Borsalino opens debut UK store in London’s Burlington Arcade

Heritage Italian hat brand Borsalino has opened a 430 sq ft boutique in Mayfair’s prestigious Burlington Arcade, marking its first ever UK store as it embarks on a retail roll out in other European capital cities.

The new retail concept, created by architect Nicola Quadri, first debuted for the brand’s recent boutique openings in Via della Spiga, Milan and in the Italian resort area of Forte dei Marmi, and blends traditional and contemporary style.

Mauro Baglietto, Managing Director for Borsalino, said: "We are very proud of this new boutique opening in London, a multicultural city, rich in history and energy.

"For our first boutique in this city, we chose Burlington Arcade, a location of great charm, as it had inspired Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, where Borsalino has been present with a retail boutique since 1883.

"This opening in London kicks off a retail development plan that will involve main European capital cities, aimed at further consolidating the international presence of the brand."

Trupti Shah, Commercial and Marketing Director of Burlington Arcade, added: "The arrival of Borsalino’s flagship boutique at Burlington Arcade is incredibly exciting. The brand's dedication to craftsmanship seamlessly complements the ethos of the existing retailers.

"Embracing a fresh perspective, the boutique promises to infuse a sense of novelty that will enhance the shopping journey for our customers."

The new boutique carries the brand’s latest collection of men’s and women’s hats, caps and accessories, which are made in Italy.

To celebrate the opening, the Beadles – the guardians who wear vintage uniforms and are responsible for welcoming visitors to Burlington Arcade - will wear iconic Borsalino ‘Alessandria’ wide-brimmed hats in porto dyed felt during the first month of trading.

Borsalino was founded in 1857 and has represented the "highest level of Italian excellence in the production of hats with a distinct artisan savoir-faire" that has been handed down from generation to generation.

Since 2018, the company has been managed by Haeres Equita, a fund of private investors, led by Italian entrepreneur Philippe Camperio.