1 min read- In a recent interview, designer Nate Berkus revealed his favorite flea market is in Parma, Italy.
- Known as Mercanteinfiera, the event is a biannual vintage exhibition held in a convention center over eight days.
- You’ll find much more than furniture at Mercanteinfiera. The event is known for a wide variety of goods, including decor, fine art, handbags, and jewelry.
Nate Berkus knows where to track down a great find. His secret? He knows that some of the best vintage pieces are hiding in plain sight at estate sales and flea markets. In fact, he and his husband, designer Jeremiah Brent, have made a habit of visiting markets all across the world. That’s how Berkus secured his staple Thai woven grass placemats.
In a recent episode of David Prior’s Traveling Through, Berkus revealed his favorite flea market in the whole world isn’t in one of the major cities like Paris or New York—it’s in Parma, located in northern Italy.
The biannual Parma flea market, more widely known as Mercanteinfiera, is an iconic hub for antique experts, enthusiasts, designers, and DIYers alike. Design buffs dream of walking the booths beneath the airplane hangars and through eras of European history.
Berkus first made the trip to Parma while visiting Milan. Intending for it to be a quick stop, he was so enamored with the market’s offerings that he decided to stay in the area overnight, buying a toothbrush and a hotel room just to continue browsing the next day.
“This place could burn down, and I am still gonna be the last person out of it,” Berkus told Prior in their interview.
The visit to Mercanteinfiera was heaven for Berkus, and it’s a must-see for antique collectors who are willing to travel a little off the beaten path to source the perfect find.
