As one of the indisputable fashion capitals of the world, Milan sits alongside London, New York, and Paris in the runway calendar. However, Milan’s style prowess isn’t limited to when fashion week descends on the city. The Italian capital is home to great style year round, with its streets laden with elegantly dressed locals no matter the season. While the city is in no shortage of luxury maisons and local boutiques alike, its enviable street style often trickles down into the best vintage shops in Milan.
From souk-style markets where vintage gems are hidden in plain sight to meticulously curated designer finds simply waiting to be given a second life, these are the best places for vintage and secondhand shopping in Milan.
1. Cavalli e Nastri
A Milanese institution, stepping into Cavalli e Nastri is like being transported into the walk-in wardrobe of an old Hollywood starlet. A haven for vintage lovers, Cavalli e Nastri in Via Mora spans meticulously curated menswear and womenswear; think Dolce & Gabbana suits, Hermès silk ties, Barbour jackets, and Jean Paul Gaultier dresses. Meanwhile, the Brera location is laden with designer gems from the 1950s to 2000 — think Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Prada, and Armani aplenty. Best for premium authenticated vintage designer products, Cavalli e Nastri is ideally suited to those who have some idea of what they want and prefer a more curated selection. While more affordable (and infinitely more sustainable) than buying new, price tags are still relatively high here making it well-suited to those with a generous budget.
Address: Via Gian Giacomo Mora, 3 & 12, Milano OR Via Brera, 2, Milano
2. Bivio
Promoting a circular fashion economy, Bivio employs the ever-popular buy-sell-trade format, purchasing clothes directly from its customers in exchange for cash payment or store vouchers. One of the best vintage shops in Milan, Bivio has a wide range of pre-loved pieces, running the gamut from unsigned silk shirts and mall-brand clothing to last season Gucci and Marni. The eclectic mix of designer and generic branded clothing in Bivio makes it akin to a treasure hunt, making it possible—if you’re willing to dedicate some time and effort—to finding a diamond (or designer) in the rough.
Address: Via Lambro 12, Milano OR Via Gian Giacomo Mora 4, Milano
3. Lesley Luxury Vintage
While Lesley Luxury Vintage has sadly closed its Milanese outpost, it still has two bricks and mortar stores in Rome, as well as a fairly hefty online selection. Like Cavalli e Nastri, designer pieces at Lesley Luxury Vintage are authenticated, making it easier to shop with peace of mind. Spanning local and overseas luxury fashion houses, Lesley Luxury Vintage has a vast range of pre-loved ready-to-wear, shoes, bags, and accessories — current online highlights include a turquoise Versace coat with a pink faux fur trim and a Chanel tweed sheath dress. The size range is also one of the most inclusive of the bunch, with larger sizes regularly sourced.
Address: Via Vittoria 27, 00187 Roma OR Via Lombardia, 38C, 00187 Roma
4. Madame Pauline
Lauded designers and lesser-known labels sit side-by-side at Madame Pauline, a true vintage lover’s haven. Blending Parisian and Milanese design codes, the colourful yet elegant interiors serve as a backdrop for eclectic patterns, unique finds, and classic pieces alike. Expat to see everything from Chanel tweed jackets, Prada dresses, and Yves Saint Laurent skirt sutis to unsigned skirts and upcycled silk shirts made of ties. The unsigned and upcycled pieces in particular serve as an opportunity to snap up something nobody else will be wearing; with these garments letting their idiosyncratic designs and louche fabrics do the talking.
Address: Foro Buonaparte, 74, 20121 Milano
5. Foto Veneta Ottica
Something a little different. While there are numerous options for prescription glasses wearers, they can start looking a bit repetitive. Dating back to the 1930s, family-run business Foto Veneta Ottica is something of a cross between a shop and an archive, with a plethora of vintage eyeglasses, cameras, and binoculars on display. Archival and out-of-production frames available for purchase include Dior, Armani, Fakfarer, and several under-the-radar brands or unsigned designs. Designs are grouped by shape (square, cat eye, round etc.), making it easy to navigate and find your perfect pair. A one of a kind store, Foto Veneta Ottica is visited by stylists, entertainers (Elton John among them), and designers alike — it’s where the costumers for the House of Gucci sourced their frames from! Specsavers will never look the same again.
Address: Via Torino, 57, 20123 Milano
6. Moscova District Market
This private members-only club allows you to shop pre-loved authenticated luxury designer brands at heavily discounted prices (from 50% to 90% off); customers simply need to register their interest on the store’s website to secure an appointment at the physical store. Expect to see the likes of Off-White, Bottega Veneta, Givenchy, Gucci, Balenciaga, and Zimmermann on the shelves. The outpost is conveniently located atop the beautiful restaurant Cortile Flora, which makes for the ideal location for enjoying a post-shop cocktail.
Address: Via Alessandro Volta, 7A, 20121 Milano
7. Mania Vintage
This minuscule boutique houses a treasure trove of vintage jewellery and handbags from some of the best-loved luxury fashion houses. All pieces are authenticated; a must when you’re browsing the likes of Hermès Birkins and Kellys, as well as archival Dior, Chanel, and Gucci.
Address: Via Fratelli Bronzetti, 11, 20129 Milano
8. Vesto Milano
Like Bivio, Vesto Milano operates using a buy-sell-trade model. Specialising in high-end menswear and womenswear, the range is varied and the prices are reasonable. Current stock includes Roberto Cavalli, Stella McCartney, and Prada ready-to-wear, and handbags from Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Fendi.
Address: Via Medici, 15, 20123 Milano
9. Lambrate Vintage
Those desirous of idiosyncratic vintage finds need look no further than Lambrate Vintage. Expect to see pieces from the 1920s to ‘80s and artfully arranged alongside contemporary designer finds. Curated by owner Cecilia, who is a go-to for fashion research by many renowned designers, Lambrate Vintage is laden with eclectic pieces.
Address: Via Conte Rosso, 22, 20134 Milano
10. East Market Milano
While not technically a dedicated vintage store, East Market Milano is well worth a mention. Founded in 2014, the souk-style bazaar is teaming with individual stalls, many of them selling vintage and pre-loved wares. Taking place within a former aircraft factory, the expansive space plays host to over 300 exhibitors (with food stalls and DJ sets making it possible to wile away the entire day) selling vintage, antique, and pre-loved garments, sneakers, home decor, records, and curiosos. East Market trades every so often, with tickets priced at €5 and available via the dedicated website.
Address: Via Mecenate 88/A, Milano
Words by Henry Blake
