Prada

Planning a trip to Rome? You might want to take a look at the addresses I’ve discovered in this truly magical city.

Trattoria Al Moro is a proper, Roman trattoria with wood panels from the 1920’s, a very Italian, beautifully overcharged interior, and a chic ambience. Their daily specials are always a must, just like the signature Al Moro pasta. For the dessert take the profiteroles. You will ask for more, I tell you.

Vicolo delle Bollette 13

Origami is the best kept secret of the most stylish, Roman women. This unfussy boutique sells clothes of own production – think turtleneck dresses in geometric prints, gorgeous basket totes, loosely fitted cardigans, everything kept shades of ochre, rust and lilac – in very reasonable, affordable prices. The historic, wooden ceiling is an impressive addition to this spot.

Via dei Banchi Vecchi 144

Dana is a store located in a former church. Even the confessional stayed, and now it’s used as a dressing room. We’re in Rome! Independent, small brands from Rome are sold here.

Via del Pellegrino 167

I bet you won’t eat a better pizza in Rome. Pizzeria Da Baffetto is a simple, compact white-tiled restaurant specializing in Roman-style, thin and crispy pizzas. They are so, so good in here. If you don’t want to wait in a line (and they get really big) better come for (early) lunch at around noon.

Via del Governo Vecchio 114

Laity Mbaye’s Metissage atelier. While this man will surely hypnotize you with his look that is a beautiful balance between Italian tailoring and Senegalese origins, please do check out the garments he designs himself and the hand-picked artisanal accessories he sells at his store.

Largo del Pallaro 18

Lou Lou sells curated, very refined brands that all share a poetic, dark aesthetic. Uma Wang, Reinhard Park, Guidi, Sara Lanzi are just some of the labels you will find on the racks of this eclectically furnished store. If you’re looking for a gift, check out their fragrance display filled with niche, Italian names that specialise in true, olfactory experiences.

Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 113

Oh, and Prada‘s huge store that’s just across the Spanish Steps. I mean, how can you not go inside? Some of the leather goods and perfumes are exclusives available only here in Rome.

Via dei Condotti 89

Photos by Edward Kanarecki.

What Prada’s autumn-winter 2019 was like? Rebellious and romantic, dark and light, aggressive and soft. An entire anatomy of feelings and moods, masterfully presented through fashion. Miuccia Prada sent down a line-up of big, heavy boots mixed with ultra-feminine touches, like draped silk roses stuck on skirts and bags, rich crystal embellishments and very sensual cuts that made each of the wool black dresses a true show-stopper. Just like in this season’s menswear, Prada featured Frankenstein-inspired prints (specifically the film still motif of Elsa Lanchester and Boris Karloff in the 1935 movie ‘The Bride of Frankenstein’) and following her current mood for cult horrors, some of the models had literal Wednesday Addams’ braids. There was the usual clash between utility (this time it felt even military, noting all of the khakis and uniform silhouettes) and delicacy (classical, black lace appeared dozens of times, whether layered on Prada’s signature nylon or as see-through knee-length skirts and dresses). Quite visibly, Miuccia’s woman is full of contrasts, just like each of the looks that went down the runway: there’s tenderness, there’s fragility, but there’s toughness and assertiveness. Mrs. Prada is a genius – but that fact is nothing new.