Vintage shopping in Milan

Milan. Synonymous with brands such as Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Versace and Missimo Piombo. While I’ve never considered myself a fashionista, and tend to find Milan fashion week to be a confusing and stressful affair, I have to say that these luxury brands do hold some appeal. The price tags, however, don’t - especially on a backpacking budget. So, what do you do when in Italy’s fashion capital, surrounded by stupefyingly attractive clothing, but with no money to buy them? Thrift shop, of course.

Surely you don’t wish you dress slovenly here?

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zone 1: via gian giacomo mora

When looking to pick up some choice vintage couture in Milan, you’ve got a few broad shopping areas to choose from. While there are vintage shops dotted all across the city, my advice would be to concentrate on three broad zones, Via Gian Giacomo Mora in the San Vittore neighbourhood (seriously long street name, right?), the Navigli nieghborhood, and in La Brerea. My suggestion would be to first go for the shops along Via Gian Giacomo Mora - all 5 vintage shops are within about 500 metres walking distance, so are an easy stroll. The neighbourhood itself is pretty awesome, and has a range of decent cafes, restaurants and bars to check out. You can get to Via Gian Giacomo Mora from Milan Centrale by taking the number 2 line subway to S. Ambrogio and walking two minutes from the station to the first, store, ‘SNAP.’

SNAP

SNAP definitely seems like the ‘new kid on the street’ for vintage stores on Via Gian Giacomo - definitely a well layed out store with both men and women’s fashion pieces, containing both American and Italian pieces, with a heavy focus on 80’s inspired clothing. The prices in here were pretty reasonable, and I noticed some particularly amazing Gucci slides tucked away - definitely worth stopping by.

(Via Gian Giacomo Mora, 11, 20123 Milano.)

CAVALLIA & NASTRI

Cavalli & Nastri, is one of the more established Vintage stores in Milan. the place had a pretty refined vibe to it, and the clothing here is definitely aimed at the higher end of the fashion spectrum. However, even if just for a window shop, Cavallia & Nastri is worth stopping by, who knows, maybe an Armani suit will come in handy later that night?

(Via Gian Giacomo Mora, 12, 20123 Milano.)

BIVIO

Bivio is another absolute institution of high fashion vintage wear along Via Gian Giacomo Mora. Bivio actually has two store fronts on Via Mora, one for men’s clothing, and the other for women. Both have an amazing range for fairly decent prices. While I didn’t buy anything whilst in Bivio, I was certainly struck by the amazing array of jackets, silk shirts and high quality garments on display. If you have a few spare euros, you’d be harder pressed to find a better way to spend them whilst in town.

(Via Gian Giacomo Mora, 4, 20100 Milano.)

GROUPIES

As far as ‘hole in the wall’ stores go, Groupies does a pretty fair job of fitting a plethora of New York style vintage into a small room. Walking through the front door you’ll be struck by the looming presence of clothes, clothes everywhere. However, move past the growing tide of anxiety and have leaf through the racks and racks of leather jackets, vintage Levi’s and Italian classics - while the prices are a little higher here, Groupies definitely gets points for curation.

(Via Gian Giacomo Mora, 7, 20123 Milano MI)

ZONE 2: NAVIGLI

Not far fromVia Gian Giacomo is the equally trendy neighbourhood of Navigli. While less condensed than the shops on Via Gian Giacomo, the stores here are worth stopping by, especially if in the area. Navigli is a little harder to reach than some of the other suburbs in Milan - but you can get here by catching the metro to P.T.A Genovese from Centrale.

SOUS

Located right along the main canal in Navigli, Sous is an awesome shop - run by two extremely friendly owners. The range in here is massive - I was particularly struck by the huge line of mens jackets and jumpers. Absolutely a treasure trove of vintage gems in here.

(Alzaia Naviglio Pavese, 52, 20143 Milano MI)

PORQUOI MOI VINTAGE

Located deeper into the heart of the suburb Porquoi Moi has a highly curated line of vintage women’s wear, with a strong focus on Italian gems from the 50’s onwards. The prices here are fairly steep, but the exquisite pieces on display are certainly worth it. Also known to have an extremely curate rare vinyl collection - available for viewing by appointment only! Located on Ripa di Porta Ticinese.

(Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 27, 20143 Milano MI)

GUENDJ

Confusing name aside, Guendj has an extremely good selection of leather ware - with some absolutely beautifully leather jackets and bags on display. As I type this, I’m deeply regretting not picking up one of these jackets, due to the heavy rainfall currently pelting down in Milan. Located just up the road from Porquoi Moi Vintage on Ripa di Porta Ticinese. The owner is absolutely lovely - stop by for a chat + a purchase.

(Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 47, 20143 Milano MI)

ZONE 3: BRERA

Brera. If you’re in Milan, you’ll be in Brera at some point. Cobblestone streets, candlelit dining, and frescoes that date back to the 15th century. this suburb is a tourists delight, but a backpackers nightmare, as the prices here are obscenely high. However, the few vintage stores dotting the suburb are easier on the wallet, and contain some truly remarkable fashion for your perusal.

VINTAGE DELIRIUM

The big dog of Milanese Vintage fashion - Vintage Delirium holds some pieces that go back to the 1800’s, and contains a genuinely flabbergasting array of clothing. the clothing here is truly refined, and is curated by the owner with a painstaking care that bespeaks a true love for the game. Fill your wallet with euros, and step inside.

(Via Giuseppe Sacchi, 3, 20121, Brera)

URZI VINTAGE

Located right in the heart of Brera, Urzi Vintage holds a huge array of leather bags. The place smells amazing, and definitely has a ‘leather goods’ kind of vibe to it. Pick up your next egregious laptop bag here.

(Via Ciovasso, 6, 20121, Brera)

IL CAMEO

Not far from the above two Brera stalwarts lies Il Cameo, a slightly cheaper and perhaps more dazzling vintage shop. Il Cameo seems to specialise in accessories such as jewellery, bags, and buttons, but can definitely be relied upon for having a highly curated selection of clothing for both men and women. Pick up some sunglasses in here to manage the glare of that Tuscan sun when you drive south.

(Via S. Carpoforo, 6, 20121, Brera)