augustinus Bader’s science-led skincare.
Over in Italy, Fidenza Village has been taken over by Pangea’s ‘Oasis of Happiness’, a set of eight air-blown, fabric-draped arches that debuted at Milan Design Week and now curve through the Village’s promenades. Each metallic gateway mirrors the University of Milan’s historic galleria arches.
These activations solidify The Bicester Collection’s promise to offer more than discounts, but a thoughtful blend of culture, design and overall experience. With 12 Villages across Europe, China and North America, the destinations continue to evolve, each offering its own local flavour.
Whether you’re hunting the season’s must-have dresses, admiring avant-garde cake or stocking up on top skincare finds, these Villages invite you to experience shopping like it’s meant to be.
Visit The Bicester Collection to discover luxury shopping, gourmet dining, and unforgettable experiences. Plan your visit now, more details here.
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