Before visiting, I had heard about Belmont Park Village. A slew of fashion insiders I know in New York had documented their trips, scooping up designer finds from the likes of Thom Browne and Vivienne Westwood. Others, attending Billie Eilish concerts and hockey games. At just a 30-minute drive from NYC, it’s a destination I had planned on visiting, and then I was invited to take a trip out myself.

Months before, to really understand the vision for Belmont Park Village, I visited Bicester Village in Oxfordshire, just an hour outside of London. The shopping center was originally opened in 1995, but when I visited, I had the feeling that it could have been opened just months before. The entire place fell shiny and new. The shopping center itself was pristine, as were its bespoke services. To describe it as the antithesis of any outlet experience I’ve had prior would be an understatement. It was white glove in every way. Ahead, more on my experience at Belmont Park Village and Bicester Village.

I was able to discover some incredible pieces at brands including Sunglasses Hut, where I found Tom Ford frames, and Rene Caovilla, where I spotted a pair of special crystal-embellished heels with a coiled ankle strap.

Designers including Valentino and Missoni are among the stand-out stores at Belmont Park Viilage, drawing in-the-know fashion people from the New York style set. This is ushering in a new level of outlet store experience into America.

Inside Bicester Village, the shopping was as special as the experiences outside of fashion. I dined at Cecconi’s. I visited Max Mara, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, and Prada, and walked away with some special pieces that will be in my closet forever.

At Bicester Village, I saw the vision for Belmond Park Village—a destination that has the same services, vision, and mindset for a new level of luxury outlet shopping in the U.S.