This Friday marks a major moment for Versace, as the luxe Italian fashion house prepares to open a new boutique in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping centers. And just like that, the Canals of Venice got pushed to my number two must-see Italian attraction.

Image via nytimes.com

The opening is part of a larger renovation project that Versace has taken on: refurbishing the entire four-story Galleria. The label will spend nearly $2 million on the restoration of the crumbling landmark. Originally constructed in 1865, the Galleria was in dire need of a facelift, which should be completed next spring.

In the meantime, I’ll be dreaming of the mall that fuses haute couture and history.

By Keir Cullen Janey, Staff Writer

What do you make of Versace’s cultural contribution? Tweet us at @ruelala.

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