Olivia’s Fashion Travelogue: Matera and Setúbal

By Olivia Bastin

On my year abroad from St Andrews, I’ve been lucky enough to live in different parts of the world and take fashion inspiration from the shop windows and cultural attractions around me. Having lived in Matera, a city in the South of Italy, and Setúbal, a coastal town close to Lisbon in Portugal, I’ve noticed different kinds of fashion trends first-hand. I’ve paid attention to how the local people dress and the clothes the mannequins are draped in. It must be noted that fashion, like culture and language, are fluid and adapt to suit beauty trends and societal perceptions of the time. Our clothes reflect our world view as well as complimenting the visual aesthetics around us. Personally, I have observed that as our mindsets, along with our physical surroundings, change, so do the clothes we wear.

Italy – Matera 

Boutique windows in Matera

I found the fashion in the clothing stores and boutiques to be plentiful as well as glitzy, glamourous and chic. The clothes were stylish and well assembled with opulent and extravagant touches like golden buttons. Many clothes featured contrasting colour schemes and were eye-catching and bold. For example, I found a lavish boutique in downtown Matera called Anna one day whilst exploring. This soon became my favorite spot, containing one of the most beautiful dresses I’ve ever seen. I was very disappointed it wouldn’t additionally fit in my suitcase. The dress was made from sumptuous sparkling chiffon, and I loved the confidence and radiance it projected. Sadly, it was way over my budget. 

I felt the fashion mirrored the town’s cosmopolitan and sophisticated vibe, with its fantastic cultural attractions to visit and beautiful hidden viewing points that were always an adventure to find, like the Piazza Pascoli and the Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio. As Matera is the third oldest city in the world, there are many exciting tourist attractions, like old churches and stunning views of the stacked stone buildings, which bring Italian tourists from near and far. Moreover, there are numerous high end and Michelin star restaurants to dine in. Matera is famous for its cave hotels and restaurants, that provide a unique dining experience. A UNESCO world heritage site, the cave part of the city boasts many restaurants carved into the stone walls. From what I observed, the clothes available in Materan boutiques mirror these glamorous and sophisticated attractions enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. 

Portugal – Setúbal  

Boutique windows in Setúbal

I found the fashion in clothing stores to be understated, delicate and pretty. Some of the clothes had lace or nice geometric designs that were quite bright, and others had a wide tonal range of blues that caught my eye. Some clothes were trendier and more current and seemed to be designed for a scrumptious meal out in many of the lovely squares the town had. For example, a boutique located near the Praca de Bocage called Pretty Woman had a gorgeous golden leather jacket that would be a perfect statement piece. I felt the clothes matched the laid back and relaxed vibe of the town, just forty-five minutes outside of Lisbon. I could imagine wearing these clothes strolling along the beach or sitting in the Praca de Bocage, Setúbal's main square. The coastal town attracts many tourists for a more relaxed version of city life and is lined with cute coffee shops along the shore. You will see many people wearing delicate dresses or cute skirts, wandering along the promenade. In the majority of clothing shops and boutiques, I’ve seen here the fashion centers around skirts, dresses, blouses and fancy pantaloons, using predominantly linen and cotton.

In conclusion, I’ve really enjoyed being exposed to different fashion trends that capture different landscapes and lifestyles, including the stony city of Matera and the colorful coast of Setúbal. Both places had many boutiques and clothing stores, showing how fashion was an integral part of the culture. Overall, I would recommend visiting both Matera and Setúbal. Beyond absorbing the fashion inspiration, my favorite part of Setubal was the Praca de Bocage with its lovely architecture and colorful buildings. My favorite experiences in Matera were predominantly gastronomic, including eating in a cave restaurant and dining at a Michelin star restaurant, both of which were fantastic. Living somewhere new is an amazing opportunity to explore different types of fashion and experiment with your personal style. Window shopping is a powerful tool of inspiration!