Vintage fashion is centred on creating an identity with the clothes you wear and mixing timeless classics from the past with modern designs. As the number of thrift-savvy shoppers grows, more and more people are looking for that extra special purchase. But where are the most sought after areas for vintage shopping? Aimee Avory-Adams (@Aimeeadams22) reveals her checklist of some of the top vintage shopping destinations around the world...
Miami
Miami is a new vintage hotspot in the States and definitely needs to be on your to do list. Be sure to check out C Madeleine’s, one of the city’s best kept secrets, with rails and rails of garments; from 1900s velvet boleros to 1990s Christian Lacroix sunglasses, along with clothing from the decades in between. After visiting one of the world’s largest vintage showrooms, check out the variety of stores in Biscayne Bay. You’re sure to lose hours browsing through the 80s classics! Due to the hot temperature in Miami, the locals don’t usually wear coats, so you’re likely to bag yourself a bargain for the cold British winter. Get in the know and enjoy all that Miami has to offer, including the exclusive nightlife, mouth-watering cuisine and, of course, the shopping.
New York
Beacon’s Closet in Brooklyn is a great place to start your vintage spree. Stocking an enormous selection of clothing, accessories and jewellery, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. The best place for upscale European vintage wear is Amarcord on Lafayette Street, with sequined and sparkly clothing that goes easy on the eyes (even if the prices don’t!). Looking for designer vintage? Collette is a boutique selling designer clothing, shoes and handbags. You will find the main Collette store on Madison Avenue. If you’re lucky enough to be in New York this autumn, be sure to visit the Manhattan vintage clothing show at the Metropolitan Pavilion on the 25th and 26th October, a vintage extravaganza not to be missed.
Los Angeles
L.A is one of the oldest places for vintage attire, with shops stocking goods for every budget and style. Jat Rag is a great bargain boutique, whereas Hidden Treasures is quite literally an attic full of hidden treasures. For the best choice of accessories though, make your way to Lemon Frog and pick up items to glam up any outfit. The Way We Wore is a world famous shop, with statement pieces showing off the very best of Hollywood vintage. Work your way through rail upon rail of designer names and high quality pieces at the South La Brea Avenue store. Are you looking to fit in with the sunglass-wearing A-listers of Hollywood? If so, visit Replay, a sunglasses heaven selling everything from hippie shades and neon frames to classic old-school aviators.
Paris
Vintage hunters have flocked to the acclaimed vintage areas across Paris for many years to indulge themselves in collectibles and clothing. The Paris Flea Market, Le Monde Du Voyage, sells couture, vintage suitcases and old brand clothing from names such as Hermes, Chanel and Louis Vuitton (to name just a few!). Once you have exhausted the Flea Market, a recommended stop off is GoldyMama, where you can enter into the ‘Narnia’ of clothing. GoldyMama stocks everything from wedding dresses to bath hats. Or try the acclaimed Didier Ludot, where you can find antiques, accessories and labels beyond your wildest dreams.
London
If you can’t make it abroad this year, fear not; London is a Mecca for vintage worshippers, with many temples of clothes just waiting to be explored. From 1920s up to 1980s clothing, head to Blackout II in Covent Garden. Or join the likes of Kate Moss at Rellik on Golborne Road, stacked with top quality clothing and a large selection of Japanese designer wear. After you have finished with all of the mini boutiques across the town, Camden Market is the ultimate place to bag a bargain. The market stalls offer one-offs and must haves which will keep your shopping addiction satisfied for hours. Stables Market is the place to be if you want the best vintage and second hand clothing that Camden has to offer.
*Vintage shopping in Camden Town *
When partaking in a spot of ‘vintage shopping’, be sure to look the part and dress in your vintage favourites, as many dealers and store owners love customers who make the extra effort. You might even get invited to take a look at their exclusive stash of vintage wear round the back. So, wherever you are in the world, don’t let high street fashion ruin your dreams of being a vintage queen.