Trastevere & Gianicolo
Mother-daughter duo Ileana and Eleonora Ottini prove creativity is inherited at their quirky boutique. Unconventional statement pieces include punchy silk…
Must-see shopping in Italy
Duomo & San Babila
This store is a temple for streetwear lovers started by a group of self-confessed sneaker freaks. A curated wall of sneakers goes all the way up to its…
Milan
On trend as ever, Premiata's flagship store is designed by Vincenzo de Cotiis. The contemporary interiors provide a backdrop for this historic Marche…
Duomo & San Babila
Stocked with irresistible gadgets and great accessories for the bathroom, kitchen and office, this family-owned design store is a one-stop shop for funky…
Milan
Claudia Jesi turns her expert eye to vintage menswear in this outpost of Cavalli e Nastri. Expect to find a large selection of tailored suits, boldly…
Santa Croce
From a tiny bottega (workshop) overlooking Piazza dei Ciompi, Fabio Figus handcrafts items from olive wood that will jazz up any kitchen, from pepper…
Milan
Slowear takes its cue from the Slow Food philosophy and markets an ethical stable of menswear labels (Incotex, Zanone) that fit a wearable, timeless and…
Boboli & San Miniato al Monte
Duck into this old-fashioned atelier to watch revered Florentine goldsmith Marco Baroni at work. Using all types of gold as well as iron, he crafts…
Milan
Casadei's signature shoe is called the 'Blade', a dangerous looking steel-heeled beauty in candy colours: lime green, lemon and orange. Milanese girls…
Oltrarno
Florence resident since the '80s, British-born Jane Harman is an antiques restorer with more than 30 years' experience. She's opened this quaint store by…
Milan
This is where the hip and affluent crowd of Milan go to maintain their on-trend wardrobes. It has an eclectic selection that mixes up avant-garde,…
Venice
Mori & Bozzi has been a beacon of light for Venetian shoe lovers for decades. Its fantastic collection of high-quality, funky footwear includes brands…
Corso Magenta & Sant'Ambrogio
A treasure trove of vintage posters, fine-art prints, playbills and photographs, Galleria L'Affiche has a cult following and loyal stable of artists who…
Milan
Direct from Tokyo comes Milan’s one and only Japanese concept space. Combining a sleek cafe with a homewares and design shop, a co-working area and a…
Milan
Billed as a creative lab for emerging designers, Stiù stocks shoes that are often bold and always on trend. Along with the likes of Swedish Vagabond and…
Murano, Burano & the Northern Islands
Even if you don't have the cash to buy a Venini, pop into this gallery to see Murano glass at its finest. Of the big houses, Venini remains the most chic,…
Duomo & San Babila
Ever dreamed of being in the shoes of a dancer at La Scala? Now you can (literally). This historic shop has been providing ballet dancers from all over…
Milan
With two nimble-fingered seamstresses for grandmothers, it's unsurprising that Sara Scaramuzza’s fashion and homewares showroom is full of colourful,…
Milan
A firm favourite with fashionistas on a budget, Mauro Leone's handmade-in-Italy footwear offers style for between €50 and €80 per pair. Pick from a range…
San Giovanni & Testaccio
Occupying a modern, purpose-built site, Testaccio's neighbourhood market hums with activity as locals go about their daily shopping, picking, prodding and…
Milan
Given you usually have to schlep out of town for deeply discounted designer threads, what’s up with this oddly central outlet? Yes, all the major labels…
Monti, Esquilino & San Lorenzo
This clothing store in Monti is run by the startlingly talented Eugenia Barbati, who graduated from fashion school and promptly opened up her own place…
Corso Magenta & Sant'Ambrogio
The science museum's concept shop is the place to go for science-inspired books, design items, tech gadgets and mind-boggling games. Inspire the little…
Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale
A stiletto strut from the Spanish Steps, the boutique of this well-established Roman fashion designer unfolds over three floors. Inside, ethnic-inspired…
Venice
This delicatessen-cum-corner shop is a godsend if you are looking for picnic fodder or want to buy some gastronomic gifts to take home. While De Rossi…
Santa Croce
Set up by three friends with a focus on fashion accessories and jewellery, this quaint boutique displays many of the clutches, bags and backpacks created…
San Giovanni & Testaccio
One of Rome's best-stocked secondhand and vintage clothes stores. There's a definite rocker theme to the stock, which includes endless racks of leather…
Trastevere & Gianicolo
For buttery leather bags, purses and accessories at a reasonable price, those in the know head to this Trastevere boutique. Browse slouchy bag styles in…
Duomo & Piazza della Signoria
A wonderland of leather and other luxe items, all beautifully crafted in Italy. Bags are made of naturally tanned leather, and clothing is of the finest…
Venice
Fiorella has been pioneering rebel couture since 1968 but you'll need a rock-star budget to afford one of her silk-velvet smoking jackets in louche…
Milan
The grim basement courtyard of Il Salvagente gives scant indication of the upmarket brands inside. Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli and Alberta Ferretti…
Boboli & San Miniato al Monte
Peek into Erin Ciulla’s workshop for a contemporary insight into traditional Florentine bookbinding. Among the treasure trove of gifts to buy are hand…
Milan
Owned by a former skateboarder, this independent clothing store has a clean minimal style that walks the line between elegant and street. Its curated…
Centro Storico
This luxury eyewear boutique has plenty of specs appeal: bold and unexpected designs from up-and-coming and indie designers such as Chrome Hearts, Katsura…
Oltrarno
This fragrance store by Ponte Vecchio offers a colourful collection of soaps, perfumes and room scents inspired by Sicily and its native plants. Owner Sue…
Duomo & San Babila
Leather gloves come in a huge range of styles, every colour of the rainbow and a choice of luxury linings (silk, cashmere, lapin). They have a full range…
Boboli & San Miniato al Monte
The showroom for this Tuscan linen house, creator of fine textiles since 1842, is tucked within a decorative side room in medieval San Niccolò Sopr'Arno…
Venice
A long-time favourite of Venetian fashion aficionados, Kirikù is a purveyor of affordable high-end pieces in sumptuous fabrics, as well as footwear and…
Santa Croce
A leather and jewellery emporium hidden in stunning Palazzo Tornaquinci della Stufa, tucked neatly near Museo del Bargello. Leather goods take centre…
Oltrarno
Peruse this Arezzo-born designer's quaint boutique for unique artisan purchases and retro-style clothing and accessories. Notebooks covered in wallpaper…
