The Best Gifts Rome Has to Offer, According to the Designers Behind TL-180
What better way to luxuriate in the festive season than with a sojourn to Rome, that 2,770 year-old-city home to Valentino and Vespas, Gucci’s Alessandro Michele, and St. Peter’s Basilica? “You can feel the spirit of the holidays in the air,” says Luisa Orsini, a born-and-bred Roman and one half of the Italian label, TL-180, whose charming, chic leather bags have won over the hearts of the style set. “All of the churches are beautifully decorated, and you can smell the incense just passing by,” adds cofounder Antonine Peduzzi, who traded Paris for the Eternal City at the age of 17.
Of course, between the staggering sightseeing and heavenly cacio e pepe, it’s also the perfect place to pick up a present or due: “Each shop here is like a micro-universe full of magical treasures,” muses Peduzzi. Here, the divine design duo sounds off on the very best gifts Rome has to offer, from the socks favored by the Pope to one-of-a-kind gold pendants worth the hunt.
Il Piccolo Museo del Louvre’s Photos From Another Era
One of our favorite places in Rome when it comes to finding one-of-a-kind gifts is Il Piccolo Museo del Louvre. Giuseppe, the knowledgeable and fascinating owner of this gallery shop, has gathered a very personal curation of art discoveries, photographs, and particularly unique objects. If he enjoys your company and you get in his good graces, he will open the doors of this curious paradise to you (as long as no pictures are taken). His stories will make you travel to 1970s Rome with Mario Schifano, Helmut Berger, and Emilio Prini, among other notable personalities of an era that Giuspeppe lived and feels nostalgic about.
Tropical Cocktails at Coropuna
The holidays in Italy are always busy—that’s why we like to go out with our friends to less traditional places. Coropuna is a great spot to enjoy a fun and exotic night full of Tiki cocktails and Nikkei cuisine. The crowd is young and experimental.
TL-180’s Go-With-Anything Bag
This is something we will be gifting to our closest friends. Made in Italy, it is one of our favorite bags due to its versatility. It works well for women of different ages, and it adds character to any outfit without making it too fashiony.
TL-180 Le Fazzoletto Large à Main
$333.00, TL-180
Vintage Jewels From Risivi Gioielli
Strolling desperately in the quest for a present, we stopped in front of this little shop that sells antique jewelry. Upon entering we started talking with a young man who took out a drawer of wonders filled with gold pendants from the 1930s and 1940s. The prices are surprisingly friendly, considering the value of the objects. We often go there and ask to explore this magic drawer. Perfect presents with a touch of uniqueness.
Gammarelli’s Papal Couture
The most Roman present you can imagine: Papal socks! This shop for ecclesiastics has an exquisite selection of high-quality pieces. It is definitely a place where you can find an original present for the men in your life. We should admit we are fans of this place for its excellent quality and beautiful tradition.
Aromatic Treasures at Santa Maria Novella
It’s impossible to exclude Santa Maria Novella, as it is a place we frequently visit year-round. It’s an olfactory experience that transports you to the original Italian Pharmacy. Once you are inside its boutique in Rome, it feels you have entered a Wes Anderson movie set. We love the toning Rose Water and the Home Pot Pourri (curiously, we also discovered it works as a nausea remedy when you place it in the car!).
Santa Maria Novella Rose Water
$35.00, SANTA MARIA NOVELLA
Santa Maria Novella Silk Pot Pourri Bag
$52.00, SANTA MARIA NOVELLA
Schostal’s Classic Cotton Loungewear
A Roman shop opened in 1870 that’s definitely not to miss. One of our absolute favorites, it is the place to find “real” classic two-piece pajamas, as well as beautiful foulards, socks, and wool tops, among other things. Everything is very classic, as from a different era, coming in many colors. Schostal is always a part of our Christmas shopping.
Antique Finds From Federico Di Capodistria
We have recently discovered this small antiques and vintage shop hidden in central Rome that sells clothing and furniture. The owner is one of the most generous and sweetest people we have ever met. There we found a gorgeous Harrods smoking worn by a woman, an Armani coat in cashmere and angora, a column made of antique Roman marble, and a pair of red and blue velvet armchairs.
Capucci’s Suit, Tailored With a Twist
This piece from our Fall/Winter 2019 collection for Capucci is one of our favorites, as it embodies the tradition of Roman tailoring and the allure of haute couture. We conceived this tailleur for modern women; it can be worn casually with jeans or mixed with other pieces. The quality is extraordinary as it comes from Roberto Capucci’s original première in the heart of Rome. You can find it at the Capucci boutique on Via della Fontanella di Borghese.
Originally Appeared on Vogue
