Looking for some Vivienne Westwoodian messiness or a rock’n’roll indie style? Here’s the London guide to vintage hunting you desperately need
Regarding the battle between Parisian effortless chic and London classiness, I still haven’t picked the horse to bet on. Fitted jeans are a must, marinières and open shirts are my wardrobe essentials, but there is something about the extravagance of the London style, a reflection of the city’s almost too-muchness, that I am drawn to.
Just like Alex Turner sang, there is an attitude behind Arabella’s “cheetah print coat” revealing self-confidence and freedom of style, which I’ve only ever observed in London.
@alliegoodbun not me finding this trendy cheetah fur jacket for 20 EUROS in a thrift store!!!!!! And I don’t even thrift 😂😂😂 was this selfish of me? Lol #pov #professionaldancer #paris #ootd #winterootd #jacket #thrifting #thrifted #thrifthaul #cheetahprint #trending #fyp #pourtoi ♬ original sound - Allie Goodbun
Every British Arabellas is animated by a Vivienne Westwoodian messiness and the worshipping of unique motifs, a rock’n’roll indie style made famous by fashion icons such as Kate Moss and Alexa Chung, and a sage yet classy British elegance inspired by archive images, with suits or trench coats, plaid skirts, and high boots. What’s perhaps most appealing is the diversity of it all, the chance to defy the norms of classic elegance and express a reflection of a chaotic state of mind through one’s attire.
Second-hand is a faith I seriously started to embrace when I first arrived in the UK capital. I wanted to explore the streets and feel like a local. My goal was to dig up unique pieces to create a vivid outfit with mix-matching pieces or elevate a look with designer creations that are not overly expensive.
@csdworld Come by our luxury consignment shop in Marylebone where you can find many pre-loved designer items 🤍 #preloved #london #fashion #consignmentshop #prelovedfashion #luxury #vintage #streetinterview #streetinterviews #londonstreetstyle #streetstyle ♬ original sound - Consigned Sealed Delivered
In each London neighbourhood, there’s a timeless fever with charity and vintage shops and their regular visitors. When you stroll through a vintage shop, it’s like browsing a bookstore, deciding what to look for or waiting to be surprised by fate, wandering through the shelves to find a good catch, leaving with more bags than expected, and likening the clothes to your spirit as you reflect yourself onto the book you’ve read.
THE BRICK LANE VINTAGE MARKET
85 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL
There are usually two reasons to go to Brick Lane: to taste their delicious bagels if you’re brave enough to endure the endless queue or to browse the second-hand clothing shops along its never-ending high street – you get bonus points if you manage to do both.
The Vintage Market is particularly appreciated for its dishevelled hippie atmosphere, which reflects the neighbourhood’s energy. There are a few stairs leading down from the street to a massive underground temple of vintage, immersed in a 70s and 80s vibe with music by Bowie and Queen and an old black and white photo booth.
@closetgoround A MUST VISIT if youre a vintage lover!!!! Hundreds of independent stalls all with something so unique - the burberry trenches are u KIDDING #bricklanemarket #london #londoncharityshops #thingstodoinshoreditch #londonvintageshopping #vintageburberry #y2kshopping #bestvintageshops ♬ Cute Girl - EXJUNE
The market is divided into sections. There is a section for funky sunglasses, one for Burberry’s trench coats and leather jackets, another for affordable tops with original prints or lace nightie effect, and a vintage vinyl space, which is perfect for discovering niche artists or browsing through dazzling album covers.
There are numerous choices for both men and women, a rare occurrence in the world of vintage shopping, catering to all tastes and price ranges.
Gone are the days of silent battles with strangers to find a hidden gem. If you see someone with a piece you like under their arm, chances are you will find a very similar one when you search. And even if it seems impossible to browse the entire market in one visit, it only extends the joy with the promise of many more treasures to discover.
RETRO WOMAN
20 Pembridge Rd, London W11 3HL
Stepping off the tube at Notting Hill Gate, I always know that the next minutes are to be filled with a new London experience – except, of course, on Saturdays. In that case, I work my best to slalom through crowds of tourists eager to set foot on Portobello Road and take pictures in front of a charming blue door. Yet, the real vintage feast happens before even reaching that street, right on Pembridge Road, hidden behind an unassuming storefront – almost as if the shop aimed to go unnoticed by tourists following unoriginal guidebooks.
Retro Woman offers a catalogue of refined luxury pieces at a quarter of the original price and in good condition, a sign that second-hand can also be a way to afford expensive pieces.
@themonicaway London vintage shopping MUST ♥️ see details below 👇🏾 Location: Retro Vintage, 28 Pembridge Rd, London W11 3HL Price: ££ Pros: lots of totally unique finds, a treasure trove! Cons: be prepared to abandon your customer service expectations & store cleanliness. #slowfashioninfluencer #londonsecondhand #vintageshopslondon #vintageshopping #londonsecretspots #thingstodoinlondon #londonplacestogo #londonsecondhandshops #londoncharityshops ♬ love nwantinti (ah ah ah) - CKay
Miu Miu heels, Vivienne Westwood earrings and Chloé bags, the shop points out the importance of accessories in one’s attire and their power to elevate a simple look with little touches of colour or texture.
If you wish to sell a piece of your wardrobe, you have the opportunity to participate in the second-hand business while your past possession finds a new owner and is recycled into a new lifestyle. Who knows, maybe Julia Roberts will find it charming – in my mind, she’s adopted the British vocabulary quirks from spending so much time with that bookseller guy of hers – and she’ll wear it to her next London dinner party.
HOUSE OF VINTAGE
Shoreditch: 4 Cheshire St, London E2 6EH
Broadway Market: 2b Ada St, London, E8 4QU
If you’re too lazy to trace Vogue magazine history back to the decades when people still sent postcards, shopping at House of Vintage might be the solution, as the shop is a condensed fashion history lesson.
The clothes available at both the Shoreditch and Hackney shops span nearly the entirety of the 20th century, putting in the spotlight simple yet timeless pieces, wardrobe essentials that have belonged to dozens of people before you – don’t worry, you wear them best!
Printed T-shirts, bombers, denim jackets and more broadly unisex pieces are the stars of their lookbook, some of which are to be found on their website if one wants to browse a bit before venturing the rainy streets of the capital to visit the shop.
@bailliejoness Come vintage shopping with me in Shoreditch at one of my fav spots! #thrift #london ♬ original sound - Baillie
The stalls are colourful and arranged in an almost orderly way, making it easier for the eye to find treasures without having to spend hours browsing thousands of material possibilities.
Next time you see someone at a party wearing the same H&M dress you have on, wake up the next morning and head to one of these local gems. Vintage in London is about timeless trends, and you won’t ever feel alone when walking down the street; strangers from before are on your shoulders, so wear that jacket proudly.
Meri-Li Mercier
Editor, London