Postcards from Rome and Turin.

07.11.2025

“The word community is very overused today, but not in this part of the world.”—David Keyte, UW Co-Founder.

BOTTIGLIERIA

Bottiglieria were one of our very first stockists, and as a result Stefano, Laura and Renato are long-time friends of the brand. Earlier in the year, we took Renato and Stefano to visit the Harris Tweed mill on the Isle of Lewis. The trip led to the creation of a special Bakers Jacket made in three different Harris Tweeds, produced exclusively for Bottiglieria and pictured above.

“Bottiglieria is really an embodiment of a local store. It’s such an incredible part of the local community. If you spend a day with them, or even an hour in their store, you meet so many locals who pop in for a chat, pop in to pay for something they took home last week, or come to pick up something to wear for the party they are going to, and want to tell you about it. The locals use the store like they do their local butcher or baker. It is honestly a real favourite store of mine, made even better by friendly, knowledgeable and engaging staff. It’s a real local magnet with a simple, honest approach to servicing their community.” —David Keyte, UW Co-Founder.

FRESH

Fresh Store was founded in Turin, Italy, in November 2007 by Giulio and Alessio, pictured above with Giulio’s father-in-law, who also features in the shoot for our latest project together.

They first began stocking Universal Works in 2016, and what started as mutual admiration soon turned into collaboration. In 2021, we created a special piece for them—the first iteration of their colour-contrast Wool Fleece Cardigan, now revisited in two new colourways to mark their 18th anniversary.

“It’s a fun, sportier look, and when we last met, we talked again about making two new versions for them. For me, it’s a great way to highlight the versatility and honesty of this fabric.” – David Keyte, UW Co-Founder

Most of the sightseeing we did was on the way to the party they threw in their new store on Via Giuseppe Barbaroux, but it was a great evening that reminded us just how much Italians love a celebration. The difference here is that the cool kids turn up with their mum, their grandmother, their son—it is always a family affair.

A few days in Rome and Turin reminded us what real community looks like. Between the cappuccinos and carbonaras, we found a shared sense of connection that felt genuine and real. We were there to visit some of our Italian stockists and launch a couple of special projects, but what stood out most was the people.

Rome, with its layers of history and constant discoveries, and Turin, with its warmth and energy, both offered their own take on community: not a slogan or a piece of marketing, just something lived every day.

See more from the trip and a little more about the places we visited below.

URBAN STAR

Laura and Andrea (3rd and 4th from left) have made Urbanstar the streetwear reference point for the capital, with an eclectic range we are proud to be part of. Founded in 2002, the store began in a small 140-square-metre space before expanding in 2007 to a two-level location more than twice the size. You will find it on Via Enrico Fermi 91/93, in a local neighbourhood well outside the tourism heart of Rome.

GAFFI

Gaffi has two stores in Rome, but we visited their spot on Via Padova, well away from the tourist centre. It’s been a clothing store since 1982, though the family story goes back much further — run by Gianluca and Gianmarco’s father and grandfather before them. A true family business with deep roots and a warm welcome to match.

SANTO PALATO

We went out in Rome to experience some local cuisine with the team at Bottiglieria, who took us to Santo Palato, founded by chef Sarah Cicolini in 2017. The name means ‘Holy Palate’—fitting for a place said to serve the best carbonara in Rome. A big claim, but one we won’t be disputing.

HANAMI

Federica is the mind (and hands) behind Hanami Jewellery, a brand she first imagined while walking the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto. Inspired by Japanese calm and American utility, she combines vintage military fabrics, neckerchiefs and leather details to create unique, handmade pieces in her Rome studio. We met up with her during the trip and she is very much a part of the Bottiglieria community and family.

PARIS ORACLE

Paris Oracle (seen above) is the brainchild of local legend Stefano Valentini and has been a UW stockist since day dot. Set in the leafy north Roman neighbourhood of Trieste Salario on Via Di Priscilla, an area that is a stone's throw from the beating heart of the city but far enough away from the year-round swarm of tourists. A place that feels like ‘somewhere proper Italians live’. Check out our Good People, Good Places project with the team from a couple of years ago (here).

104 PANDEMONIUM

Tucked just off Campo de’ Fiori, one of Rome’s most characterful squares, Pandemonium feels every bit as warm and full of life as its surroundings. The people are lovely, the space has charm; it doesn’t get much more Roman than this.

NO.W

A new joint venture between the teams behind Pandemonium and Bottiglieria, NO.W is another reminder that in Rome, good people tend to find each other. Like so many of our Italian partners, they are friends as much as stockists—it really is a family affair.

LITTLE AMERICA

Leonardo and the team at Little America are young, full of energy, and have built a great local community around what they do. Their first store opened in the EUR neighbourhood (which you can see above), and they’ve recently opened their doors in the Monti district too.

SUPERSTYLIN’

Dario might just be the happiest buyer we have ever met, always smiling and a real joy to be around. He’s been running Superstylin’ with his brother Federico for years. A Universal Works stockist since 2021, they are celebrating the store’s 20th anniversary this year.