Shopping habits are ever-changing. From the rise of e-commerce accelerated by digital buyers during the pandemic to conscious consumerism which led to boom in sustainable, environmentally-friendly goods, it is certain that the future of retail shopping is complex and multi-faceted. But if there is one shopping trend that has stood the test of time—and appealed to every generation alike—it is none other than the unassuming yet fulfilling act of poring through vintage stores for rare, enchanting pre-owned finds.
Whether it be for fashion or furniture, the allure that vintage shopping holds is undeniable. Taking a step into vintage stores promises a one-of-a-kind, inimitable experience. One is overwhelmed by the vast archives of precious objects available, transcending the boundaries of time and history to evoke a sense of both nostalgia and wonder—think sleek interior design pieces from centuries past, housed in Melbourne’s Ma House Supply Store, to valuable, well-preserved clothing items from faraway eras in Angelo Vintage Palace’s colossal collection. Each carefully-assembled store presents unique offerings that are reflective of its curator’s thoughtful choices and creative vision, such as hand-picked oddities artfully positioned with intention to overlook the streets of Paris, or a Japan-exclusive catalogue of luxury vintage streetwear indicative of a lifelong passion.
Shopping second-hand has never been more in style, and there is more than enough reason for a vintage shopping enthusiast to scour the ends of the Earth for the best finds, what with the array of exceptional vintage stores available overseas. Boasting a wider selection of timeless, pre-loved goods catering to any and every individual, below are four brick-and-mortar vintage stores worth booking a plane ticket for.
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Ma House Supply Store, Melbourne
Somewhere on the interior design scale of minimalism to cluttercore lies the mid-century modern aesthetic. This is a design style for which vintage and antique pieces are just as essential as statement decor in achieving the look. Australian design store Ma House Supply is a treasure trove of both, housing a vast curation of second-hand vintage furniture, ornaments and art selected by founder Ben Mooney. More than just a showroom of pieces, the century-old shophouse is a destination in and of itself, with items strategically arranged to complement the lived-in layout of the space and its existing mementos. A long-time collector with a trusted eye, Mooney only brings in wares that boast quality craftsmanship with the aim of giving these beloved objects new life. Should you want to pick up a few knick-knacks, the space is also home to avant-garde, sculptural crafts which are a joyful cross between furniture design and functional art—all crafted by local makers and artists.
54 Johnston St, Collingwood, Victoria 3066, Australia
Open Wednesday to Friday 12pm to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm
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ZSC, Tokyo
Sojourn through Asia’s foremost fashion capital and you’ll be greeted with a catalogue of vintage shops catering to the city’s eclectic and experimental styles. For streetwear connoisseurs, ZSC’s secretive showroom 10 minutes from Harajuku station is a must-visit. Established in 2019, this underground fashion archive is famous for its exclusive collection of streetwear from under-the-radar labels and archival pieces from the likes of Martin Margiela, Raf Simons and Helmut Lang—with a focus on fashion from the 1980s to 2000s. The mysterious store has cemented its reputation as one of the pinnacles of vintage apparel in Tokyo thanks to the proprietor’s sharp eye, honed by a keen interest in clothing that blossomed at a tender age. Known as Hokkiee, the curator behind this space is unconcerned with trends, instead collecting timeless designs that provoke and stand out. The magic happens between the moment a customer books an appointment and their time of arrival at his store, during which time he meticulously prepares a showcase for each guest tailored to their personal style and preferences.
Open daily 4pm to 9pm, address shared upon appointment via [email protected]
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L’objet qui Parle, Paris
With a name that translates to ‘the talking object’, this peculiar shop along the picturesque streets of Paris is impossible to miss. What was originally an apothecary in the early 1900s has been transformed by founder Guillaume into a one-of-a-kind vintage store offering a compendium of genuine antiques representative of a bourgeois lifestyle. Knick-knacks abound in this quaint building, from crockery and tableware dating back to the 1900s to puppets and wooden toys that evoke a sense of childlike wonder. Antique globes, retro Parisian wallpaper and rustic chandeliers are just some of the items you can expect to find. Take a leisurely browse and it is evident that Guillaume places emphasis on the delightfully bizarre and rare gems. Behind the interior arrangement design of this cabinet of curiosities is the founder’s friend Catherine Malaure, who strikes a fine balance between imperfection and precision in the store’s unique appearance. Her artful vision has also permeated the store’s offerings to include a diverse collection of paintings, comprising 19th-century portraits, impressionist artwork, cubist nude works and even non-representational, decorative pieces by the French Nabis of the past.
86 rue des Martyrs, 75018 Paris, France
Open on Monday to Saturday from 1pm to 7.30pm
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Angelo Vintage Palace, Lugo
Angelo Caroli was barely of age when he founded what is now one of Europe’s vintage fashion meccas. Born in 1978 out of a love for fashion memorabilia from various eras and origins, this passion project grew into a four-storey institution of one-of-a-kind items. Here, great care is taken to preserve the quality of archival fashion—each piece is washed and sterilised individually before it meets its new owner. On the ground floor of the boutique, you can expect to find an assortment of casual clothing and accessories for women, men and children, including original military wear. On the second floor and up, you will be met with a dizzying array of items from brands such as Hermès, Chanel, Versace, Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent. If you have a special occasion on the horizon, an exclusive selection of vintage wedding dresses and retro ceremony attire is also available. A minute’s walk away is a fashion museum displaying over 120,000 valuable pieces dating back to the 19th century, available for appointment-based viewing. Owned and run by the team behind the vintage store, this sartorial time capsule is dedicated to celebrating the ornate styles of bygone eras.
Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi, 59, 48022 Lugo RA, Italy
Open on Monday from 3pm to 7.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday from 10.30am to 7.30pm
