Vintage Fashion Style
Up in sunny Brisbane, it’s not all just beaches and theme parks. Fashion and style is big and Brissy’s collection of vintage stores is enviable. Upcycling stations, locations in shopping centres and charity initiatives are just some of their offerings. Above all, they have vintage looks to suit all tastes.
Arkive Vintage
It’s not every day you see second-hand clothes in shopping centres, but that’s exactly what Arkive Vintage is doing. They’re already got four locations under their belt in Queensland, after an impressive stint in the UK’s vintage scene. All fashion styles are hand-selected and sourced from all over, from the UK to Europe and the US. Check them out online and in four locations.
Where: Westfield Garden City; Westfield Chermside; Shop 27 Anzac Square Arcade; Shop 43 Centre Arcade, 3131 Surfers Paradise Boulevard
Neo-Generalist
Giddy-up. Neo-Generalist is serving up some feminine and sexy second-hand looks. Their curated offerings feature lacy slips, cowboy boots and leather garments. Come here for some gorgeous bohemian and French-inspired vintage fashion styles. Located in in Brisbane’s West End.
Where: 209 Boundary St, West End
Ra Ra Superstar
With a name like that, you know this is a find, bound to be all sorts of fun. Ra Ra Superstar started as a little stall and now has grown into a brick-and-mortar store stocking their own designs, local designers and vintage fashion styles. The best part? All their designs are made in Brisbane using vintage fabrics. Visit them online or in Paddington.
Where: 284 Given Terrace, Paddington
Retro Metro
Retro Metro’s fashion styles vary far and wide. Pick up a vintage prom dress or an 80s acid-wash denim jacket. They’ve also got a collection of vintage homewares and knick-knacks throughout their store. Stocked online at Etsy, or find something uniquely yours in person at their Paddington flagship.
Where: 297 Given Terrace, Paddington
Studio Thrifty 4
Social enterprise meets vintage shopping. It sounds too good to be true, but it is true. High quality, funky vintage fashion styles for only $5. In fact, everything here is $5. That money then goes directly to a charity called Pay A Sack Forward which creates survival sacks for the homeless. Customers are encouraged to fill a sack with essentials in-store. Plus, there’s a banging cafe attached to the store. Pick up a bargain or two, drink a coffee and pack a sack in their Albion store.
Where: 18 Tate St, Albion
SWOP Clothing Exchange
The concept is simple. Come in and buy, swap and sell second-hand vintage and on trend items. Bring in your quality clothes and one of their friendly staff will assess the value of them. On the same day, you’ll be given cash or store credit in exchange. SWOP sells a gorgeous variety of vintage fashion style garments, from brands like Gorman, Rollas, Zimmerman, Reformation and Alpha 60. Online and in store in Brisbane’s West End and City. Also in Sydney’s Newtown and coming soon to Melbourne.
Where: 161 Boundary St, West End and Level 2, 134 Adelaide St, Brisbane
Check out more of the best vintage stores here.