Vintage lovers know that there are plenty of treasures to be found on the road, and it sure pays to make your way around the city’s thrift shops. From LA to Paris, Shanghai and beyond, we’ve curated five of the coolest vintage shops around the world to add to your shopping itin, stat!
Paris: La Mode Vintage
The passion project of Carole Bigielman (Paris’ answer to Patricia Field). Rare vintage and gently used garments vary wildly in style, so you could be browsing anything from a pair of Yeti-esque Chanel lamb-fur boots to a green checked latex trench by Balenciaga.
Milan: Ambroeus
Wardrobe more packed than Pavarotti’s cumberbun? This vintage vault buys, sells and swaps. Owners Ettore and Massimo have a democratic approach, ticking off top designers, vintage threads and familiar brands – if it’s in good nick, with looks to kill, it’s included. Get purging.
Shanghai: Madame Mao’s Dowry
Flying the flag for cultural revolution-themed accoutrements in an itty-bitty shop; think ink-pots from a famed Tianjin woodblock print shop, curated propaganda posters, old postcards, Mao-era wedding gifts and painted enamel-ware. Don’t get lost, ask veteran and curator Linda Johnson about the Shanghai-grown designers too.
Bangkok: Treasures
Owner and local celeb Vinita Tejapaibul traverses the globe to track down the finest vintage silky slips, gowns and jackets to be upcycled by hand into one-of-a-kind evening dresses, with delicate details like embroidery and lace. Some great guy-buys too.
Los Angeles: Reformation
No time for the flea markets? Perfect your LA look at this expertly curated one-stop-shop. Think floaty floral dresses and denim: ethereal with an urban edge. Garms are new and sustainable, cut from vintage fabrics.
Hungry for more travel tips and inspo? Follow @LUXECityGuides on Instagram and Facebook!
