The city of Milan is known for both its haute couture and haute lifestyle. Little surprise, really, considering it’s home to luxury brands like Armani, Prada, and Versace. Indeed, a stroll along the luxury avenue of Montenapoleone, which stays abuzz all year round with affluent shopping tourists from all across the world, is testamant to the power of retail therapy in shaping an economy. Style is synonymous with Milan and people-watching in between sips of Negroni at the Hotel Principe di Savoia, over aperitifs at the Armani Hotel or the Four Seasons or while enjoying the most delicious risotto at the Mandarin Oriental, all of which are as integral to visiting Milan as a night at La Scala.

However, what one might not know is that as a result of housing these major labels, the city holds some of the best hidden spots for vintage and pre-owned luxury shopping. From sold-out 1960s Dior hats to 2017 Balenciaga sneakers, many exclusive items can still be found in little boutiques not far from the city’s centre.

A 10-minute walk from the city’s main attraction, the Duomo, reveals one of the main squares for this deluxe pastime on the avenue of Via Gian Giacomo Mora.

There you’ll find several outlets including Bivio Milan, whose concept is about giving clothes a second chance. You’re likely to find pieces here, SO kids you not, that are straight from the runways within the span of the last decade. Prada, Gucci, Balenciaga, Hermès, all the luxury brands you can think of at majorly discounted prices.

Further down the road is a colour-coded storefront of vintage haute couture atelier Cavalli E Nastri. Here you’ll find accessories and clothing from the 1920s to the 1980s. Think: rare pieces from Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, etc, that are absolute steals considering they are some of the only editions left in the market. Directly across from the main women’s store, you’ll also find its male branch which has an exceptional selection of rare ties and suspenders.

These are just two of the handful of spots to shop. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting town during the third Sunday of the month, you might be able to catch the prominent Vintage East Market, only a few doors down from Gucci’s Milan headquarters. The East Market features a selection of vendors selling not only vintage apparel, but jewellery, books, furniture, video games and other odds and ends.

Reason enough, we reckon, not only to drink more Campari but also each year to enjoy our #campari diaries.

Special thanks to SO alum Jordan Anderson.