ANTA set to open its first overseas shop in Milan in Italy this September

ANTA, the dynamic Scottish textile and ceramic company, will open its first overseas shop in Milan in Italy on September 6.

ANTA’s finest tartans, made almost entirely from materials produced and made in Scotland, will be on show and for sale in the Excelsior, a new department store, in Galleria del Corso, designed by French architect, Jean Nouvel.

ANTA, the design-driven company was chosen as one of a handful of British brands representing British style in the world’s fashion capital.  They were selected after Excelsior’s buying team extensively trawled the UK market to find high quality, contemporary design.  

Dario Spadea Pandolfi, the main buyer for Excelsior said: “We were so excited when we found ANTA.   We needed a British company to complete the store’s global offering and give a true sense of British style and quality manufacture.  ANTA made complete sense to us – attention to detail, glorious colours, and the finest materials… all made in Scotland.”

Inspired by the colours of the landscape, Antas’s products exemplify the best of Scotland’s design tradition, creativity, and production of high quality fabrics.

The Anta shop in Milan is the latest development in the company started in the Highlands 25 years ago by designer Annie Stewart and her husband Lachlan, an architect.  Anta’s other outlets include the flagship store in Edinburgh, their showroom at the factory in the Highlands and an online shop www.anta.co.uk

The Milan shop, like the UK outlets, will sell mainly home furnishings, ANTA flat weave carpets, rugs and runners, upholstery and curtain fabrics. Throws, cushions, lamps and shades, candle bowls and hand painted stoneware will also feature together with a range of luggage scarves and ties.

Annie Stewart, Anta’s managing director and a painter by training, is thrilled at the invitation to be part of an exciting new venture in Italy and is confident Anta will rise to the demands of the Italian market.

She said: “Scotland has a long, proud tradition of producing high quality design and textiles and now Anta is getting a great chance to demonstrate how we combine tradition with contemporary style in one of the most stylish cities in the world.

“I have always loved the combination of wonderfully seductive colour with beautiful material. Along with the bagpipes tartan evokes poetry, romance and heroism around the world.  I am sure the Italians will love it”.

Cathy Black, head of textiles at Scottish Enterprise, said: "Since its beginnings 25 years ago in the Highlands of Scotland, ANTA has represented the very best in Scottish design, using Scottish fabrics to produce high quality luxury products that are treasured around the world. We are delighted that ANTA are set to open their first store in Italy's fashion capital.  The new store will further showcase what makes Scottish textiles a leading force, and highlights the growing demand for Scottish textiles in this market and beyond."


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