Vintage Fashion & Style
It’s no surprise that Melbourne is known for its funky and unique fashion styles. Around every corner is a well-dressed hipster sporting a one of a kind jacket or a pair of jaw-dropping shoes. Their secret? Melbourne’s treasure trove of vintage shops. From ‘80s fluro to boutique luxury pieces, there’s something for just about everyone. Here are the best vintage stores in Melbourne.
RetroStar Vintage Clothing
Almost synonymous with Melbourne itself, Retrostar is Australia’s largest vintage store. Home to over 10,000 fashion & style pieces, they hold a collection of vintage clothing rivalled by no other. Keep an eye out for their warehouse sales where almost everything is under $10. Online and in store in Melbourne’s heritage Nicholas Building.
Where: Nicholas building, 37 Swanston St, Melbourne
Secondo
Secondo is Melbourne’s leading luxury vintage store. Known for their quality, designer fashion styles, Secondo sells second hand clothing, accessories and shoes for a fraction of their retail price. Think Fendi, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu. Find them online and at their flagship store in South Yarra.
Where: 2/286 Toorak Rd, South Yarra
Shag
It’s safe to say that you never know what to expect when you walk into Shag. Since 1996, they have an eye for unique fashion & style pieces that are rare, outrageous and spectacular. Their fashion style is so versatile that it’s become a go-to destination for dress-up parties and movie costumes. See for yourself at their Windsor and Collingwood locations.
Where: 130 Chapel St, Windsor & 84 Smith St, Collingwood
Recycle Boutique
A haven of well-curated vintage fashion styles, Recycle Boutique sells your unwanted clothes, shoes and accessories for you. And you get 50% of the profits! With sustainability at the forefront of their minds, they don’t accept mass produced fashion style. There’s a bigger focus on durability that can be recycled again and again. Visit their stores in Brunswick andCollingwood. Also in Hobart, Tasmania.
Where: 127 Sydney Rd, Brunswick & 2 Johnston St, Collingwood
Vintage Sole
Colour, pattern, streetwear brands and denim staples. That’s what Vintage Sole is known for. Their fashion style is sourced from all over the world and they have generated a cult following. Find them online and in store at any of their three locations – CBD, Windsor and Fitzroy.
Where: 258 Brunswick St Fitzroy, 6/37 Swanston Street CBD & 153 Chapel St Windsor
American Rag
For almost 30 years, American Rag has been the soul of Melbourne’s vintage scene. True to their name, they specialise in hand picked American fashion style. They restock from their secret warehouse at least once a week, meaning every visit comes with surprises. Founder Eileen Carney, an American-born Australian, is known for her wide vintage knowledge and her eye for hidden gems. On Etsy, and at Southgate and QV.
Where: Upper Level, Southgate Arts and Leisure Centre, Southbank & Level 3, QV Shopping Complex at the corner of Lonsdale & Swanston Sts Melbourne
Check out the best vintage stores in Sydney here.
Or, check Adelaide’s best vintage best. Or, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra and Hobart.
