Coral Gables Now the Proud Home To a Furla Concept Store

By Ginger Harris

Along with Paris and Milan, it was Coral Gables, Florida that received a newly designed Furla concept store.

How’s that for putting Florida on the international fashion map? As the most popular of Furla’s U.S. stores, The Village of Merrick Park location of the Italian-based brand is one of the first boutiques in the United States to launch the new concept, which can also be found in cities like the previously mentioned Paris and Milan, as well as Hong Kong, Beijing, Mumbai, Dubai and Macau.

That revised look melds Italian lifestyle with contemporary design and, lest we forget, the timeless elegance Furla is known for. For instance, the inspiration behind the new look is the beautifully restored 18^th Century Villa in Bologna, where Furla’s headquarters are housed, blended seamlessly with modern design. Sound stunning? You should see for yourself.

Think Italian travertine marble floors, rosewood and opal glass furnishings, metal wall finishes and artworks by Donald Judd. There’s even a mirrored LED screen to display images from the most recently ad campaign. Amid natural and pastel tones and warm lighting, the bags are beautifully displayed.

And speaking of bags, this season’s offerings are the sort of arm candy you’ll want to clutch on to. The spring/summer 2014 collection, dubbed “Up in the Sky” was inspired by sea, sky, air and beach, as reflected in beautiful shades like blue and apricot and elegant materials like summer pony hair, crocodile, calfskin and goatskin. Instant classics have taken on exciting new looks, like the transparent Candy Bag now with a leather base. Pair it with the matching peep-toe shoes and it’s an instantly coveted look. The “it” bag of the season, however, is the fabulous light blue offering with pony hair. Look for fashionistas to nab this bag as quickly as they can. My personal favorite, however, is the clutch with wood paneling on the front. It’s the combination of leather and wood that makes it a conversation piece—and a beautiful one at that.

If you’re looking for something to tote this upcoming spring, I say set your sights on Coral Gables and head straight for Furla.

If shopping is your therapy, Florida shopping is the thing to indulge in on your trip to the Sunshine State.

If you go …

Furla
358 San Lorenzo Ave.
Coral Gables, Fla.
(305) 443-4945