Walking into Le Talpe for the first time, I wasn’t immediately sure what the place was. An art gallery? (Paintings hung on the walls). A jewelry store? (Bracelets, earrings and necklaces in different media, including bronze, lace, and silicon, were arranged here and there). A clothing shop? (Racks of trendy clothing lined the store’s side). 

The answer, of course, is that Le Talpe is all three. And then some—Le Talpe also hosts events, including readings and aperitivi. 

Le Talpe opened about a year ago on Via Panisperna in Monti, and it’s yet another example of just how hip and contemporary Rome can be. Every month, Giovanna Dughera, one of the two owners, told me, they completely switch out everything in the store, showcasing different designers, jewelers, and artists. And because it’s always a mix of artists—all of whom make creative, beautifully-crafted goods—no matter the month, the store itself is fantastic to explore.

Just check out the variety of colors and designs you can find in there right now:

Currently, artists whose work is on display (and for sale) include Francesca Caltabiano, Alessandra Fiordaliso, and Simone Bath. But if you want to get your hands on one of their headbands or jackets or purses or paintings, go now, because in a month, everything will look different.

Extra tip: If the items in the front room are a little out of your price range, head to the back room on the left, where Giovanna has items left over from the last “exhibit”—at discounts of up to 50 percent off.

Le Talpe is located at Via Panisperna 222/a. Phone: +39 064871249.

I’ve written this post as part of my initiative to support Rome’s independent stores and artisans, rather than multinational chains. Like this? You might also like my post on Via del Boschetto, an artisan-filled shopping street in Rome, or on Armando Rioda’s handmade leather goods. More to come!