Destination Italy: A tried and tested guide to vintage shops in Milan

Discover Italian designers at a discount, from Miu Miu to Moschino. 

Milan is a city that turns heads. Italy’s fashion capital is one of the Big Four, meaning it sits alongside London, New York and Paris in the catwalk calendar. The city is home to the headquarters of Armani, Prada, Moschino, Valentino and Zenga. Over the years, it has been out with the new and in with the old, and vintage shopping has become, well, more fashionable.

Sarah Zarrillo runs the Vintage Shopping Tour. She explains: “I gave up my nine-to-five job and thought about how Milan was famous for fashion. I was inspired by my time in London, where vintage is popular. I didn’t want to do a regular shopping tour, so I created a vintage shopping tour.” If you’re tight on time, book a tour or head to Via Gian Giacomo Moro for stylish shops. Here are the best vintage shops in Milan. 

Bivio Milano

Bivio Milano boasts two vintage shops in Milan and both are located on Via Gian Giacomo Moro: one for men and one for women. Expect big brands at reduced prices, from a Louis Vuitton bag for €620 to a Versace jacket for €420. Look out for rare Hermes ties with unique numbers at the men’s store – the lower the number, the older the tie – and there was a 27 from the 1960s. Of all the vintage stores we visited, the women’s one was the busiest and felt like a cross between a sample sale and a market. The team pride themselves on quality control, and there are shoes with clean soles and in the original boxes. The process works on donations, and shoppers can get 30 per cent off the price or 50 per cent store credit. 

GO: Visit https://biviomilano.it for more information. 

Cavalli E Nastri 

At Cavalli E Nastri, it feels like you are stepping into the Golden Age of Hollywood and a starlet’s wardrobe. Everything oozes glamour, from the shimmering chandeliers to the glorious gowns. Open for 50 years, it was previously a car mechanic and even maintained the same doors. The venue is packed with personality, from the seasonally changing window displays to the gorgeous garden that hosts special events. The premium products include a Celine coat with the tag, and big brand after big brand – Chanel, Gucci, Prada and Valentino, anyone? The hat collection looks like it has ridden in straight from the races. The fun furniture, which ranges from soft sofas to floral-inspired lights, is also on sale. Plus, if you’re after something exclusive, items are available for rent. 

GO: Visit https://cavallienastri.com for more information. 

Foto Veneta Ottica

Foto Veneta Ottica is a sight to behold. Dating back to the 1930s, the family-run business is a cross between a shop and a museum. The shelves boast old binoculars, cameras and glasses. When House of Gucci was being filmed, they came to the family for frames. Elton John has donated glasses to the shop – including ones with windscreen wipers. Whether you’re after aviators, cat eye, rectangular or round glasses, there are shapes in different styles. The brands range from Dior to Karl Lagerfeld, and new glasses start from €150. It’s easily one of the most interesting vintage shops in Milan.

GO: Visit https://fotovenetaottica.com for more information. 

Humana People to People

Humana People to People has been saving the planet for over ten years. The company has been helping local communities around the world to live sustainable lives. The site has gone from a pizzeria to a store, and the collection includes men’s, women’s, and children’s clothes in various sizes. On our visit, we spotted a Betty Boop hat, Nike trainers, Zara dresses, racks and racks of denim, and sale items for €3 and under. The company also has stores in Milan, Rome and Turin.

GO: Visit https://raccoltavestiti.humanaitalia.org for more information. 

Humana Vintage

Humana Vintage boasts an industrial chic aesthetic, from grey walls to exposed piping. The muted tones let the clothes do the talking, which include rainbow arranged racks with everything from sixties prints to dark denim. The concept is carefully curated – we spotted scarves sitting in open drawers and floral curtains for the changing rooms. Look out for the black and white catwalk shows onscreen. The team don’t take itself too seriously, though – on our visit, we heard a bubble gum pop soundtrack with Shampoo’s Trouble. The shop accepts donations, but does not pay for contributions. 

GO: Visit https://humanavintage.it for more information. 

Vesto Milano

Vesto Milano is a sophisticated shop with high-end men’s and women’s wear. When you step in, you are struck by the glass floor, which looks down onto the lower ground floor and spectacular shoes. The tables are adorned with scarves from Alexander McQueen, Gucci and Hermes. The items include raincoats, furry coats and more. We spotted a dedicated rack Prada and Miu Miu, and furniture on sale. 

GO: Visit https://www.vestomilano.com for more information.