SiTenne: the anti-waste vintage shop in Rome

Used, but also repaired, transformed, and reused clothing. A challenge to the competition of the Chinese, the masters of the Esquiline district.

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vintage shop Rome

Sitenne Vintage Store, a well-known vintage shop in Rome's Esquilino district, doesn't just sell used clothes : it has built its model around reuse as an alternative to mechanical and automatic new purchases.

In particular:

  • Local consignment: Most of the items come directly from private individuals. Sitenne selects them and remarkets them, rather than purchasing large stocks of used items from abroad. According to Sitenne, this reduces transportation and waste compared to certain industrially-produced second-hand models.
  • Reuse, not just “disposal”: the very concept of the name Sitenne It means “we kept it”: a used item is kept in the use cycle and can have a second life.
  • Repair and transformation: they have one internal seamstress which can alter and repurpose clothing. So a garment doesn't necessarily have to be perfect as is to be salvaged.
  • Rental: It's another very interesting form of reuse: the same dress can be used by multiple people for parties, photo shoots, cinema, theatre, ceremonies, etc.

sitenne

SiTenne's story is that of Alberta, the project's founder. It's a story of sacrifice, but also of immense love. Raised in a family with four siblings, where there wasn't much money but plenty of values, Alberta owes much to her mother, who never failed to provide her with her teachings, which were essential for developing a deep respect for others and personal autonomy. And it was Alberta's mother who instilled in her, from an early age, a love for beautiful things and for what others rejected, as well as the idea of ​​not conforming to the crowd but of dressing and acting according to her own ideas, pursuing a completely personal style and look. So, with a degree in Art History under her belt and two twin daughters at home, Alberta launched her personal challenge: opening a vintage shop in Rome, in a neighborhood dominated by the power of Chinese retailers.

Photo source: Facebook page of www.sitenne.com

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