Before I go, I heard about it Belmont Park Village. I know a group of fashion insiders in New York who documented their travels, digging into designers like Thom Browne and Vivienne Westwood. Others are attending Billie Eilish concerts and hockey games. Only a 30-minute drive from NYC, it’s a destination I planned to visit, and then was invited to take a trip myself.
Months ago, to really understand the vision of Belmont Park Village, I visited Bicester Village In Oxfordshire, just an hour from London. The shopping center originally opened in 1995, but when I visited, I felt it could have been opened a few months earlier. The whole place looked shiny and new. The shopping center itself was ancient, as were its specialized services. To describe it as unlike any outlet experience I’ve had before would be an understatement. It was white glove in every way. Ahead, more about my experience Belmont Park Village and Bicester village.
Inside Belmont Park Village
As soon as I arrived at Belmont Park Village, I was taken to ‘The Apartments’ where I met a concierge and was told about special services like personal styling and hands-free shopping, where bags are delivered to you at the end of the day instead of having to lug them around after shopping.
I was able to find some incredible pieces at brands including Sunglasses Hut, where I found Tom Ford frames, and René Caovilla, where I spotted a pair of exclusive crystal-embellished heels with a coiled ankle strap.
Designers including Valentino and Missoni are among Belmont Park Village’s standout stores, attracting well-heeled fashionistas of the New York style set. It’s ushering in a new level of the outlet store experience in America.
Inside Bicester Village
Shopping inside Bicester Village was as special as the fashion experiences outside. I dined at Cecconi. I visited Max Mara, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, and Prada, and walked away with some special pieces that will forever be in my wardrobe.
At Bicester Village, I dreamed of Belmond Park Village – a destination that has the same services, vision and mentality for a new level of luxury outlet shopping in America.
