Hunter, Desii, Tartan: Florence’s surprising range of vintage
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Florence is a surprisingly good city for shopping, quite apart from any menswear shows that happen to be going on.
It’s always been a hub for craft, and even in the city centre you’ll often walk past a little workshop with someone restoring antique furniture, doing some engraving or demonstrating traditional marbling.
In fact it’s one of the most surprising things about Florence - that despite the fact it’s barely more than a small town, and absolutely flooded with American tourists much of the year, it still retains a this character. It has (so far) resisted becoming overwhelmed in the same way as Venice.
There are a lot of cheap leather shops, of course, selling Chinese-made bags. But it’s not too hard to spot places with genuine craft going on, and indeed to spend an hour learning how to do engraving or marbling.
Out of season, I’d recommend it as a holiday destination for this craft, alongside the art, history and food.
I’ve written a list of shopping recommendations in Florence before - you can see it here, part of the travel series that eventually became a book I published with Thames & Hudson.
But I didn’t include any vintage shops back then, because I simply hadn’t visited any. Since then I’ve spent time in a few, so I thought it was worth adding those, in particular the collection of Tommy at Hunter Vintage and the confusing double shop that is Desii.
Hunter Vintage
Via del Moro, 56
During the various Pitti fairs (there are equivalents for women, children and materials - baby influencers anyone?) there is a slightly odd installation on the corner of Santa Maria Novella square.
The antiques shop Bottega di Corte invites in a few local stores, including men’s and women’s vintage clothing. As a result, you’ll often walk past and see something odd and attention-grabbing in the doorway, like a bishop’s cassock or a full WWI uniform.
The menswear in there is contributed by Tommy Pampaloni of Hunter Vintage (above), who also has a small showroom around the corner on Via del Moro. During a show, this is closed but it’s worth asking him if you can go round and see the dedicated shop. At other times, just go see the shop itself.
Tommy’s great-grandfather was a legendary car collector, and the family has hundreds of cars and motorbikes in the countryside out of town. Many of the cars have been used in Hollywood movies.
Tommy was the one who had a passion for menswear, and started Hunter. He has a great range, though it’s fair to say it focuses on the more unusual, the historical or inspirational (unlike Desii).
So there will be a pair of beautiful leather pilot’s trousers - largely useless for wearing today, but great inspiration for a modern designer. Or a first pattern US Army shirt, which is rare and beautiful and very beaten - perfectly wearable, but delicate and not one for the long haul.
There are more regular pieces too - field jackets, Harringtons, duffle coats - but I’d still say this is a place to go with a mind open to any inspiration, rather than in search of something particular.
I almost bought a 1930s German horsehide jacket (below) because the fit was so good and the patina amazing. But on reflection there were no times I would have preferred to wear it rather than my existing black horsehide.
Desii Vintage
Via de Conti 17-23
Desii is a Florentine institution, having started as a shop in 1947 and gone through various incarnations and three different generations.
Today there are four shops: new clothing (Desii Store) a sale shop (Desii Ognissanti) and two vintage shops next to each other (Desii Vintage).
The vintage shops do sell some new clothing as well (mostly American, mostly workwear) which is where the confusion can start. But it’s mostly vintage from a wide time range - 1940s military to 1990s streetwear.
The smaller of the two vintage shops (on the right as you look at them from Via de Conti) is just menswear, and is the place to start. The impressive thing is the amount of stock - if you want jungle jackets, you’ll find eight or ten, rather than one or two. There’s a stack of American-made chinos from the 1960s to the 1980s; rayon shirts in various sizes and styles; canvas jackets from very wide fishing designs to longer chores.
It’s the best place to go if you’re after something particular. I was interested in a rayon shirt, for example, and old chinos. I didn’t find either, but there was a better selection than I’d seen almost anywhere else. I still can’t believe there isn’t anywhere like this in London any more.
The bigger shop, on the left, is a mishmash.
It’s theoretically new clothing and womenswear, but there are vintage jeans, chinos and military clothing in there as well. It’s worth browsing both if, again, you’re seeking something in particular.
It’s also very good for luxury brands - Vuitton holdalls, Gucci loafers, Hermes scarves and so on. All genuine and reasonably priced.
There isn’t much I’d buy from a selection like this, but one thing I’m always interested in is Hermes menswear (and scarves for either gender). It was here that I found an absolute treasure - a yellow suede popover jacket from the 1970s. Only gently worn, in the most delicate goatskin. Even the old label was beautiful.
Tartan Vintage
Via dei Palchetti, 5
Tartan is tiny, and rammed. Run by a charming lady who’s obsessed with the UK, it’s nearly all British or British-inspired clothing. The Beatles, The Stones or Oasis will usually be playing.
Being so British-focused is actually a nice change from the American military and workwear angle of most vintage stores. It means you get a lot of tweed raglan coats, Aquascutum raincoats, flat caps and knit ties. There are braces and straw boaters, silk cravats and spectator shoes.
It’s slightly more modern, in that you won’t find much before the 1960s, but the quality level is decent and the owner is always very helpful (and speaks good English, as you might expect). I got a couple of belts there a while ago - the intricate one featured here, and a simple webbing one.
There was nothing special about the latter, but it was as good quality as you’d find today from Drake’s, Anglo etc, and a lot more attractive for having the patina of wear. Tarnished brass, variegated cognac leather, dulled webbing colours. That style of belt always looks a little old-fashioned to me when new.
There is a handful of other vintage stores around Florence, but they’re much more modern - more thrift, more streetwear. If you’re interested in those, then Epoca on Via de Fossi is one of the best.
Interestingly, the WP store on Via della Vigna Nuova has also recently introduced a vintage section. WP is the Italian distributor for several menswear brands (including Filson, as discussed recently), and was the first to bring many American heritage companies to Italy in the 1980s. There are seven stores around Italy.
During Pitti, to celebrate the company’s 40th anniversary, they had a small display of vintage pieces from their archive, and a section for sale at the back of the store. It was expensive, but also highly curated.
Lots of quality vintage menswear in Florence – thank you for sharing. If faced with such unique temptations, I’m thankful for my small closet which is already pared down thanks to this website.
Such as your contemplation with the 1930s German horsehide jacket. It’s one new piece in – and one existing piece out. And that existing piece was carefully planned and crafted.
Hi Robert, I agree. I’m trying hard on the one in one out approach. Similarly with horsehide jacket, my wife always thinks through what is the ‘slot’ for wearing an item and would I reach for that one first and instead of what else. It may sometimes feel like over thinking it, but I have noticed a reduction in my wardrobe, with really no loss on main options and a just few good quality items with (hopefully!) longevity, purchased in the last few years. BTW Marrkt.com is a great outlet for the ‘out’ items.
Thanks Simon for such informative and unbiased articles, that describe what you don’t by as well as what you do and why. Rather than the influences just pushing product.
All the Best.
I sold a PWVC suede jacket through markkt.com months ago and still haven’t been paid. Just a warning for other people.
So markkt.com has a mediator entity that is supposed to ensure both item and funds are released to the opposite parties at approximately the same time?
I don’t think that’s the case Robert – it’s pretty standard for there to be a delay between items being sold and fees being paid out, because some are always returned. If there wasn’t, the website would then have to take money back from you. Not to defend Marrkt’s timelines or lack of communication, but that’s how many places work.
I wasn’t aware of these shops. After the tourists leave and the temperature drops below the boiling point of mercury, I’ll be on the train up from Rome.
Nice. Enjoy
Oh, and there is also a separate article on Florence shopping generally here. You probably know them all, but just in case
I do enjoy this series. With travel opening up again,Simon, would you, for vintage clothing, suggest a trip to Florence above Paris?
No, probably not. Le Vif is still my favourite vintage store anywhere. And try to time your trip to go to a big flea market as well
It’s abnormal for me to post a comment, but it seems odd to call out American travelers to Florence since, by definition, all non-residents are visitors. Americans aren’t the largest cohort, as there are slightly more than twice as many Germans tourists as Americans. English guests are nearly equal to Americans, in fourth place.
As a Venetian resident, I know that day tourists overrun the city. However, there is no lack of artisan craft in the city. One must stray off the beaten path to find the best places.
Hi Terry,
My apologies if that’s the case – Florence always seems to be flooded with Americans when I’m there, and I’m not sure I’ve met a single German. In particular, there is a large number of American students there at art schools for a few weeks as well.
I’d love to hear some recommendations on Venetian craft if you have them – just a handful of the kind where the work can be seen and appreciated in that way.
Thank you
I am very sure that there are many more Germans than Americans in Tuscany in the summer. However, many Germans (certainly Austrians) avoid going to Florence at that time to avoid the unbearable summer heat and the masses of (also American) tourists. We – and many of our friends – do Italian city trips rather at Easter or late fall because it is so easy to get there from Austria or southern Germany. My best trip to Venice was actually on the 1-4 January a few years back…. my wife and I felt nearly alone. That is of course not an option for Americans doing their big summer trip through Europe.
Calm down man. It’s a turn of phrase used forever. I’m American and not offended by it.
That is because Americans are often much louder than Europeans most of the time and are thus remarked more easily – even if less numerous. It is a cultural difference, probably worsened by the fact that the less educated Europeans have the similar behaviour.
Please post a picture of the yellow Hermes popover!
Will do soon…
One might have to reflect soulfully and think about provenance before buying a black leather jacket from 1930s Germany — especially given the use to which the regime of that time and place applied that very aesthetic.
Thank you. Yes, that was a consideration. I was assured this was a civilian piece and not connected to the military or indeed government work
This type of leather jacket was produced by HUGO BOSS in Metzingen, Germany. No connection to the Third Reich whatosever. Lovely piece!
Please read up on Hugo Boss Company. No connection whatsoever seems definitely wrong.
“Hugo Ferdinand Boss (8 July 1885 – 9 August 1948)[1] was a German fashion designer and businessman. He was the founder of the fashion house Hugo Boss AG. He was an active member of the Nazi Party from 1931, and remained so until Nazi Germany’s capitulation. His clothing company also utilized forced labour drawn from German-occupied territories and POW camps, to manufacture uniforms for the SS and later the Wehrmacht.”
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo_Boss_(fashion_designer)
Really useful article as always, Simon. It has given me some great ideas.
I wonder if you, or other readers could recommend high quality vintage shops in Rome?
Thanks
Zak
I was in Rome recently Zak, and had some streets recommended to me. I didn’t see any good older stock though, mostly more modern and more thrifty
Thanks, Simon.
I will be sure to leave a note in the comments if I happen to come across any shops that fit the bill.
Z
Hi Simon,
The off white trousers you are wearing in Florence, are they W bill Linen?
Thanks
Rupesh
Yes – though see notes on this piece on the outfit for what I think of it
Interesting, particularly about Tommy and his vintage ancestry, but vintage shoppers will find a much more indepth guide to Florence vintage menswear stores here: https://menswear-market.com/blog/florence-italy-vintage-shop-guide/
Thanks Roger, really helpful
You’ve been putting some wear on that charcoal (black?) finest polo and it looks really good in that color
Thanks – and yes charcoal