Vintage clothing, second-hand items and emerging brands. Here are 8 markets to do
some sustainable and original shopping.
Have you always been intrigued by antiques markets but have never found the right opportunity? Among these stalls it will be difficult not to fall in love with some vintage or alternative style clothing, objects that tell ancient stories or collectibles that cannot be found elsewhere. These 8 addresses contain history and avant-garde, with antiques and products of emerging artisans, combining the love for vintage and originality, in the name of sustainability.
NAVIGLI ANTIQUE MARKET
Alzaia Naviglio Grande
The last Sunday of each month (to see the calendar click here the Naviglio Grande is filled with stalls, where you can find antiques, furniture, clothes and collectibles. On a path of almost two kilometres, the market hosts every month more than 380 exhibitors who are carefully selected at each edition, in order to guarantee a high quality of the products. With a view of the oldest canal in Milan, you can enjoy the walk slowly, jumping from one stall to another to find the best item to take home. Access to the market is free, with hours ranging from 8.30am to 6.30pm.
EAST MARKET
Via Mecenate, 88/A
One Sunday a month, the most famous market in Milan comes to life. The East Market hosts in its 6000m 2 over 300 exhibitors from all over Italy to sell and exchange vintage, design, furniture and second-hand items. Here the atmosphere lights up thanks to the liveliness of the traders and the scents of the dining area. Among the typical street food trucks you can find delicacies from every corner of the world, to enjoy an afternoon in good company. At the entrance, a ticket is required (available online from the official website) of € 5, which however entitles you to a € 2 discount on the first drink. The market is also present in Milan permanently in via Ramazzini, where some of the items featured at the monthly event are sold.
WUNDER MRKT
Different Location
This is not just any market, in fact it is more a cultural event where you can discover the treasures of the territory, among local artisans and locations in evolving neighbourhoods. The mission of the Wunder Mrkt is, in fact, to rediscover the wonders of the Italian cultural heritage, converging craftsmanship and sustainability. Here you can find second-hand pieces that have been given new life, or original creations by skilled creatives. Added to this is the role of artists who know how toentertain all ages and the wide choice of special foods and drinks. You can consult the calendar of events on the official website; admission is free, allowing everyone to discover creations and fun from morning to evening.
SINIGAGLIA FAIR
Ripa di Porta Ticinese
This flea market is held every Saturday from 8am to 6pm in the historic center and is the oldest in Milan. Its origins, in fact, date back to 1800 when sellers of used objects exhibited the goods in different places, but always in the surroundings of the Darsena. Here you can really find everything and more, among collectors of objects and second-hand it is difficult to get bored. The stalls can hide some treasure and if you look carefully you can bring home some unobtainable objects. It will be difficult to find such a strong contrast anywhere else between the ancient of the goods on display and the modern outline of a city like Milan.
BRERA MARKET
Via Fiori Chiari, Via Madonnina e Via Formentini
Since its inception in 1981, the market takes place in the heart of the romantic Brera every third Sunday of the month. Here you can find porcelain, books, jewellery, clothes and antique furniture, all in perfect condition, from the hands of collectors, artisans and restorers to the well-assorted stalls of the cobbled streets. From 9am to 6pm, with free admission, the market entertains passers-by, and then leaves room for the evening lights coming from the shops in the historic buildings.
REMIRA MARKET
Via Luigi Nono 9
Hidden in a garden, a few steps from the China Town district, this market hosts collectors and small traders who display all kinds of merchandise. With the motto "reuse & dig" it wants to support the protection of the environment and the reduction of waste through the reuse of objects in good condition. In addition to shopping, conferences and workshops are organized at the market to discuss issues related to a sustainable lifestyle. Every second and fourth Sunday of the month and with free access, vintage enthusiasts and onlookers are invited to wander among the stalls from 5pm until sunset. More information can be found on the official website.
VINOKILO
Central Station
With a format now widespread throughout Europe, this vintage market also arrives in Milan. With a full calendar of events around Italy, the stop in the city is not lacking. To consult the dates it is advisable to visit the official website. Here you can buy vintage clothing, paying a fixed price per kilo (€ 45/kg). In fact, a cloth bag will be delivered at the entrance to be filled with purchases, and then go to the cash desk to weigh the goods. In addition to the stalls, the event also features a DJ set, talk shows, performances and the inevitable gastronomic tastings.
CHEZ BABETTE
Autofficina ferrante Vito - Via Wildt, 2
Once a month (the dates are always updated on the official website) this garage comes alive, leaving room for a lively market. This space becomes a showcase for small emerging brands and collectors of vintage items that exhibit the goods following the philosophy of sustainability and Slow Fashion. Here, admission is free, with the possibility of purchasing a VIP pass that entitles you to priority access at the price of € 3 per person.
Now you just have to go digging in the mountains of clothes to find the right opportunity. Among the old objects and the new creations of the artisans you will surely find hidden treasures that will be impossible to resist. The of the pieces that can be found in these markets will make your curiosity grow while waiting for the next event. If you know of other vintage events and markets, we invite you to share them in the comments below, while we are waiting for you with other tips on Milan.
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