ITALICA: Curated European Fashion for Women Who Know Themselves

As I say, it's all about people and unique experiences. This is what my blog is about. I have a special love for those who bring their talent to life and create something fabulous. As I live downtown and know almost all about women’s fashion stores here, I had to visit the new one opened at 441 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL, 34236 — ITALICA showroom. Above all, I wanted to meet the woman who created such an elegant place—one that instantly caught my eye.

Now I know why. It's not just the polished interior and beautiful apparel. Still, the atmosphere is shaped by the owner, who embodies grace and style. She has endless kindness in her eyes and a welcoming energy that instantly draws you in.

My personal experience was a solid 100 yes — this is where women would love to gather, not only for a dose of shopping therapy and the latest collections from Italy but also to connect, chat, sip some bubbles, and enjoy the experience. With her sophisticated taste, Maria is the best kind of guide: the one who will help you assemble an entire image, including shoes and accessories, with that effortless flair only someone with a trained eye can offer.

And here's something I truly appreciated — the curated style at ITALICA doesn’t demand a fortune. The pieces feel luxurious yet thoughtfully priced, making refined European fashion accessible to women with an eye for beauty, not just a big budget.

Before moving to the U.S., Maria had an impressive career as a well-known lawyer in Russia. When Maria and her family moved to the U.S., their first business venture was Siesta Heron vacation rentals. "It was a great way to learn the market, the service culture, and how to manage a business in the States. But eventually, I realized I needed something more creative, something of my own," Maria says.

"I studied interior design for a year and a half and earned a government-certified diploma. I even tried a few interior projects, but I realized I wanted to stay in the design field without dealing with contractors — I found that part quite tough as a woman."

Maria's journey into fashion was spontaneous but serendipitous. "Someone offered me the opportunity to buy an Italian clothing showroom. The business idea was great, and the collaboration offer set off a chain of events that eventually led me to open ITALICA in Sarasota." The concept was born in August last year and came to life months later. "That’s fast, though I like things even faster. I'm one of those people who needed everything done yesterday."

With her background in interior design, Maria designed the store’s aesthetic herself. "The chandelier — everyone loves it. The space is big, though we’re using only about half of it now. When you work with interior volume, the key is to keep the energy flowing."

Once she decided to launch ITALICA, she flew to Italy that September. "I found buyers quickly — professionals who’ve been in the business for over 17 years."

She now works directly with these Italian teams, selecting pieces via live video from their warehouses. "From the moment I make a selection, the items arrive within five days. It’s fast and efficient. Soon, we’re preparing for a proper online store — a real e-commerce site. It will ship to the U.S. and Canada."

What makes ITALICA truly unique in Sarasota? "After living here for eight years, I wanted to bring a touch of European elegance to this town. There’s room for something refined, modern, and current."

The clientele ranges widely. "I’ve had girls as young as 16, but the leading group is women from 30 to 65 and even older. A fabulously stylish lady over 80 recently picked out several stunning outfits." At ITALICA, there are no age limits — only possibilities. Whether you’re a fashion-forward teen or an elegant woman in her golden years, you’ll find something that feels like it was made for you.

Because let's be honest — shopping is no longer just about the result. We can all click and order in a second. But what we crave is the experience. The joy of discovery. The energy of a stylish space. The laughter over a glass of prosecco or a cup of coffee. The advice from someone who gets it. ITALICA is precisely where fashion meets atmosphere, and women come to buy and belong.

Photos: iruphotos.com