Rome- Monti Vintage Heaven

entrance to Mercatomonti 

When you move house, you clear out the old stuff, right?  

Unfortunately I made the mistake of  getting rid of a  half dozen handbags by stylist Roberta da Camerino  back in the  70s and now these handbags  sell for   400 euro each on ebay.

Another mistake was to rottamare my  32 yr. old  FIAT 500 (Roma D9 license plate) just before  the laws were changed, allowing them on the road as  Auto d’epoca or  vintage cars. 

So this time, I decided  to study up before releasing  a houseful  of inherited vintage clothing, furs and antiques. 

The first stop for vintage in Rome is  Monti, the area of Rome written about by  colleague Elizabeth Minchilli . 

 Mercato Monti, located in a hotel conference hall, on Via Leonina (Metro stop Cavour)  runs every weekend   (except in full summer) and hosts  about 30 sellers  with tables and  racks of quality artisans’ work, vintage clothing and objects.

Francesca's   design jewellery

Most of the sellers are Roman while others hail  from Naples and  Aquila. Tall willowy  Lisa from  Amsterdam specializes in long, floral dresses while  Francesca  creates unique jewelery and heart themed objects of art.

Vintagedalisa  is   on Facebook 

Melissa drives up from Naples each weekend with a cache of vintage clothing for men and women. Luxury brand shoes and bags  run  from  80  to 100 euro with sconti and bargaining being  part of the fun. 

Melissa's  vintage shoes 

My Rome based friends have suggested   other vintage places  in Rome, so next week  I’ll check on Borghetto Flaminio. 

80s jacket from Rome boutique 

Astrakhan  fur  coat 

 Another source to study  is "Lo Scopriocccasioni"  or  "Designer Bargains in Italy" guidebooks that have listed addresses for spending less for fashion in Italy since 1992.  

never worn Church loafers size  37 

Meanwhile my collection of 80s  boutique fashion is beginning to dwindle, thanks to fashion conscious friends who want to own a piece of the 1980s.  Feel free to share with friends who love vintage. More   photos of vintage fashion are available.