CivicoNove
CivicoNove gets its name from the address of Paolo Simonetta and Luca Lazzaro’s first store, which they opened in Paolo’s hometown of Vercelli, an hour’s drive west of Milan. Since they moved the store here, it’s become a beloved neighbourhood boutique with a loyal clientele. You come for the pair’s uncanny ability to find great pieces from brands that fly under the radar – such as Flower Mountain shoes and Salce 197, which makes beautiful, understated bags.
33 Via Bartolomeo Eustachi, 20129 Milan; civiconove.com
Wok
This handsome independent boutique in Navigli stocks a great selection of contemporary brands, among them Universal Works, YMC and Cordera. It recently opened another space, Wok Gallery on Via Lecco, where it puts on an amazing roster of fashion-related events, such as talks on sustainable design and “in conversation” sessions with designers from the team’s favourite brands.
5a Viale Col di Lana, 20136 Milan, and 20 Via Lecco, 20124 Milan; wok-store.com
Wait and See
Set in Milan’s 5 Vie neighbourhood, Wait and See is owned by Uberta Zambeletti, who is one of those women with an incredible sense of personal style: it’s not unusual to see her dressed in all kinds of stripes, patterns and colours, and perhaps a pair of silver boots. The store is an expression of her excellent taste and is always packed with things, but in a way that feels abundant rather than chaotic. You don’t need to have something in mind when you come here because you’re bound to find something you’ll like.
14 Via Santa Marta, 20123 Milan; waitandsee.it
Salvatore + Marie
The past 10 years or so have been tough for independent stores in Milan, with a lot of them closing, but the survivors have done so because they’re unique and have a kind of unwavering commitment to quality. Salvatore is Sardinian and Marie is Irish, and their shop is full of things you won’t get anywhere else: beautiful wool dresses, embroidered jackets, hand-painted mugs. A must-visit, it’s in the Naviglio neighbourhood.
33 Via Vigevano, 20144 Milan; @salvatoremarieshop
Antonia
In Milan, when it comes to fashion, Antonia Giacinti is the goddess, and Antonia is the tier-one independent store in the city. For all the city’s designers, it’s where they want to be because anything you do here will always come with a big splash. A second store opened in 2022. Both are extraordinary spaces, and the designers stocked run the gamut, from Akoni to Zegna.
5 Via Cusani, 20121 Milan, and 10 Via Sant’Andrea, 20121 Milan; antonia.it
Bivio
One of the oldest vintage stores in Milan, Bivio buys its merchandise from individuals and is very selective about what it stocks. It sells everything from denim jackets to cowboy hats, along with high-end pieces from big designers such as Prada and Gucci. It’s the kind of place where you might find a Loro Piana cashmere top for under €100. There are four stores around the city, two selling both menswear and womenswear, and two on Via Mora – one specialising in women’s fashion, the other in men’s.
4 Via Gian Giacomo Mora, 20123 Milan; biviomilano.it
David Annand is editorial director of Secret Trips
