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Vintage – Lucca Vintage Market Made In Italy

The vintage market in Lucca, Tuscany, on the third weekend of the month: Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Hermès scarves, vintage fur, and how to avoid the fakes.

By Gracie Opulanza3 min read

Lucca vintage market at sunset: a still-life painting, a saint's portrait and a clock on a table in a cobbled square

Lucca, in Tuscany, is a historic city that attracts visitors of all ages. It is particularly famous for its market, held every third weekend of the month, where Italian vendors sell a wide range of vintage furniture, clothes and accessories. Among the linen and the luxury vintage brands like Chanel, Gucci and Prada there are plenty of hidden gems. And it goes beyond clothing. The jewellery can be from household names, or from Italian brands that are less known but well regarded.

There are so many opportunities to find stunning cups, kitchen accessories and plates that will be unique to your home.

Violet and gold porcelain coffee cups and saucers painted with pastoral scenes, laid out on a white cloth at the market
Market table of antique porcelain: a purple and gold coffee set, a blue tureen, blue and white vases and a mauve glass dish
Antique dealer's stall on a red cloth with framed paintings, painted plates, vases and china figures

Vintage fur

This market has a specialised shop that upcycles vintage fur. It takes the fur coats and redesigns them so that they look more modern. The coats can be on the pricier side, but they are usually in excellent condition. They are a rare find. Fendi still makes fur coats, and for me that is why vintage fur is still sold in Italy.

Chanel

There is a wide selection of Chanel jewellery, beautifully presented and truly one of a kind. There is also a seller who specialises in vintage leather Chanel shoes, particularly in smaller sizes. They are perfect for displaying in your home.

Vintage Chanel shoes: cream leather pumps with black toe caps, beside a crystal camellia bracelet on a black cloth

Prada

There are always vintage Prada shoes and handbags. The prices start from €350. The condition is always very good.

Open vintage suitcase holding a Louis Vuitton monogram bag, a small black Prada bag, a green quilted bag and a Gucci pouch
Vintage Prada brogues in black and tan leather on a market table among hats, jewellery and a framed portrait

Gucci

There are plenty of vintage Gucci bags. I bought some incredible Tom Ford-era Gucci high heels here. The Lucca market is known for high prices on vintage clothing, but don’t hesitate to negotiate and find a good deal.

Gracie Opulanza seated outdoors in grey knee socks with navy ribbons and vintage Gucci heels, tan lace-up boots beside her

Hermès silk scarves

You can find a variety of beautiful Hermès silk scarves. The design with a carriage on it is known to have been a favourite of Queen Elizabeth. But be aware that counterfeit silk scarves are sold too, so you need to be able to tell the two apart. Where you can, buy one that comes with its box.

Vintage silk scarves laid out on a market stall, with a saddle print and labels reading Ferragamo, Nina Ricci and Gucci

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton scarves, bags and suitcases turn up in various conditions. Finding them is like finding gold: it takes a diligent search and a stroke of luck.

Fake goods

Be mindful that plenty of fake goods are sold here. Make sure you find the number that proves a piece is real.

Roberta di Camerino

One of my rare and favourite bag purchases of all time is Roberta di Camerino. I own two, and I bought one of them here in Lucca. It is one of the two in these photographs. They are very rare indeed.

Roberta di Camerino black leather handbag with a brass clasp and ring fastening, on a market stall beside red shoes
Roberta di Camerino black and red leather bag with two red front pockets and braided leather handles, on a tiled floor

Furniture

There is a wide variety of Italian mirrors, tables and chairs. On certain days you may come across exquisite mirrors that came out of palazzo buildings. If you are looking for something unique and uncommon, it comes down to luck once more.

Vintage is all about the thrill of the hunt, so set aside a budget for spontaneous purchases. You will often come across rare Cartier suitcases and bags.

Tall case clock and a stone fountain beside market stalls and a striped marble church in the evening light
Burgundy Les Must de Cartier leather case open on a patterned cloth, with gold combination locks and a rounded handle

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