1295 Rome:shopping for leather goods/sharp suits

Hi I'm going to Rome with my elder son in February and because of italy's fame for leather goods and designer wear etc, he'd like to know where he can get a good leather jacket, coat at a fair price. Also a sharp suit! I know Rome is expensive or has a reputation as such, so wondered if anyone has any nuggets of information on where to go in italy for such things. We can always do another trip if suggestions are far from Rome! (Good excuse!) I was in FLorence last year and there were masses of leather goods on the market, but all seemed to be very ordinary quality and similar things on each stall; it'd be nice to find somewhere where there was a wide range of qualities and items to choose from. Is there anywhere in Rome to suit? My experience in Florence was limited to one market, so I appreciate, if I'd been more adventurous or had more time, I may have found somewhere.. (This was in the market near the duomo) However, my trips to Italy are frequent but short, ( dog called Manu at home who pines if too long away!) so I'd appreciate some short cuts on finding somewhere good.
Jacqueline

Category
Cost of living - Utility Services

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 09/10/2005 - 06:37

February is normally a good month to shop, as you should hit the sales then, can't help with Roma info. though.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 09/10/2005 - 15:54

Agree with George, February should be a good month. And Rome is in my opinion a lot cheaper than Florence. Good shopping streets are Via del Corso and Via Nationale. I'd steer clear of the market. I'll ask my friend who lives there if there are any specific leather shops she could recommend. If so, I'll post you.
Linda

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/11/2005 - 09:13

[QUOTE=jackie]Hi I'm going to Rome with my elder son in February and because of italy's fame for leather goods and designer wear etc, he'd like to know where he can get a good leather jacket, coat at a fair price. Also a sharp suit![/QUOTE]

Rome, like most capital cities is where you can buy anything - at a price. IMO you won't get bargains in Rome other than during the sales and even then the term "bargain" is relative.

I buy my suits in Milan or Firenze and the saving over the same quality in the UK can be good, enough to cover the cost of flights and hotel, but all-in the cost to me is the same as if I bought a good bespoke suit in the UK. You can get better buys by travelling to the places where the goods are made and buying there from factory outlets. Almost all fashion leather goods are made in Abruzzo in the region of Colonella and Alba Adriatica. Places like The Bridge/Il Ponte get all their work done in that area, I once met a few of the makers/designers through my wife's business connections so I know that is where they are made. Suits can also be found at good prices in shops that specialise in shifting designer stock at the end of the season. There are usually two or three of these shops in every major city, finding them is more difficult. I just bought an every day suit from one of these shops, Italian, worsted wool, two pairs of trousers supplied unfinished (legs need sewing to adjust to the wearer's leg length) and it cost me EUR 40 because it is last year's style (like I care).

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/11/2005 - 12:22

We have a holiday villino near Rome and this Summer we discovered a factory outlet near Pomezia (Ugh) which is well worth a visit if serious shopping is the plan. All the main labels are represented and the site was wonderfully quiet in the afternoon. Visit castelromano.mcarthurglen.it for a virtual tour - and no, I don't get commission but had two very happy teenagers at the end of the day and a Pierre Cardin handbag for 28 euros

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/11/2005 - 12:34

Thanks very much. That's really useful- will check it out. Jackie