Shopping around Europe to always feel inside Bridgerton A guide to Regency-style boutiques and vintage stores to discover

Dear gentle readers, I am no Lady Whistledown, but I daresay I can still entertain you with my words. In today’s Society Papers, there is a piece of gossip just for you: Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell was spotted wearing pocket squares at the premiere of the fourth season, held on January 15 in Paris at the Palais Brongniart. To the most observant eyes, the embroidered initials did not go unnoticed: an “E” and an “F”. And who else could they belong to, if not the protagonists of the fifth and sixth seasons of the series based on Julia Quinn’s bestsellers, which, as you know, has been renewed. The field narrows down to the young ladies Eloise and Francesca, but I haven’t told you anything! And just like that, we are already looking toward the future, but there is still a season yet to be released, moods to be experienced, and settings to return to. Let us proceed in order.

Bridgerton’s New Season: An Atmosphere to Seek Out

Let us now focus on our artist, Benedict Bridgerton, who will steal the spotlight starting January 29 on Netflix. Are you ready to once again step into the world of London society during the Regency era? Drama, intrigue, fairytale romances, and elegant garments, these are the vibes we are craving. Because in the end, the true protagonists of the series are not the nobles themselves, but the locations, the diamonds, the masked balls. In short, the atmosphere is the true queen to be crowned, the element that made this audiovisual production so special to fans. And it is precisely that atmosphere we want to seek out in the present day, where unfortunately we cannot don dream dresses and lace masks.

Pompon: Paris Is the Perfect Place to Pass the Time

While we wait for the arrival of the fourth season, we can entertain ourselves like true ladies of the court. How? Like the cast, I too recently strolled through the streets of Paris and, while wandering through the Marais district, my eye was caught by a vibrant shop window. It was Pompon, a vintage boutique where the past meets the present and every garment tells a story. I was surrounded by corsets, lace, embroidery, and full skirts, just like in Madame Genevieve Delacroix’s atelier - the French modiste of Mayfair who helped Penelope on her style journey. Garments and objects from different eras come together in this shop to form a visually cohesive collection, curated and narrated with bright and proud eyes by Alexandre Le Roux. From here comes the idea for a shopping tour to always feel at home in the Bridgerton world. So take up quill, ink, and inkwell, and jot down all these places for your future travels. And while you’re in Paris, be sure to stop by Kanelle Vintage as well. You won’t regret it.

Ani Vintage: The Most Beautiful Corsets in Dublin

As the famous carriage scene reminds us, passion matters too! Fortunately, the strong suit of Ani Vintage is precisely lingerie, ethically sourced in Europe and then handcrafted in their studio in the beating heart of Ireland. The ingredients offered by the team are threefold: corsets, intricate embroidery, and sustainability. Annie, one of the brand’s vintage resellers, often shares their mission on social media: to fight fast fashion and help keep fashion circular. Among their many offerings, you’ll also find wonderful accessories such as bags and shoes.

Illisa’s Vintage Lingerie: A New York Novel Come to Life

If you find yourself at the Manhattan Art & Antiques Center, you simply must stop by Illisa. She is an established designer in the worlds of entertainment and fashion. Over the course of her career, she has worked on Broadway and collaborated with designers of the caliber of Jean Paul Gaultier for more than 35 years. Dresses, outerwear, and lingerie—all set within an antique atmosphere reminiscent of a glamorous grandmother’s old living room, hiding archival treasures beneath the rug.

Must-See Stops in Italy: From Gloves to Jewels, from Rome to Milan

In the historic center of Rome, there lies a luxury vintage store that may have exactly what you’re looking for: a long dress, a corset, or a pair of dream-worthy heels. Sery Moon Vintage offers garments of all kinds and has become a favorite spot for second-hand lovers strolling around Piazza di Spagna in search of a Versace or Dior gem. If instead you’re looking for a warm silk dressing gown, a lace handkerchief, or an embroidered pajama set, head to Loretta Caponi in Florence. How many times, while admiring the series’ costumes, have we felt like we were walking through a fashion history museum? To recreate that same feeling, simply visit the studio of Alice Pons, where she creates corsets and accessories inspired by historical designs.

Dear readers, to these hidden gems we need only add one final jewel to complete the look. We are in Milan, more precisely in Porta Venezia: this is where you’ll find the vintage jewelry and costume jewelry boutique Vincent Vintage Bijoux. Whether from the 1800s or the last century, Manuel Menini has the perfect piece of the past that will make you shine brightly enough to be chosen as the diamond of the season. Alright, I see—you want to add your own personal touch. Head to the historic Merceria Grassi and create your own custom choker using feathers, beads, buttons, and velvet. Now you truly have no excuse for your next ball outfit!