Milan: Italy’s Fashion Capital Is Also The Birthplace Of The First Shopping Mall
By: Michelle Taylor

MILAN, Aug 10, 2005/ FW/ --- Though the U.S. is usually known as the home of the shopping mall, the first ever indoor retail area is actually credited to Milan due to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which was constructed between 1865 and 1878.

Named after King Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of united Italy, it was built by Giuseppe Mengoni.

With its 96 feet high and 640 feet long covered archway of glass and steel, thus essentially covering the street that connects the Piazza della Scala and the Piazza della Duomo, it became the first indoor mall, thus essentially became the basis of the modern shopping gallerias.

Just like most of Italy wherein historic buildings are preserved, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II stands today as it was built over 100 years ago, albeit updated with modern conveniences for the 21st century.

So, on September 24th through October 2nd, when the international fashion press descends in Milan to witness the presentation of the Spring / Summer 2006 womenswear collections, they will also be visiting the city that invented the modern shopping mall.