Mania Vintage: via Fratelli Bronzetti, number 11. Area XXII Marzo. Now tell me, who, without knowing the place (don’t cheat!), could ever imagine that in a boutique so small it’s hard to see it as you drive by, hides the most famous and well stocked vintage accessory shop in the city?
I ring the bell, but just by looking through the shop windows I get that typical feeling little kids get at the fair, the one that makes you go “come on, come on, come on, quick!”. I’m in. On the left a mountain of Vuitton almost gives me a heart attack: “but we are specialized in Chanel and Hermès!”, Roberto, the owner – that lead this little gem together with his wife, Roberta – tells me right off the bat. Help. “A glass of water?”. I pull myself together.
Opposite the sea of Monogram (Louis Vuitton), a small counter holds marvels from different eras: key chains, scarves, wallets and any other type of finery that you could think of finding in the purse of a Madame of days gone by. Glass cases on the wall line the small shop and what a blessing for the aficionados… Limited editions of Prada, Chanel of all types and sizes, Fendi era and Saint Laurent. I’d love to ask everything but my attention lingers on the spiral stairway… So there’s another floor? I hurry to see and my eyes are overjoyed to see that the scene repeats on the floor above.
“Calm down”, I think. The address of Mania Vintage isn’t going anywhere. I have a chat with Roberto, whose eyes sparkle with an intense passion, which he shares with his wife Roberta, for each one of the objects in the shop, and knows the birth, history… and obviously prices of each by heart. The quality with which the pieces are conserved reveals the care that goes into selecting them, which, he explains, is compulsorily certified. No sun, just so we’re clear! Then he tells me a little story and wants to ruin my weekend by showing me a limited edition Chanel, which, he’s sure – will keep me up at night.
Let’s just say that I still would have been able to sleep if I wouldn’t have found out about the PAGODIL (Codifis) formula which allows you to defer the cost into small payments, with monthly direct debit from your account, with no extra costs and without interest. Are you kidding me?! Is this heaven or hell?! Absolutely do not share this information with your partner, got it? Which hetero guy could understand or tolerate monthly payments for a Kelly without immediately sending us into therapy?
As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also find a Mania Vintage Boutique in Forte dei Marmi on via Morin 6 and in Pesaro on via XI Settembre 55. We are totally ruined, my dears!