Giorgio Armani
Stylishly cool service for one of Italy’s top names. Emporio Armani branch (Via del Babuino 140) sells the designer’s couture line at lower prices. The lowest-end line, Armani Jeans, is at Via del Babuino 70A.
Via dei Condotti 77
Prada
The most highly priced of the top Italian designers. A Milan fashion house making minimalist, slightly retro clothing.
Via dei Condotti 92–5
Gucci
The Florentine saddle-maker turned his leather-working skills into one of Italy’s early fashion successes. The era of ostentatious interlocking “G’s” on everything is over, but the accessories are still top notch.
Via dei Condotti 8
Valentino
Boutique for the prêt-à-porter collection of this native Roman designer in the top echelon of fashion since Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn donned his clothes in the 1960s.
Via del Babuino 61
Ferragamo
The shoemaker to the stars during Hollywood’s Golden Age of the 1950s hasn’t lost its touch, but it now mass-produces styles rather than creating unique works.
Via dei Condotti 73–4
Gianni Versace
The house of the late fashion designer never compromises the clothing’s flamboyant cuts and garish use of colour.
Via Bocca di Leone 27
Fausto Santini
Gorgeous, classically styled shoes at stratospheric prices.
Via Frattina 120
Fendi
Five sisters founded this Roman fashion empire from their parents’ workshop and reign over Italy’s rage for furs.
Largo Goldoni 420
Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti
Well-cut women’s clothing that is feminine yet powerful and modern.
Via Condotti 34
Laura Biagiotti
Designer who has made stylish fashions for women since 1972. In menswear, she uses the soft wool that has earned her the moniker “Queen of Cashmere”.
Via Borgognona 43–4
Il Discount dell’Alta Moda
This stock house sells mostly men’s and women’s clothing, plus accessories. The staff are genuinely helpful. There are discounts of up to 50 per cent on Versace, Donna Karan, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and more.
Via di Gesù e Maria 14–16A
Firmastock
Small, eclectic collection of designer men’s and women’s suits, dresses, coats and shoes at up to 50–70 per cent off the usual retail prices.
Via delle Carrozze 18
Buccone
Historic wine shop with a vast selection and excellent prices. Speciality Italian foods are on sale as well.
Via di Ripetta 19–20
Enigma
Owned by Bulgari, this intriguing shop sells a highly exclusive line of watches and jewellery.
Via Margutta 61
Vertecchi
The queen of Rome’s stationery stores, with hundreds of types of pens (the fancier ones are sold next door at No. 72), thousands of notebooks, and the very best in art supplies.
Via della Croce 70
C.U.C.I.N.A.
The motto of this shop, carrying the best in minimalist kitchenware, is “How a kitchen inspires new appetites”.
Via Mario de’ Fiori 65
Messaggerie Musicali
Huge, ultra-modern music store with dozens of listening stations so you can better select your choice of cassettes and CDs. Tastes range from Italian pop to classic opera.
Via del Corso 472
Tebro
Founded in 1867, this department store specialises in luxury bed linens, towels and lingerie. A made-to-measure service is also available.
Via dei Prefetti 46–54
Remainders
Does exactly what the name says: sells overstock books at up to 50 per cent off their original price, including lots of luxurious art catalogues and coffee table tomes.
Piazza S Silvestro 27–8
Cravatterie Nazionali
Beautiful ties from Valentino, Gigli, Givenchy, Zenga, Gucci and Les Copains at reasonable (for designer) prices and all in one spot.
Via Vittoria 62
