Hidden Gems, Haute Finds: The Bicester Collection Beyond The Big Names

Luxury, once confined to glossy storefronts and hushed flagships, found a new expression in 1995–under open skies in the Oxfordshire countryside. That’s when Bicester Village quietly reimagined what shopping could be: immersive, elegant, and deeply personal. Today, it’s the cornerstone of The Bicester Collection, a global network of 12 open-air villages stretching from Paris to Shanghai. Each destination pairs fashion’s biggest names with regional soul, whether it’s mosaic-lined walkways in Fidenza Village, Milan or sculptures by local artists at Kildare Village, Dublin.

While style seekers often arrive for the big names–the real thrill lies in what you don’t expect: the hidden gems tucked between flagship boutiques. For true fashion lovers, The Bicester Collection is a treasure hunt, where heritage labels, indie designers, and under-the-radar icons redefine what luxury looks and feels like. As part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, Bicester Village, London is redefining the art of discovery with two thoughtful launches: The Villager, its new in-house newspaper, and Beyond Village Venturing, a collection of limited-edition travel itineraries that blur the lines between retail and exploration.

Curated by seasoned travel insiders, the initiative invites guests to uncover hidden gems and experience Bicester Village and its surroundings in a new light. The Villager serves as a stylish guide on where to eat, stay, and wander—from Marylebone’s culinary hotspots to secret Cotswolds hideaways, ideal for pairing with a countryside shopping escape. Even today, that spirit of curated discovery endures. Bicester Village continues to offer something rare: a retail journey where style meets story, and every detail is by design. 

Off The Beaten Rack 

Across each Village, The Bicester Collection is championing something rare in luxury retail–local soul. It’s not just about what’s trending; it’s about what’s true. Guests can discover standout brands that reflect the unique design language of each region.

At Bicester Village, heritage meets modernity. Barbour, with its iconic waxed jackets and countryside charm, holds three Royal Warrants and remains a symbol of British tradition and craftsmanship. Monica Vinader, the award-winning jewellery label, offers sustainable elegance with recycled metals and lifetime repairs. Bamford, founded by Lady Carole Bamford of Daylesford Organic, bridges fashion, wellness, and skincare with ethically made, nature-inspired collections.

Kildare Village, just outside Dublin, showcases Irish creativity. Avoca, Ireland’s oldest working woollen mill from the 1700s, presents handwoven throws and an artisanal food market. AYU, founded by makeup artist Suzie O’Neill, champions enhancing natural beauty. Bedeck, established in 1951, adds elegance to home with its bed and bath lines, while Louise Kennedy creates refined, internationally loved fashion.

Italy’s Fidenza Village celebrates craftsmanship. Coccinelle, launched in 1978, offers leather accessories rooted in femininity and tradition. 120% Lino, inspired by a vintage blazer, elevates linen through timeless, handcrafted style. Angelico, founded in 1956, leads in Italian textiles, while Ixos and Fratelli Rossetti reinterpret heritage footwear and fashion.

Germany’s Ingolstadt and Wertheim Villages contrast classic and contemporary–from Lodenfrey’s Alpine charm to Berlin’s WRSTBHVR and Steiff teddy bears. In Belgium, Maasmechelen Village blends bold prints, tailoring, and sustainability with brands like Essentiel Antwerp and Xandres.

Together, these local voices shape experiences that are both stylish and deeply rooted in story.

La Vallée Village: Where Parisian Chic Meets Countryside Calm 

Just under an hour from central Paris, La Vallée Village blends French fashion heritage with the charm of the countryside. Home to over 110 boutiques, the open-air Village offers a relaxed shopping experience with maisons de mode and global names alike. 

Members enjoy bespoke privileges, such as hands-free shopping, access to VIP lounges, curated itineraries, and exclusive invitation-only events. For the most discerning guests, the private Apartments offer an elevated retreat–intimate sanctuaries infused with local art, design, and exceptional service.

La Roca Village: Mediterranean Luxury With A Creative Soul

Just 40 minutes from Barcelona, La Roca Village offers a sun-soaked, design-forward escape inspired by Catalan architecture and Mediterranean charm. With over 150 boutiques, it blends global fashion with standout Spanish and Catalan labels. Discover the edgy minimalism of Nude Project, bold jewellery from TwoJeys, and Ecoalf’s pioneering sustainable fashion. More than a shopping destination, the open-air Village feels like a living gallery, where creativity, culture, and conscious luxury converge. Here, it’s not just about what’s in style, but what’s shaping the future of fashion.

Las Rozas Village: A Spanish Affair In Style 

Just outside Madrid, Las Rozas Village is a love letter to Spanish design–where heritage, innovation, and craftsmanship converge. Adolfo Domínguez, a pioneer of minimalist elegance since the 1970s, offers timeless prêt-à-porter for men and women, from fluid tailoring to refined accessories–all in a serene boutique setting. In contrast, HOFF, founded in 2017, brings bold creativity to everyday fashion. Drawing inspiration from global destinations, its sneakers and apparel are where comfort meets visual storytelling.

To mark its 25th anniversary, Las Rozas Village unveils Chapter Two of Mano a Mano, a tribute to textile artistry. Regina Dejiménez’s Nest Salon anchors the showcase with poetic, sculptural textiles rooted in nature and emotion. Complementing this, Aletheia’s textile arches–dyed with gardenia, indigo, and madder–paint the streets in colour, memory, and meaning. Together, they spotlight sustainable, soulful design that celebrates imperfection and reconnects us with beauty through touch.

The Last Word 

Whether it's curated experiences in Madrid, Milan or elsewhere, the ethos remains the same for The Bicester Collection–to create meaningful, memorable moments beyond the transaction.

In a world of evolving consumer habits, The Bicester Collection stands as proof that physical retail, when done with soul, imagination, and hospitality, still has the power to enchant. Visit The Bicester Collection today to discover luxury shopping, gourmet dining, and unforgettable experiences.

Plan your visit now www.thebicestercollection.com