Home to some of the finest designers on the planet and steeped in centuries of history, it’s no wonder that London is the mecca of vintage pieces. Whether you’re after tees, sportswear, streetwear or wedding dresses, we’ve compiled the best vintage design shops London has to offer.
How old is vintage fashion?
While there’s no official definition for the age of vintage fashion, the general consensus is anything that is more than 20 and less than 100 years old. The term moves in time with historical eras, and anything older than a century could be considered “antique”.
This means London’s vintage designer shops can range from the 1920s through to the early 2000s – offering fashion and jewellery through the ages.
Is London good for thrifting?
Those seeking vintage clothing at affordable prices can explore the whole of London, from Battersea to Bethnal Green. Although designer fashion does not come cheap, the best vintage shops have a wide array of rare items, making them truly priceless.
Vintage Modes
This designer vintage London boutique is situated within Alfie’s Antique Market in Marylebone. Explore a treasure trove of high-end handbags, shoes, accessories and even homeware like Christmas decorations. Here you’ll have access to five different dealers, with items featured in classic British fashion magazines like Tatler.
Vintage Modes is a favourite among celebrities, fashion icons and designers, so you might see more than just gorgeous fashion. Giorgio Armani has been known to stop by seeking his latest catwalk inspiration, while the market houses a range of other antiques.
See the whole range here at Alfie’s Antiques.
The Hirst Collection
One of the best antique jewellers London can boast is The Hirst Collection. This vintage store holds a collection of more than 2,000 pieces and is described by founder Amanda Wrigley as “a jewellery museum where visitors can buy things”.
How to find antique jewellery
You’ll need to go no further than Notting Hill Gate to see the best antique jewellery in London. The team are constantly updating their collections, from affordable high street bridal earrings to statement necklaces from Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel.
The Hirst Collection can be found on Pembridge Road in Notting Hill, just 15 minutes by tube from our Victoria branch.
Nordic Poetry
Shoreditch in East London has always been known for being on trend. Nordic Poetry is one of the best designer second hand shops London visitors can find – thanks to its extensive collection of Chanel, Christian Dior and Vivienne Westwood.
Close to Bethnal Green, Nordic Poetry was founded in 2007 by Ameli Lindgren, a Swedish stylist. Some clothes in the collection are so exclusive that they are deemed “for eyes only” and available solely for rent to industry professionals.
The mere mortals among us can explore a range of menswear and womenswear instore, taking inspiration from Lindgren’s ‘look book’. You may even have your polaroid featured on the customer wall as you peruse exquisite designer pieces.
You can find the stunning Nordic Poetry showroom at 141 Bethnal Green Road.
Found and Vision
Over on Portobello Road, you’ll discover the best designer vintage clothing London types can afford. This West London fashion paradise is home to some of the rarest looks money can buy. It’s a regular fixture in titles such as Vogue and The GentleWoman, while it even offers its own magazine.
Delve into the world of editors and fashion aficionados like Georgia May Jagger, exploring historic tailoring in a modern context. From Gucci to Versace and Ralph Lauren to Moschino, there are not only high-end outfits but a vast collection of accessories.
Like Nordic Poetry, there are a few exclusive pieces in the Archive line that are available for hire only. See it all for yourself at Found and Vision on Portobello Road, near Ladbroke Grove underground station.
Circa Vintage
Close to the garden squares of Pimlico, this London vintage boutique goes beyond retro clothing. It’s a fully certified member of the Vintage Fashion Guild and proudly offers eight decades’ worth of clothing from the 1920s to the 1990s.
You’ll need to make an appointment to view the boutique, but it’s more than worth it. You can also explore the extensive wedding and special haute couture ranges. There is an A to Z of the most famous catwalk designers, with inspirations as far back as the Victorian era, as well as a colourful contemporary collection.
Shop by era or designer for head-turning womenswear, ideal for strutting around Covent Garden or Camden Market. You’ll get up to one hour’s free browsing time, so use it wisely. You’ll find Circa Vintage on Lansdowne Way.
See all the London designer second hand shops with The Clermont
Whether you’re strutting down the catwalk or dressing to impress at a party, you’re never far from a vintage shop in London. Complete your retail therapy with a stay at The Clermont, where you’ll feel every inch the fashion royalty you are.