Cecilia had been working in the theater industry for years but was craving change. In 2003, she responded to a job ad from Di Mano in Mano, showed up at the store on Viale Espinasse 99, and the job was hers.

Cecilia immediately rolled up her sleeves, taking on various roles as sales assistant and department head for the home goods section.

The First Successes

At that time, the store was very different from how it appears now, and the clothing section—strictly vintage and second-hand—consisted of a single rack next to a small shelf.

Seeing a business opportunity and with the support of her colleagues, Cecilia insisted that the department should expand. Gradually, by personally selecting and pricing the clothes, the racks multiplied and the selection grew.

With positive feedback from customers, this small section continued to grow until it became a fully-fledged “clothing department,” which was later also introduced in the showroom spaces in Cambiago.

The Birth of Vestiaria

By this point, it was clear that the clothing section needed to be advertised to reach both new and returning customers who knew Di Mano in Mano only for its furniture and home goods. Thus, in 2005, “Vestiaria” was born—the first event organized by the Coop dedicated to clothing, marking each season with a brand new display.

Vestiaria soon became the symbol of anti-waste seasonal change, the go-to place for fashion victims seeking uniqueness, eccentric personalities bored with fast fashion, artistic spirits, and nostalgia for past styles, chic ladies interested in the quality of vintage designer accessories, and young girls who adore fusion, whether in cooking, music, or their own look.

Vestiaria Autumn/Winter 2023

This year, Di Mano in Mano’s seasonal change was focused on reuse. The autumn/winter 2023 edition featured vintage items: tailored 60s dresses, 70s geometric patterns, 40s and 50s silk blouses, iconic scarves, day and evening handbags, a variety of neckties, and much more.
Alongside vintage items, there was a selection of second-hand clothing, new old stock, and the Coop’s crown jewel: a delicate and romantic selection of antique linens, including sheets, curtains, fabrics, and nightwear.

paola

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