By Pheobe Shin
Obsessed with vintage fashion? Well, Revival has compiled the top five shops you should check out in South and East London. Want to pursue unique styles rather than jumping on the latest trends? These are the places for you.
Packed with a variety of clothing and accessories, each one displays distinctive designs and a range of items. This article specialises in high-end archive stores, so scoring a bargain is sometimes a rarity. But don’t hesitate to try something a bit more adventurous and add some funky new items to your closet!
1. Aro Archive
IG @aroarchive
This shop was founded by Ariana Waiata Sheehan and moved to a sleek five-story building in Shoreditch late last year. This high-end store centres on Japanese and Belgian designer labels, with pieces by the likes of Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake and Dries Van Noten.
2. Nordic Poetry
IG @nordicpoetry
Established by Swedish entrepreneur Ameli Lindgren, Nordic Poetry has become one of East London’s trendiest vintage shops. Its Instagrammable pink interior, crafted by Lindgren’s creative partner, Scott Smith, adds a finishing touch to the carefully curated collection of designer pieces. This remarkable store has a dedicated clientele since it features various styles from Alexander McQueen-era Givenchy to Tom Ford’s Gucci.
3. Rokit
IG @rokitvintage
Rokit began as a stall in Camden Market during the 1980s and has evolved into a vintage store with three locations in London. This shop mainly sells eco-friendly recycled goods but also quality vintage clothing and accessories that attract consumers interested in sustainability. It hosts educational programs on sustainable fashion to raise awareness about the importance of eco-friendly consumption.
These repaired vintage items are well-organised for convenient shopping with such products from vintage denim to military jackets. Rokit also provides wardrobe pieces for publications such as Vogue, Glamour, and GQ, including fashion accessories to make the pictorial shine. You might find everyday staple items, including 1990s Adidas hoodies and classic Levi’s.
4. HAUT
IG @haut_corporation
Stylist Hanna Samson launched an archive house in East London in 2015 because she was dismayed at the amount of waste that fashion generates. Her store shares a thoughtful selection of one-of-a-kind archival treasures from the 1980s onward, including fabulous designs by renowned designers like Helmut Lang, Comme des Garçons, and Junya Watanabe.
5. ATIKA
IG @atikalondon
Every week, you can discover over 2,000 carefully selected vintage items. Claimed to be the largest vintage store in Europe, this spacious store is visually appealing, especially with the styled mannequin displays. Despite its size, the vintage pieces are neatly organised. If you’re a student, don’t forget to use your student card! It can get you some great discounts and make your shopping a lot easier on your wallet.
South and East London’s vintage shops offer a wide variety with their charm, they deliver the best shopping experience to fashion lovers. Each shop is special. Entering one of these boutiques is like walking into a time warp, where every piece of clothing has a story to tell. You might not know it now, but that killer statement piece is calling your name. Why not add some zing to your wardrobe and celebrate the style of the past?
So, if you happen to be in this lively area of the city, come take a look and discover these gems. Who knows, you might just discover your dream dress.
Happy vintage shopping!