Leam (Rome, Italy)

Getting your designer fix in Rome isn't really difficult, especially if it's Italian brands you're after. I was directed to head to Leam thanks to a fellow blogger (the lovely fglovesbags) and unlike most boutiques, this one has an extensive range of labels you probably won't find elsewhere in the city. What makes it even more worth visiting is the fact that we're not talking about one store, but five in total: Leam Donna, Leam Uomo, Leam Limited, Baby Leam and Leam Outlet. This post will cover the main Leam women's boutique, Leam Limited (a slightly cooler women's section) and the outlet division.

Starting with the main store, you could be mistaken into thinking Prada and Cavalli is all you'll find here. To be honest, that thought crossed my mind at first and browsing the shoes didn't reveal anything special. Moving on to the bags, I started getting nervous (where were the Balenciaga bags... where??), lots of Fendi - the last thing I needed after visiting the Palazzo - more Prada and too much Gucci. All logo-ed, all very bling and all incredibly colorful. The store design was what kept me going though: I loved the way the mannequins were placed throughout the boutique and having a mezzanine between the two levels gave the whole area a more interesting structure.

Having passed the mezzanine (more Fendi bags), I got to the second level which is where I found a very sizable selection of this season's ready-to-wear. I was pleasantly surprised to find other brands as well: Diane von Furstenberg dresses and tunics occupied one entire rack and there was a good range of Marni on the other side of the room. Missoni, Pucci and Dior were all represented in addition to Miu Miu, Valentino and any other big name you can think of. Definitely your one-stop place for all that is luxury fashion.

By contrast, Leam Limited, situated right next door, doesn't scream opulence, though the goods found here are equally expensive. The shiny modern hallway leading to the front door is lined with mannequins while the interior is striking in its cool minimalism: instead of comfy sofas, you'll find big rocks to sit on from where you can enjoy whatever the two video projectors happen to be displaying on the back walls.

The slightly elevated floor in the middle would have reminded me of a boxing ring if it hadn't been for the very artistic-looking red shelf snaking its way across this area. The collection here consisted mainly of Balenciaga (including 2 current-season bags I saw for the first time in person), Issa, Luella and Yohji Yamamoto, as well as items from more local design talents such as Ermano Scervino and Cesare Paciotti.

(images: 2tr architettura)

Of course none of the products sold come cheap, so Leam was clever enough to set up a standalone outlet store across the street. And I must say, this is probably one of the tidiest shops of its kind. Items are clearly labelled and categorized by garment or accessory type, starting with jackets and dresses in the front and continuing with jeans, tops, shoes, trousers, skirts and blouses towards the back. This is also where you'll find last-season shoes and bags.

I sighted Balenciaga jackets and ankle boots, beautiful Chloé dresses and Mulberry bags - from 40-70% off. Everything was in top shape and a lot actually came in 'normal' sizes. Menswear and items for children/babies can be found in the basement. The only negative thing: if you're shorter than 5'9" you might have trouble accessing the clothes on the upper rack.

So there you go: three very individual stores called Leam and all worth visiting for slightly different reasons.

Address: Via Appia Nuova 30-32, 00183 Rome
Via Faenza 10-12, 00182 Rome (Leam Outlet)
Leam Homepage