See You Later, Ligator. . . .

. . . . in a while, crocodile!

But you won't want to wait to see this beautiful vintage Italian purse. Elegant, yet sizable, this drawstring tote combines high fashion with utility. 

The haute handbag comes with its original dust bag, which carries the name of "Acutis Pelletterie."

Inside are two tags, one engraved "Piero Acutis Made in Italy" and the other, with an image of a crocodile, states "Ligator di Vero Coccodrillo," which translates to "ligator of crocodile skin." Ligator is a process in which genuine crocodile or alligator skin is treated, dyed, polished to a high gloss, then backed with leather. The Acutis Pelletterie was founded in 1942 in Turin (Torino). A family-run atelier, Acutis soon gained a reputation for craftsmanship and the use of fine and costly materials. However, the third generation did not want to continue in the family's leather goods business; the company was subsequently purchased by another Italian premium leather company, Trakatan, which combines the traditional craftsmanship of Acutis with modern design.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

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Spaghetti Western

"Spaghetti Western" generally refers to a genre of films featuring a mythical American Old West filmed in Italy during the 1960s and 70s. But here in our trove, we have  our own version of the Spaghetti Western, a pair  of beautiful vintage chairs by the famed Italian furniture design company Potocco recently re-upholstered with vivid images of cowboys and cattle. And, this being Next-to-New, you won't need  "A Fistful of Dollars" to purchase them!

Of beautiful wood tinted in warm tones, the clean lines and graceful curves of these chairs will suit every decor from contemporary minimalist to mid-century modern.

Founded in 1919 by Domenico Potocco, Potocco is still a family-owned business, now in the fifth generation.  Located in Manzano,  Potocco manages all stages of production at its Italian facilities, from the weaving of the fabrics to the selection and shaping of the wood. Renown for its award-winning designs featuring undulating lines and soft colors, Potocco continues its legacy of producing fine indoor and outdoor furnishings.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

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The Devil Wears Prada*. . .

. . . and so can you with these new treasures from our trove! Next-to-New has recently added an Apparel category, which includes carefully selected and curated designer fashions and menswear. We currently have a tantalizing trio of high-fashion footwear from Prada S.p.A., an Italian luxury fashion house that specializes in finely crafted leather goods, such as shoes, leather handbags, and other accessories. Each pair comes with its original box.

Prada was founded in Milan, Italy, in 1913 by brothers Mario and Martino Prada as a leather goods shop. Ironically, even though Mario did not believe that women should have a role in business, he was succeeded by his daughter, Luisa, who was later succeeded by her daughter, Muiccia. The company continues as a well-known luxury brand, and has since expanded into other areas of fashion, including men's and women's clothing, perfume, and eyewear.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

* The Devil Wears Prada is a bestselling novel by Lauren Weisberger, who had previously had worked as the personal assistant for "American Vogue" editor Anna Wintour. The 2003 novel chronicles the not-so-glamourous life of a personal assistant to a powerful and demanding fashion magazine editor. It was made into a movie of the same title in 2006.

Ode on a Grecian Urn

Well, actually, two urns. . . and not Greek, but Italian.  However, this substantial set of superbly sculpted solid bronze urns are certainly worthy of an ode.

They are each signed on the lip "Alimondo Ciampi" and "Firenze" (the Italian name for Florence). Ciampi (1876-1939) was an Italian sculptor. He began as an apprentice in a Florence a marble and alabaster workshop, where he learned how to carve stone, then studied in the studio of the sculptor Antonio Bortone. Ciampi became a teacher at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence. His works were exhibited at the Venice Biennale from 1909 to 1924, as well as in many other exhibitions. In 1926, his  war memorial was unveiled in the Piazza Matteotti in Scandicci.  A permanent exhibit of eight of his bronze sculptures is in the gardens of Piazza della Repubblic in Signa.  Ciampi's oldest son, Giotto Ciampi, created the Alimondo Ciampi Foundation in memory of his father to assist and support young artists.

The handles are adorned with young children or cherubs, demonstrating Ciampi's skill in capturing gesture and movement.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

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Golden Globe

If you promised to give that special someone the world, then this unusual pendant in gleaming gold is the gift you are looking for!  This detailed globe rotates on its axis within its circular frame.  A miniature memento for a globetrotter, the traveler can add precious stones to commemorate all the places he or she visited.  Indeed, someone has already placed four shining red stones to mark past tours, but there is plenty of room for more!

Made in Italy and cast in 14 karat gold, this golden globe would be a wonderful award for some lucky world traveler!