The vintage archival pop-up event in Shoreditch is coming back!

By Serra Umur

Second Life Markets did not disappoint; it brought flair, fashion, and fun. If you weren’t part of the action, here’s what went down.

On March 15th, Protein Studios in Shoreditch became the dream for vintage shoppers as it hosted Second Life Markets vintage fair. With more than 80 stalls showcasing pre-loved and archival pieces, this was no ordinary vintage market. Normally at a market, you find a good couple of pieces but at Second Life markets that wasn’t the case, everywhere you turned, timeless gems were to be discovered. Annoyingly, it was a ticketed event, meaning a £5 entry fee to access the bargains.  

Stepping into the market, you’re met with 90s designer archival pieces, including many shoes, bags and jewellery hand-picked to fit the East London style. Walking through the market, you are met with section upon section of clothes. It’s basically a vintage collector’s heaven. Each piece is selected carefully to appeal to your aesthetic. Whether you were after a branded tee, baggy jeans, or a one-of-a-kind vintage jacket, the collection was next level. 

The unbranded items were reasonably priced, ranging from £10-40. Designer and archival pieces ranged from £80-300, but considering they are special finds, most markets keep the prices relatively similar. However, I did spot some unfairly priced items. They were in quite rough condition, so I wouldn’t go to the Second Life markets if I was hoping to find super-affordable pieces. Yet the stall owners are experts in their field, knowing exactly what they sell and what prices they can get for it. 

And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Shoreditch event if there wasn’t a DJ. The live music kept the energy up with a mix of house and R&B. The feeling of good company and community stood out the most from this daytime fashion party. The market was like a meet and greet for stall owners and customers. There was lots of chit-chat from small brands and you really learn about the clothes from someone who actually knows their shit.  

If you missed out, don’t worry. Second Life Markets is a regular event. Its next scheduled for April 5th and 6th. This time, it will be a two-day archive experience featuring 24 UK and European sellers. But from my experience, I would recommend getting your spot early before the best pieces disappear.