66 TRAVEL + LEISURE / JANUARY 2017
BEYOND
So PersonalFOR THE OUTLET FASHION
OBSESSED
YOU’VE PLANNED ENTIRE TRIPS AROUND MYTHICAL OUTLET PLACES
YOU HAVE READ ABOUT ONLINE; YOU HAVE TREKKED THROUGH THE
RURAL ITALIAN COUNTRYSIDE ON A TRAIN, GOTTEN LOST WITH GPS
INSTRUCTIONS TILL YOU REACHED YOUR FINAL DESTINATION, THE
LAND OF 80 PER CENT OFF PRADA. HERE IS THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO
FINDING THE WORLD’S BEST FASHION AT THE LOWEST PRICESSTOCKHOLM, SWEDEN | Acne Archive
Acne Studios is a Stockholm based fashion house founded by Creative director Johnny
Johansson. Johansson’s interest in photography, art, architecture and contemporary
culture lead to turning Acne Studio into a highly respected creator of pret fashion,
magazines, furniture, books and exhibitions. At the Acne Archive (yes, a fashion store
called Archive, already sounds super cool), expect all prices to be slashed by at least 50
per cent, with many going as low as 80 per cent off. Since the brand is based in
Stockholm, there are lots of one-of-a-kind pieces like runway samples in colourways
that were never put in production. acnestudios.com
A HOT TIP Unlike most outlets, Acne has a major stockroom with sizes that aren’t always
out on the fl oor. Ask the sales associates if you don’t see something you’re looking for.MENDRISIO, SWITZERLAND | Foxtown Factory Outlets
More than 160 designer stores are located at Foxtown’s Factory Outlet in Switzerland,
where items are priced between 30 and 70 per cent off year-round. It’s close to the
border of Italy, and as a result, includes some of the best high-fashion Italian labels on
earth: Gucci, Missoni, Prada, Valentino, and Versace all have a presence. They even
have their own casino on-site if that’s what you’re into. foxtown.com
GETTING THERE If you’re driving, it’s only 15 km from Lugano and 50 km from Milan,
directly along the Milan-Lugano highway (A2). Exit at Mendrisio. Alternatively, you can
take the Foxtown shuttle service from Milan, an hour-long ride. On the way back, the
bus stops a customs so you can get your tax-free forms processed. Return tickets cost
€20 and are bookable online at zaniviaggi.com.SAN MARCOS, TEXAS |
San Marcos Premium Outlets
Here’s another outlet that
gets bonus points for its
views. Under the blue Texan
sky, the design of San
Marcos Premium Outlets
was inspired by the
architecture of the Piazza
San Marco in Venice. Its
castle-like walls hold past
season treasures from
Armani, Diane von
Furstenberg, Etro, Prada, and
more, all discounted up to 70
per cent off in some cases.
premiumoutlets.com
GETTING THERE It’s on the
Interstate Highway 35 at Exit 200,
about 30 minutes from Austin. From
Dallas, it’s a four-hour ride, and three
hours from Houston.TOP: COURTESY OF ACNE ARCHIVE; COURTESY OF SAN MARCOS PREMIUM OUTLETS68 TRAVEL + LEISURE / JANUARY 2017