By Olie Ma
While the rest of London keeps up with the latest trends, East London’s young trendsetters are already steps ahead, scouring flea markets and vintage shops for timeless pieces with stories of their own. Revival hit the streets of East London to ask fashion-forward individuals from diverse backgrounds about their favorite vintage finds. From classic punk-inspired leather jackets to hand-stitched, vibrant skirts, each piece carries a unique history, offering a glimpse into the wearer’s identity. In Hackney, fashion isn’t just about trends—it’s an attitude, a celebration, and a pursuit of individuality.
Abigale Masters, 25, Content Creator
Abigale’s favourite vintage piece today is a large, red satin skirt from CDG Girl, which she thrifted during her recent trip to Japan. She fondly describes it as a “little kindergarten girl skirt,” loving its playful and expressive silhouette. Her personal style is spontaneous and “very random,” largely influenced by mood and the colours and silhouettes she saw in Harajuku, Tokyo. Abigale loves Japanese fashion for its boldness, big silhouettes, and traditional textures—“I like taking up space,”. To her, vintage clothing allows for greater expression and individuality compared to high-street fashion, which often lacks variety and personality.
Chloé, 24, Fashion Designer
A Paris-based designer, Chloé sees fashion as a playful expression of identity and creativity. Everything she wears tells a story—her colourful, ninja-inspired look today includes a jacket she found in a second-hand store in Italy. “I wasn’t sure about buying it until the lady said it was from a fashion show—then I had to have it,” she laughs. Her skirt is handmade from old curtains, and her necklace is a quirky piece crafted from a toy her friend gave her, which she’s transformed into wearable art. Chloé is passionate about using street-found materials: “I prefer vintage or handmade items—they hold an energy, like historical buildings with their own souls.” Drawing inspiration from Japanese fashion and kimono-making, Chloé’s bold approach is a celebration of sustainable style and joyful self-expression.
Olivia Barrett, 25, Fashion Writer
Olivia’s favourite vintage item is a black leather jacket—a real leather piece she found at a vintage shop on Brick Lane. “I prefer vintage leather because it lasts longer and keeps you warm. It’s more sustainable, too,” she explains. Describing her style today as “rock star girlfriend,” Olivia admits, laughing, “I wish I was one of those girls who could say, ‘Yeah, my boyfriend’s in the band.” She appreciates a slower pace when vintage shopping, noting that hunting for special pieces is far more rewarding than buying fast fashion items that are “shoved in your face.”
Eve Li, 20, Styling Student
Eve describes her outfit today as having a distinctive vintage vibe, anchored by her favourite piece—a 90s Ann Demeulemeester belt she discovered at Rosier 41, a vintage store in Antwerp. “I love how it’s punk and dark gothic, but still romantic,” she explains. Her dress, also from Ann Demeulemeester, is styled with a coat from Act 1, shoes by Lemaire, and a leopard-print vintage Louis Vuitton bag she’s treasured since 2013. For Eve, vintage is appealing not only because of its uniqueness—“There’s less chance someone else will have the same piece”—but also for the intricate detailing that modern brands often overlook. Inspired by her leopard-print bag, Eve aimed for a look that’s “wild, mysterious, and vintage,” mixing black and yellow tones, Japanese-style prints, and a black tulle skirt for added drama.
Belinda Diangi, 28, Content Creator
Belinda’s standout vintage piece is a gorgeous grey two-piece set from Issey Miyake, which she describes as “comfortable” and her “version of a tracksuit.” She layered it intuitively with both old and new items, guided purely by how she felt that day, relaxed yet stylish. Belinda appreciates vintage fashion for its authenticity and high quality: “It feels like a collectable, something authentic—that’s you. It feels like a treasure.” She believes vintage pieces resonate deeply with personal identity, unlike fast fashion, which is transient and trend-driven.
Josh, 26, Creative Comms Agency
Josh’s favourite vintage item is a military-style jacket from LL Bean, which he picked up during a trip through Central America. He describes his style today as “relaxed and casual—Sunny boy vibes.” For him, shopping vintage is exciting because it’s not easy: “It’s harder to find nicer stuff, and it feels more rewarding when you finally do.” Josh also notes that Hackney’s vibrant vintage culture thrives because it’s a youthful, diverse community where people freely experiment and express themselves through clothing.
Kalisha Quinlan, 26, PR
Kalisha’s favourite vintage piece is a rich brown Ted Baker leather jacket she discovered in a vintage store in San Francisco. “I just love having individual pieces,” she says. “I find it way more rewarding seeking things out rather than buying new stuff online, and vintage pieces usually have better quality.” In London, Kalisha recommends Serotonin Vintage on Brick Lane as her go-to spot for unique finds, reflecting her belief that vintage fashion is both personal and sustainable.
Hackney’s vibrant streets prove that vintage fashion isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a bold statement of individuality, creativity, and sustainability. While fast fashion floods the market with endless products at a devastating environmental cost, Hackney’s thriving vintage scene offers a stylish, conscious alternative. It shows that great style doesn’t always require something new. Instead, embracing vintage allows for authentic self-expression and a more sustainable way of living. Proving that sometimes, the best fashion pieces are the ones with a story to tell.