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One of Rome’s more unique and popular shopping paradises is TAD (short for 'Tendenze e Antiche Debolezze'), the city’s first and only concept store situated near the Spanish Steps. Unlike most boutiques of its kind TAD has divided its 1000 sqm floor space into separate rooms, thus creating a shop that resembles a private home (a very rich person’s home mind you).
The first thing that will draw you to the store is the brightly lit entrance ‘tunnel’ that changes its colors every few seconds and is patterned with the silhouette of what looks like ivy (or some other foliage). I guess this is appropriate, because this hallway leads right into the flower section courtesy of Alessandra Rovati Vitali, with floral arrangements that look more like art than greenery.
If this isn’t your thing, keep moving, the next room is where you’ll find the first designer clothing area - a beautifully open space with dark wood floors, giant potted plants and rattan armchairs. I spotted the usual suspects such as Chloe and Marni, but also found racks full of elegant Ossie Clark dresses and Hussein Chalayan tops.
The adjacent ‘TAD Lab’ room is filled with high-tech gadgets, art books and various international fashion and lifestyle magazines. It also had a power plate, though I’m not sure if it was solely for decorative purposes (it was out of order) or if people are actually supposed to use it.
Moving along, I found myself in the beauty and fragrance area, which had quite an impressive selection of products from all over the world, including Fauchon perfume (I didn’t even know they created scents!), bath products from the London brand Nougat and Jo Malone candles. For those who need a bit more pampering, TAD also offers manicures and hairstyling services thanks to Roberto D'Antonio’s in-house salon.
Next up I was greeted with more fashion, this time the designer section also featured accessories, shoes and bags. A lot of Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney, but no Alexander McQueen, although supposedly this is the only place in Rome that sells items by the British designer. Oh well, better for my wallet I guess, so I kept browsing the endless racks and shelves filled with expensive goodies. Another room on the opposite side had even more luxury items, although thankfully there was also a nice collection of more affordable basics (shirts, knitwear etc.).
Probably the largest and most impressive room is the homeware and furniture area – all products produced by and for TAD. This includes everything from couches to cushions to vases. An adjoining room houses a very good range of fabrics (again, exclusive to TAD) so you can customize any item you may be interested in. If you’re into art, there’s a ‘Living Gallery’ which features exhibits showcasing upcoming talents – all works available for purchase of course.
Once you’re done with all this, you can recover from your thorough shopping experience in TAD’s own café (check out the beautiful winter garden!) where you can indulge in yummy delights or relax by sipping their aperitifs. Overall, a nice place to unwind if you want to get away from sightseeing, but beware… this shop is popular with fashionistas and tourists alike, so you’ll get your fair share of people browsing, snapping pics and posing next to flower displays.
Address: Via del Babuino 155 A, 00187 Rome
Opening Hrs: Mon: 12.00-19.30, Tue-Fri: 10.30-19.30
