Our New Fashion Contributor, Simran, Shares Her Go-To Secondhand Spots
If there’s one talent I have in this life, it is the ability to scour through rails of clothes with unlimited patience. I am known to be the one to see a seemingly random skirt in the thrift pile and pitch its unlimited potential to any given friend’s wardrobe, coming up with different ways to tailor or style it.
I say all that to say, if there is one thing I know my way around, it is a vintage shop. I love vintage because someone has already done the hard work for you in the curation – there are no questions about condition or wearability, and you know you are truly getting a one-of-one piece. her are some of my favourite places for an IRL experience, from best to least known. (Spoiler alert, the last one is truly an IYKYK place).
1. Lover’s Lane, Portobello Road
For me, this is the creme de la creme of vintage shops – it’s a family-run local business that stocks some of the most gorgeous archive and vintage designer I’ve ever seen. From D&G to Alaïa to Chanel, you can find it all in this shop (along with photos of the looks on the runway!). A fashion lover’s paradise, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon even if you don’t buy anything. Go for fashion euphoria and discovery.
From D&G to Alaïa to Chanel, you can find it all in this shop (along with photos of the looks on the runway!).
2. Aro Archive, Upper Street
When I first walked past this shop, it caught my eye because there was an incredible Tom Ford-era Gucci dress in the window. We’ve had a love-love relationship ever since. Specialising in archival Japanese, French and Belgian designers, Aro has some of the most thoughtful curation I’ve seen in the vintage space. Go for thoughtful curation and pieces that will slot naturally in your wardrobe.
When I first walked past this shop it caught my eye because there was an incredible Tom Ford-era Gucci dress in the window.
3. Designs Hampstead
I’m surprised that more people don’t know about this store. A stone’s throw from Hampstead Village it’s a great place to drop by after a walk on the Heath. Designs sells designer clothing and accessories and the pieces are almost always in incredible condition.
You can find a range of mid to high-end brands (we’re talking Ganni to Prada) at very fair prices, and if that doesn’t convince you, then consider the local clientele the inventory is coming from.
I’m surprised that more people don’t know about this store.
