Milan Fashion Hunt At The City's Best Consignment Spots
Some people say that there is nothing to do in Milan. I argue they just don’t know where to look.
While the city may not have the ancient ruins of Rome or the canals of Venice, Milan offers shopping like no other. Given it is one of the "Big 4" fashion capitals, I have found the city to be particularly valuable for its selection of thrift, outlet and consignment shops. From someone who has historically been against thrifting in other cities due to the disorganization that comes with the territory, I have found the shopping experience in Milan overall to be very enjoyable. There is a thrill in finding a designer piece or a one-of-a-kind treasure for a fraction of retail price.
Today, my goal was simple: to find the perfect fall jacket. So, I visited a couple of my favorite spots and even added a new chain to the mix!
1. DMAG: Designer Deals To Die For
As with most shopping trips, my day started off at the designer outlet store DMAG.
The Inventory: Expect contemporary fashion from top designers ranging from Prada to Vivienne Westwood to Palm Angels.
The Vibe: Think of the store as your local library—it is efficiently organized in alphabetical order by designer. The setup might not be the most awe-inspiring, but it does make shopping easier if you have a preference for specific labels. What I also appreciate is that they often have sizing options available for individual pieces, which is a big plus that outlets generally offer.
Locations: DMAG has three stores throughout the city: Porta Genova, Quadrilatero Della Moda, and Borgonuovo. They offer both men's and women's designer fashion.
The Price: $$$-$$$$
2. Cavalli e Nastri: Vintage Holy Grail
This place is my holy grail. Cavalli e Nastri is not just a shop; it’s a beautifully curated vintage experience.
The Inventory: Cavalli & Nastri carries incredible vintage designer pieces ranging from Etro to Gianfranco Ferre to Emilio Pucci.
The Vibe: What I love most about this store is the set up—the racks are organized by color which creates a visually pleasing and surprisingly efficient way to shop. If I could, I would sit in there all day on one of the couches and just enjoy the ambiance.
Locations: There are two locations in Milan for women's clothing (Mora and Brera). There is also a second Mora location dedicated solely to Men's fashion.
The Price Tag: $$$-$$$$
3. Bivio Milano: The Mix-and-Match Marvel
I have seen Bivio a few times on my way to Cavalli e Nastri, but today I decided to go inside for the first time. The view of the store from outside does not reveal much so I did not know what to expect, but I was not disappointed. In fact, I had to stop myself from buying more than I originally went in there for.
The Inventory: Mix of designer (e.g. Giorgio Armani), high street (e.g. Sandro Paris), contemporary and vintage fashion. There is truly something in these stores for everyone.
Locations: Bivio has three locations throughout the city: Lodi, Mora, and Lambro.
The Vibe: Stores are all organized by clothing type. Out of all the locations, Lodi is the most inviting as it has couches and mirrors to make the shopping experience a social one.
The Price: $$-$$$$
Mission Complete:
Luckily for me, the Bivio Lodi shop just what I was looking for. I left with not one, but two coats! My mission was accomplished—and then some:
Long 100% Wool Max Mara Coat: This beautiful coat ties around the waist and was exactly what I had in mind throughout the day. I felt lucky to find one that was in my size!
Knee-Length Pleather Jacket: I saw this one on the rack and after trying it on, I fell in love. The buttons and silhouette are sophisticated, while the pleather gives it an edgy, modern vibe.
The journey proved once again that Milan is a treasure trove for anyone who loves fashion, especially those who appreciate the hunt for high-quality second-hand and vintage pieces. There is always something to do in Milan, and for me, shopping is only the start.