Born in Beijing and earning a degree in business administration from Bocconi University in Milan, Giulia Zhou (see page TK) eventually joined her family’s 30-year-old business in Italy’s fashion, wine and furniture industries.
After meeting her husband-to-be, Lingxuan, while visiting Indiana, Zhou moved from Milan, Italy, to Troy, Mich., where her new husband works as an engineer. Wanting to bring a taste of her chic Italian lifestyle and business to Michigan, Zhou opened Via Manzoni (viamanzoni.com) — named after the bustling street in Milan that is home to high-end fashion boutiques and their shoppers — in Birmingham last December.
Offering imported luxury designer clothing, accessories and lifestyle goods, Via Manzoni strives to “bring European shopping to Michigan,” Zhou says, “capturing the elegance and artistry that is synonymous with Italy. Our products and services (including an Hermes cafe) reflect the finest Italian craftsmanship, fashion, cuisine and hospitality.”
Via Manzoni offers exclusive items only found in Italy — including purses, shoes, clothing and Italian appliances — from her family’s wholesale business in Italy. The store carries more than 40 designers, including Gucci, Chloe, Prada, Hermes, Roger Vivier, Miu Miu and more, all at highly discounted (up to 40 percent) prices. If that perfect designer item — a Goyard bag, for example — is not in-store, Zhou will do her best to find it.
“Our primary goal is to curate and offer an exquisite Italian luxury lifestyle experience to our clients,” Zhou says. “Part of that experience is unparalleled customer service that exudes the essence of la dolce vita — reflecting the beauty, passion and grace that embodies the heart and soul of Italy.”
MODEL: Ava Renee, a student at Detroit Country Day School in Beverly Hills
HAIR: Nicole Nichter with Figo Salon, Birmingham
MAKEUP: Jing Zou
Photographed on location at Via Manzoni, Birmingham
RED Valentino Silk Dress with Rose Ombre Print in pale pink; Prada Patent-Leather Slingback kitten heels in ivory; Miu Miu Wander Matelasse Nappa Leather Mini Hobo Bag in black.
LEFT: Alexander Wang Crystal Trim Mini Dress in Compact Nylon in black;
Christian Louboutin heels Hot Chick Sling in black patent calf (on model);
Jimmy Choo Romy 85 Lace Pumps in black (on floor).
BELOW: Max Mara Ludmilla Icon Coat in tobacco cashmere; Gucci Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Bag in black.
Miu Miu Embroidered Cotton T-Shirt;
Jeans (Retail Price: $345 VM Price: $276) is called Pinko Distressed Mom-Fit Jeans; Prada Cloudbust Thunder Sneakers in light blue (not shown).
On Giulia Zhou, in Via Manzoni’s Hermes Cafe (left): Max Mara black dress; Roger Vivier Decolette Belle Vivier pumps in black calf; Hermes Cheval d’Orient Tea Cup and Saucer. Right: Yves Saint Laurent Cat Eye Sunglasses.
