If you either A.) constantly rotate the same five items in your closet, B.) wind up with variations of the clothes you already own (“what is it with all of the stripes?” My sister recently asked me) C.) just need a killer dress that’ll take you through wedding season, or all of the above, consider a personal shopper. These professionals might be just the help you need to revive your wardrobe. After all, they know the city’s boutiques, stores, and neighborhoods inside out, and are experts at deftly selecting garments you might never have chosen for yourself but are surprisingly flattering.
Romeing sat down with three of the city’s top personal shoppers to learn more about how they got started in the field, their favorite spots to style hunt, and most importantly, how to contact them for your very own appointment.
FEDERICA DIAMANTI
When did your love affair with fashion begin?
My passion for fashion started when I was 8 years old and would watch my grandmother sew.
How did you start your career as a personal shopper?
I first started out as a stylist, and eventually I got into personal shopping too.
For someone who is unfamiliar with the concept, what is the role of a personal shopper?
A personal shopper directs his or her clients towards purchases that match with their aesthetic, or what they’d like their aesthetic to be. I begin with a consultation on what exactly the client is looking for, how they’d define their style, price range, etc. It’s important first and foremost to listen to what exactly their needs are.
Tell us about the personal shopping services you offer.
I offer a 360-degree experience. I meet my clients in neighborhoods and parts of Rome where fashion is palpable even sitting outside drinking a simple coffee! I love all types of styles, but I’d have to say my favorite thing to do is mixing pieces from vintage boutiques with pieces from high-end ateliers.
Where do you take your clients to shop?
For accessories, I like Myzar concept store (bags and jewelry), Toko in Via del Corallo (jewelry) and Frank Io (sunglasses). Despite Rome’s ancient reputation, I want to show my clients that it’s also hip, chic, cool and extroverted. There’s an artistic, unique side to this city too.
Favorite stores in Rome?
Hands down Atelier Nadiamari, and, as mentioned above, Frank Io, Toko, and Myzar.
Which is the best neighborhood for shopping?
The historic center. You can find big name brands, and artisan and luxury boutiques all in the same place.
Which languages do you speak?
Italian and English.
How can readers get in touch with you?
Email me at federicadiamanti8@gmail.com or find me on Instagram at df__fashion. You can also book my services by calling Atelier Nadiamari (06.69335463), as I offer special private tours to their costumers.
MARIA ELENA IULIANO
When did your love affair with fashion begin?
My love affair with fashion doesn’t have a precise beginning… it’s always been a part of me. My first clear memory which perhaps planted the idea of a career in fashion in my head is my grandmother sewing my carnival costumes. I saw how happy the costumes made me, and what I do now as a personal shopper is a more refined version of that.
How did you start your career as a personal shopper?
My career as personal shopper started 8 years ago taking courses with Petra Goette in Milan for my Master’s degree. She encouraged me to develop my talent and she gave me valuable tips not only in terms of fashion or image counseling, but in terms of “lifestyle” as well.
For someone who is unfamiliar with the concept, what is the role of a personal shopper?
Personal shopping consists of giving suggestions and advice to help your clients navigate the jungle of trends and fads out there. My goal is for my client to dress not “like anyone else” but to be “you and no one else”.
Tell us about the personal shopping service you offer.
My services are mostly focused on image counseling and the promotion of local ateliers and designers along with the specific needs of the client. I also give tips and tricks on how to find the perfect perfume to match the client’s personal style or specific outfit.
Where are the best neighborhoods to shop?
You really can’t go wrong in Rome – each quarter has its own share of shops and boutiques. I generally bring my clients to the streets around the Pantheon and Campo de’ Fiori, which are filled with hidden gems you might not have noticed otherwise. Atelier Nadiamari is one of them: I offer an exclusive experience to their costumers, merging fashion and perfumes consulting.
Which languages do you speak?
English, Spanish, and Arabic.
How can readers get in touch with you?
To learn more about my personal shopping services or to schedule an appointment, write to me at mariaelenaiuliano@gmail.com.
ALESSANDRA PALMA
When did your love affair with fashion begin?
I’ve been fascinated with fashion since I was a little girl. As an adult, I’ve found I have a great love for harmony and beauty, which is what being a personal shopper is all about: finding the right style for each client.
How did you start your career as a personal shopper?
I started 7 years ago. Many friends were asking me for advice on what to wear, and I eventually became intrigued by the idea of helping people shop professionally and decided to try it. I started reading books and going to training sessions, and the more I learned, the more I was convinced it was a job I’d love to pursue.
For those who are unfamiliar with the concept, what is a personal shopper?
To me, the role of personal shopper is in between a psychologist and a friend… you have to understand the client, and create a relationship of trust. Ultimately, you want to help him/her to find his/her style and express it through clothing, and even make-up and hairstyle.
Tell us about the personal shopping services you offer.
I do shopping tours (mainly for foreign visitors), shopping on demand, wardrobe analysis, and am a personal stylist. The latter is my speciality and real passion; I love to help clients express themselves through fashion.
Where do you take your clients to shop?
I generally take all of my clients to small, quality shops rather than well-known chains and brands.
Which is the best neighborhood for shopping?
Downtown Rome is one of the best spots, and Monti and Prati are two well-kept secrets if you’re looking for small shops with style and identity.
Which languages do you speak?
I speak, English, French and German.
How can readers get in touch with you?
Email me at info@alessandropalma.com or visit my website alessandrapalma.com.
