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August 13, 2006
Vintage Shopping in Italy
What an exciting and exhausting honeymoon we had. Exhausting from all the walking, naughty. Italy in the summer was hot but worth it. Luckily we were traveling close to holiday time for Italians so the tourist attractions weren't terribly crowded.
But, honeymooning or not, I was determined to find some vintage Italian treasures. I did some research and found some potential stores in Florence and Rome.
Rome was a little disappointing. Fortunately, we were staying near the Piazza Nuovona which is very near a neighborhood of antique shops and funky boutiques and vintage stores. Unfortunately, they were all closed for the holiday. Damn. We did happen to walk by one shop that was open for just a few hours. The owner was probably packing things up for August. Abiti Usati, 35 Via del Governo Vecchio, 011-39-06-68307105. The selection was small, but good with prices very similar to American vintage prices.
Another store I found was Retro, 21 Piazza del Fico, 011-39-06-68192746, a home decor and accessories shop. I was so heartbroken, and so was my husband, because it too was closed. Sigh. Our last stop in Rome, Omero e Cecilia, 110 Via del Governo Vecchio, 011-39-06-6833506. But you got it-CLOSED.
I had better luck in Florence. I only had time to visit one vintage store because Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Roberta Di Camerino sucked up all of my time. Elio Ferraro Gallery, 47R Via del Parione, 011-39-055-290425, was fantastic!
I've never seen so much vintage Gucci in my life. Roberta Di Camerino jumpsuits, Dior, and the oldest Luis Vuitton trunk ever. The store manager, Patrizia Ferraro, wearing a psychedlic A line dress in bold colors and a heavy gold chain necklace, was such a doll. She helped me pick out some vintage Gucci handbags while we talked about vintage clothing. I passed on the handbag, but had such a great experience there. I highly reccommend you visit the store while in Florence.
The moral: never go to Italy expecting to find vintage goodies in August. Guess I'll have to go back in the Spring.
Posted by Sandra at August 13, 2006 12:44 PM | 
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Comments (15)
Without a doubt Elio's Gallery store is one of the best in Florence. However, one precision: it is not a vintage store but a one of a kind store. Some of the items are runway or showroom samples that are not sold in the stores, he sells his own designs in the store....he is a brilliant guy.
AND he is opening a new store in Rome this month.
Posted by kim coston | October 14, 2006 7:27 AM
Posted on October 14, 2006 07:27
Hi, I live in florence for one semester i found another great suggestion that is not expensive as elio, this place is "Pitti Vintage" is just a few steps from pitti palace. Great one of a kind stuff in good condition, lots of accesories, mensware, beautiful and fun shop.
"Pitti Vintage" Sdruccicolo Dei Pitti 19/r Firenze. www.pittivintage.it
Posted by maria | October 27, 2006 4:00 AM
Posted on October 27, 2006 04:00
Glad someone is gathering this info: one can also check out the various fairly new "mecatino"'s in Italy, this is a franchise chain thrift store that is hip but not to hip as to be prohibitive.
Posted by Mary Judge | November 25, 2006 6:11 PM
Posted on November 25, 2006 18:11
hi, i was wondering if Elio really did open a store in rome...and where?
Posted by kiki | November 29, 2006 2:31 PM
Posted on November 29, 2006 14:31
Kiki,
I have no idea if the store in Rome came through or not. I have not heard. Please let us know if you find something.
Posted by Sandra | November 29, 2006 3:47 PM
Posted on November 29, 2006 15:47
Hi, my husband Richard and i are very exiting to let people know that the best vintage shop in Italy is Pitti Vintage in florence located in Sdrucciolo dei pitti 19/r. We had such a great experience shopping there. Graciela and Luigi, the owners, are exquisite people. The Burberry coat, the Prada shoes, the Pucci scarf and my beautiful 1950's cocktail silk dress are amazing! we are happy that the shop on line will be ready soon www.pittivintage.it
Posted by maya | December 30, 2006 8:58 AM
Posted on December 30, 2006 08:58
Hi, any vintage shops in Venice? I'll be going in March. Thanks
Posted by Trish | February 1, 2007 6:36 PM
Posted on February 1, 2007 18:36
Hi Trish.
I personally didn't find any, but I did a little research and found this message on a travel board:
http://forum.virtualtourist.com/10/discussion-306982-1-3-Travel-0-140867-Venice-discussion.html?wosid=FXqR3tSebCFSLVZ9N5tkUM
Good luck!
Posted by Sandra | February 1, 2007 9:48 PM
Posted on February 1, 2007 21:48
Hi!
I live in florence and I have found the best vintage shop in Florence.. BOUTIQUE NADINE..just a few step from old bridge.. IS FANTASTIC!!!I've never seen so much vintage Gucci, Dior, Louis Vuitton in my life.. and is not expensive as elio!
I highly reccommend you visit the store while in Florence.
Boutique Nadine Lungarno Acciaiuoli 22r
Posted by Irene | March 15, 2007 1:06 PM
Posted on March 15, 2007 13:06
yehaa....i've been in BOUTIQUE NADINE last Saturday...lot of things and really cheaper then Elio! It's a big shop; Irene, Luca & Matteo are the nicest owner i've ever met! They also have done a fashion show last week..! Go, have a look, buy something and tell me!!
Posted by Marco | March 16, 2007 3:05 AM
Posted on March 16, 2007 03:05
I'm trying to find more info on Boutique Nadine - I've just come back from Florence and hunted high and Low for good vintage!! Does anyone have any websites they can direct me to in time for my next visit?!
Posted by Emma Davies | June 12, 2007 10:30 AM
Posted on June 12, 2007 10:30
Hi Emma!To know more info on boutique nadine (the vintage shop in florence near old bridge) you can visit http://www.myspace.com/boutiquenadine...
Posted by nadine | November 9, 2007 1:02 PM
Posted on November 9, 2007 13:02
Hi,if you are in Florence on the 2nd of December 2007 there is going to be a Vintage market at the ANGLO AMERICAN HOTEL in Via Garibaldi 9 from 11 to 19.it is organised by CERI VINTAGE which is another great vintage shop i discovered in VIA DEI SERRAGLI 26/R, just over the bridge ALLA CARRAIA,its huge,they have a great selection of vintage boots,shoes,dresses,bags. the prices are really good.Probably the best and cheapest vintage store in florence,and definetly the BIGGEST!!
Posted by LINDA | November 11, 2007 2:11 AM
Posted on November 11, 2007 02:11
Hi,do you know any any vintage shops in Milan?
I'll be going in April and I would love to find some vintage treasures. I have been searching, but I am sure I will be better off with your tips.... Thanks a lot. Bana
Posted by Bana | March 17, 2008 6:06 PM
Posted on March 17, 2008 18:06
Hi Bana.
At the moment, I don't know of any vintage stores in Milan. However, I know a fashion writer who will be there in April. Maybe she can report what she finds while she is there! Have a great trip.-Sandra
Posted by Sandra | March 19, 2008 6:10 AM
Posted on March 19, 2008 06:10