FROM PARMA TO FIDENZA VILLAGE

Stop by: Castello di Tabiano

A turreted landmark rising from the Emilian hills, Castello di Tabiano brings together medieval stonework with magnificent stuccoes and frescoes. “Take your time to explore the grounds and enjoy the views over the countryside,” enthuses Anita. “The castle is beautiful, but the surrounding landscape is what makes the experience truly magical.” Afterwards, wind your way down to the thermal springs of Tabiano, known as the Breathing Spa, to soak up its restorative properties. Castello di Tabiano, 43039 Salsomaggiore Terme BOOK A TOUR

Visit: Labirinto della Masone

“Unique, fascinating, immersive.” Created by art publisher Franco Maria Ricci at the suggestion of his friend, literary giant Jorge Luis Borges, this monumental maze is cultivated from 300,000 bamboo canes, making it one of the largest in the world. Follow its rustling corridors and you’ll emerge, unexpectedly, onto a private art collection spanning the Renaissance to the twentieth century. Labirinto della Masone, 43012 Fontanellato PLAN YOUR VISIT

Lunch: tortelli d’erbetta

Seek out a family-run trattoria on one of the city’s quieter streets, where locals gather over plates of tortelli d’erbetta. “You absolutely have to try it. It’s a traditional dish from the Parma area and one of my favourites,” Anita shares. These delicate herb-and-ricotta parcels – freshly rolled each morning and dressed with butter and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano – have been perfected over generations. A dish that helps one understand why Parma takes its food so personally. Parma city centre

Head to: Fidenza

“It’s more than shopping,” she shares. “The Village combines luxury brands, beautiful outdoor spaces and exceptional hospitality.” To make the most of your visit, download the Village app, become a member and collect stars as you move from boutique to boutique. You can even let the Hands-free Shopping service do the heavy lifting for you, available to qualifying members at level 2 and above. Fidenza Village, 43036 Fidenza PLAN YOUR VISIT

Book: Personal Shopping

Anita recommends working with one of the personal stylists-in-residence to capture the best of the boutiques and curate a summer wardrobe. “It helps visitors discover brands and pieces they might otherwise miss, making the experience even more enjoyable.” Fidenza Village FIND OUT MORE

Set the tone with “gold jewellery – always. A great pair of sunglasses that actually suit your face and a signature bag elevate everything around them instantly. Those three, and a look is done,” she says. 

How would you describe your summer style in a few words? Effortless, fun, and with a touch of colour. 

How do you make tailoring feel relaxed and relevant for warmer dressing? It's all about fabric and fit. I swap wool and cashmere for cotton, linen and silk and let the silhouette do the talking – an oversized blazer worn open over a slip dress or wide-legged trousers with nothing but a simple tank. Tailoring doesn't have to mean stiff. When it moves with you, it feels modern. 

What's the key to summer style that looks put together but effortless at the same time? Investing in the right basics. When the quality is there, you don't need to do much – the fabric does the work. And honestly, less is always more in summer. One strong piece, keep the rest quiet. 

What summer trends do you think are worth having on your radar right now? Sheer layering done with intention – not revealing, but light and directional. Light beige, white or brown as a neutral instead of black. And a return to really beautiful, considered accessories – a sculptural sandal, a handcrafted bag. Quality over quantity feels like the real trend and the right choice right now. 

What makes the shopping experience at Fidenza Village feel especially easy and enjoyable? Beyond the boutique selection, which is excellent, what I love most is that it’s a full Italian experience. You can shop, then sit down for a really good meal, discover an art installation and wander through a beautiful open garden. And they’re pet-friendly, which for me is always a big plus – I bring my dog Travis whenever I can. It doesn’t feel like a typical shopping day; it feels like a day well spent. 

Which boutiques in the Village do you always find yourself drawn to? Are there any pieces you've bought before that you return to again and again? Last time I went straight to Etro, Scervino and Marni – three very different energies that together tell a complete summer story. Marni is a brand I’ve loved for years and keep coming back to; there’s something about the way they play with colour and proportion that always feels fresh without trying too hard. I also have a soft spot for Etro for accessories and Scervino for summer dresses – the femininity is always right – while Prada, Stella McCartney, Ferragamo and Jil Sander are boutiques I never walk past without stopping.